Garden Activities for September

September is a month of transition in the garden. The rains return, providing relief not only to our plants but also to the exhausted gardener. Cooling temperatures and shorter days trigger changes in leaf color, while cooler soil temperatures make this an excellent time for planting and transplanting.

Here are some other chores to do in the garden this month:

• Planting Fall and Winter Vegetables – Lettuce, spinach, sugar snap peas, and kale are beginning to arrive in the greenhouse. Plant them as soon as possible for a late fall harvest. You can also sow seeds (lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, beets and radishes for harvesting next spring. This is also a good time to plant onions and garlic for next year’s harvest.
• Freshen Up Container Plantings – Many summer container plants will continue to look good until frost. However, if you have a few that are looking ragged, consider replacing them with fall favorites such as pansies, asters, ornamental peppers, and chrysanthemums.
• Plant Bulbs – Daffodils, tulips and crocus as well as other bulbs can be planted at the end of the month (you can also move bulbs you already have to different locations). Bulbs should be arriving in our store any day now.
• Planting Perennials – Plant new perennials now through mid-November. he weather is often still dry, so keep new plantings well watered. A good, deep soaking once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Before planting, place the potted plant in a bucket of water and let it sit until air bubbles disappear. This is also a good time to divide perennials that have outgrown their space.
• Roses – One final application of fertilizer at the beginning of the month is fine, but discontinue fertilizing after that to discourage tender new growth as frost approaches.
• Lawns – September through mid-October is a good time to seed a new lawn. (For detailed information, see our  Instagram post).
• Iris & Peonies – Cut back foliage and divide if they are crowded.
• Lavender – Shear back to about 1/3 of the top growth. Do not cut into hard woody growth.
• Houseplants – Bring any houseplants inside before temperatures begin to drop below 50. Wash the foliage thoroughly and inspect the leaves for insects before bringing them in.