By Susie Cosack, Master Gardener, SCMG
In September cooler temperatures come into our days and nights.Luckily, a mild frost won’t damage many of our annuals and perennials, and they will keep blooming until the first hard freeze.
Now is the time to slowly begin the fall clean-up. Below is a list of things that can be done in the garden in September.
- Weed, and especially pull any older weeds before they go to seed. With outdoor temperatures more comfortable to work in, clean up the weeds before they spread and make next season even more work.
- Cooler weather is the perfect time to repair lawns and throw down some grass seed.
- Remove annuals and vegetables as they die back or are killed by frost.
- Cover plants to protect them from the frost (sensitive annuals and vegetables you would like to keep for a while longer.)
- Change plant containers to a Fall decor. Good Fall decorations include flowering cabbages, Chrysanthemums, pumpkins, and ornamental peppers.
- Watch for end-of-season plant sales at garden centres. Many perennials, shrubs and trees are sold for less money now. It is not too late yet to plant and have roots establish well enough to survive the winter.
– Dividing and moving plants to another location can be done now.
- Plant spring-flowering perennials for beautiful early spring blooms. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) and Primrose (Primula vulgaris) can be planted now.
- Plant spring bulbs. Tulips (Tulipa), daffodils (Narcissus), crocuses (Crocus), and alliums (Allium) are names of some popular spring bulbs to get in the ground by the end of the month.
- Do not forget to bring houseplants back inside (Hibiscus for one), as well as plants you would like to overwinter inside. (herbs, over-wintering annuals) Check for pests before you bring them inside !
- Little or no rain? Continue to keep watering the garden! Water in the Fall helps prepare plants for the winter ahead.
Happy Fall gardening !
Gardening in Ontario,Beck,Alison,2003, Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, Canada
