Gardening in September is all about harvesting and there certainly plenty of that but there are other jobs to do this month if you want your garden to keep on giving and to avoid any problems that might carry on over to next season so join me as we check off 12 essential tasks to complete this month late summer or early autumn
Plant and Propagate Strawberries
Gardening in September is a strategic month for planting and propagating strawberries, thus ensuring a robust harvest for the next season. When choosing strawberry varieties, consider June-bearing varieties for a substantial single harvest or everbearing varieties for successive smaller yields throughout the growing season. Heritage and Albion are popular choices for their resilience and productivity.
Prepare your planting area with care. An ideal spot receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil. Enrich the soil by including organic matter such as compost or well-rotted waste. This improves soil structure and provides essential nutrients for the plants.
Effective propagation can be achieved through runners or by dividing clumps. Runners, the long stems extending from the parent plant, can be pinned down to the soil at intervals and allowed to root. Alternatively, dig up and divide established clumps into smaller sections, each with a healthy crown and roots, and replant them.
Pay attention to spacing requirements to avoid overcrowding. A spacing of about 18 inches between plants allows ample room for air circulation, which helps in preventing fungal diseases. Watering is critical, especially during dry spells, but be cautious to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
To conserve moisture and control weeds, apply a layer of mulch around your strawberry plants. Straw and pine needles are excellent mulching materials. As the temperatures drop, protect the plants from early frosts using row covers or cloches. This protective measure extends the growing season and safeguards young plants.
Implementing these practices will create a thriving strawberry patch and ensure a bountiful harvest. Attention to detail in the preparation and maintenance phase is crucial to success in strawberry cultivation.
Protect Winter Squash and Pumpkins
As autumn approaches, protecting winter squash and pumpkins from the elements becomes increasingly essential. Keeping them dry and off the ground is paramount to prevent rot and ensure a healthy harvest. Exposure to wet conditions can cause decay, significantly diminishing the quality and longevity of the vegetables.
Using boards or straws is one effective method to keep winter squash and pumpkins off the ground. Placing these materials under the squash and pumpkins creates a barrier, keeping them dry and reducing the risk of rot. Boards can be arranged beneath the pumpkins as they grow, lifting them off the damp soil. Similarly, a thick layer of straw can serve as an insulating bed, providing a dry, well-aerated environment. Both options are simple, cost-effective ways to protect your crop.
Another critical consideration is the timing of the harvest. Harvesting winter squash and pumpkins before the first frost is advisable, as frost can damage the skin and flesh of the vegetables, leading to rapid degradation. Typically, this means monitoring local weather forecasts and planning your harvest accordingly to avoid the damaging effects of frost exposure.
Recognizing signs of ripeness is essential for a successful harvest. The skin should be firm and hardy for most varieties of winter squash and pumpkins. The rind should also resist puncture from a fingernail, and the stem attached to the fruit should be dry and begin to fade. These indicators suggest the vegetables have matured and are ready for picking.
Proper storage techniques are crucial for extending the shelf-life of winter squash and pumpkins. After harvesting, cure them by leaving them warm (around 80°F) and dry space for about two weeks. This process toughens their skin and improves storage quality. Once cured, store them in a relaxed, dry environment with temperatures between 50-55°F. Under these conditions, many winter squash and pumpkins can last several months.
Save Seeds for Next Season
Saving seeds from your garden’s finest plants is an invaluable practice that can ensure a robust crop in the next growing season. Not only does this method help sustain your favorite plant varieties, but it also encourages a self-sufficient and cost-effective gardening routine. To begin, it’s crucial to identify the best candidates for seed saving. Select plants with vigorous growth, disease resistance, and superior fruit or flower production. Heirloom varieties are particularly recommended as they produce true-to-type crops, meaning the offspring will closely resemble the parent plants.
Once you’ve identified your prime candidates, it’s time to harvest the seeds. The key to successful seed saving lies in correct timing and methodology. For vegetables, allow the fruits to ripen on the plant thoroughly. For instance, cucumbers should turn yellow, and beans should dry on their vines. Flowers, like marigolds and zinnias, should be harvested once the flowers have faded and the seeds have grown. Carefully extract the seeds from the fruits and flowers, avoiding damage. For fleshy fruits like tomatoes, a wet processing method is ideal—scoop out the seeds, ferment them for a few days to remove the gelatinous coating, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Cleaning the seeds is vital to prevent mold and mildew during storage. Remove plant debris and let the seeds dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Depending on the seed type, this may take several days to a week. Once dry, keep the seeds in airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags. Keep the containers in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve viability. Remember to label each container with the plant variety and date of collection to avoid any future mix-ups.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a bountiful and diverse garden year after year while preserving the unique characteristics of your favorite plants.
Clear Spent Crops and Improve Soil
As September rolls in, gardeners must clear spent crops to prepare the garden for new plantings. Removing old and fading plants is essential for maintaining aesthetic appeal and preventing the proliferation of diseases and pests that could jeopardize future crops. Spent crops can harbor pathogens and pests, making it imperative to remove them diligently.
Clearing the remnants of your summer harvest creates a clean slate for fall and winter plantings. This practice contributes significantly to soil health, allowing for the incorporation of organic matter, which is pivotal for revitalizing the soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure is one of the best ways to improve your garden soil, as these organic materials improve soil structure, promote beneficial microbial activity, and supply essential nutrients to upcoming crops.
The addition of soil amendments goes hand-in-hand with this process. Consider using soil conditioners such as green sand, bone meal, or fish emulsion to provide specific nutrients that may be lacking. These amendments can enhance the soil’s capacity to retain moisture and improve its texture, ensuring your new plantings have the necessary resources to thrive.
Begin by removing all plant debris, including roots and fallen leaves, to lessen the chances of disease recurrence. After clearing, spread a generous layer of compost or manure across the garden bed. Aim for about two to three inches of organic matter and gently work it into the top few inches of soil. This method provides immediate nutrients and sets the stage for long-term soil fertility and health.
Clearing spent crops and improving soil establishes a robust foundation for your garden. It guarantees plants a healthier, more productive environment, leading to bountiful harvests in the upcoming growing seasons.
Plant Cabbage for Winter Harvest
September is the ideal time to plant cabbage for a robust winter harvest. Home gardeners can select from various winter cabbage types, each with unique attributes suited for colder climates. Savoy cabbage, for instance, is known for its wavy leaves and deep green color, while red cabbage offers a vibrant hue and firm texture. Both varieties and others like January King should be considered based on your regional climate and soil conditions.
Successful winter cabbage growth starts with well-prepared soil. Opt for nutrient-rich, well-draining soil—preferably loamy—with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-aged manure to enhance fertility. Additionally, make sure to space seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in rows about 30 inches apart. This spacing ensures each plant receives ample light and air circulation, reducing disease risk.
Regular watering is crucial for cabbage, maintaining soil moisture without waterlogging. Depending on weather conditions, deep watering once or twice a week helps develop strong roots. Mulching is highly recommended; a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature. Mulch also acts as a barrier against weeds and provides extra protection during unexpected cold snaps.
Pest control is another essential aspect of winter cabbage cultivation. Integrative pest management techniques can manage common pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Consider natural predators, like ladybugs, and introduce barrier methods such as floating row covers. Regularly inspect plants and remove any pests manually for early intervention.
In summary, planting cabbage in September, adequate soil preparation, proper spacing, and diligent watering lays the foundation for a bountiful winter harvest. Implementing pest control and mulching strategies further enhances plant health and resilience against cold weather, ensuring your winter cabbage crop thrives.
Close Greenhouse Doors in the Afternoon
With cooler nights approaching in September, maintaining a stable temperature within greenhouses becomes vital. One effective way to achieve this is by closing the greenhouse doors in the afternoon. By doing so, gardeners can help retain the accumulated heat from the day, ensuring a more balanced and suitable environment for the plants at night.
Stable temperatures play a critical role in the health of greenhouse plants, as excessive fluctuations can stress them, hinder growth, and even lead to plant mortality. During the day, solar radiation ensures that the greenhouse stays warm. By sealing off this warmth in the afternoon, gardeners can prevent heat loss and create a more consistent environment. However, it’s also essential to ensure proper ventilation during the day to avoid overheating and to exchange stale air with fresh air.
Additionally, monitoring the temperature is crucial. Thermometers or digital temperature monitors can help keep track of the internal environment, ensuring that it remains within the optimal range for specific plants. If night temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, implementing additional insulation methods can be beneficial. Using fleece or bubble wrap as insulating materials can provide supplementary protection against cold nights. These materials can be easily draped over or around vulnerable plants to add an extra layer of warmth.
In sum, closing greenhouse doors in the afternoon serves as a simple yet practical strategy to preserve the daytime heat, ensuring a more stable internal temperature during the chilly nights of September. Coupled with adequate ventilation and additional insulation techniques, this approach can significantly contribute to greenhouse plants’ healthy growth and development, providing them with a consistent and conducive environment. Vigilant temperature monitoring further enhances this process, aiding in the creation of an optimal growing habitat.
Sow Cover Crops or Green Manure
As the summer growing season wanes, September presents a prime opportunity to enrich your garden soil by sowing cover crops, also known as green manure. These crops are crucial for replenishing soil nutrients and improving soil structure and health. Among the various types of cover crops suitable for this period, clover, vetch, and rye are highly recommended for their distinctive benefits and ease of management.
Crimson and white clover is an excellent choice for nitrogen fixation. This legume naturally enriches the soil by transforming atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, effectively reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, it provides excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion.
Vetch, another popular cover crop, also excels in nitrogen fixation. Hairy vetch, in particular, is noted for its robust growth in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for September planting. This crop produces dense foliage, adding organic matter to the soil when tilled, enhancing soil fertility and structure.
Rye, specifically winter rye, is known for its exceptional root system that can penetrate deep into the soil. This characteristic not only improves soil aeration but also aids in breaking up compacted soil layers. Rye is particularly effective in suppressing weeds due to its rapid growth and dense coverage. Moreover, when mown and incorporated into the soil, rye adds substantial organic matter, fostering a prosperous and healthy soil environment.
Proper sowing and management practices are essential to maximize the benefits of these cover crops. Select a cover crop suited to your specific climate and soil type. Prepare the soil by clearing any existing vegetation and lightly tilling the surface. Sow the seeds evenly and at the suggested depth, typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch for most cover crops. After sowing, ensure the seeds are well-watered to promote germination.
Once established, maintain the cover crops by keeping the soil consistently moist. As they mature, typically in late fall or early spring, you can either mow them down and leave them as mulch or till them into the soil for enhanced organic matter. By carefully managing these cover crops, you can significantly boost soil fertility, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion, setting the stage for a productive garden in the coming growing season.
Harvest and Store Potatoes
As September arrives, it is the ideal time to harvest and store potatoes to ensure they remain edible throughout winter. Recognizing the optimal harvest time is crucial: potatoes are generally ready when the foliage starts to yellow and die back. This stage typically occurs two to three weeks after the plants have bloomed. For a smooth harvesting process, it is advisable to choose a dry day to avoid excessive soil clinging to the tubers.
Use a garden fork or spade to minimize damage when lifting potatoes from the ground. Insert the tool at least 12 inches from the plant base and gently lift the soil. Carefully sift through the soil to collect the potatoes, ensuring not to puncture or bruise them. Damaged potatoes are prone to rotting and won’t store well. After harvesting, it is essential to cure the potatoes for long-term storage.
Curing potatoes involves drying them out slightly to thicken their skins, which helps prevent bruising and decay during storage. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in a cool, dark place, maintaining a temperature around 55°F to 60°F with high humidity for one to two weeks. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid wetness buildup, leading to fungal growth. Once cured, the potatoes will be ready for storage.
Proper storage conditions are essential to prolong the shelf life of harvested potatoes. Store them in a dark, excellent location with a constant temperature between 45°F and 50°F. Basements or root cellars are often ideal, provided they remain dry and moderately humid. Avoid storing potatoes in refrigerators, as the low temperatures can convert their starches into sugars, altering the taste and texture. Always store potatoes in well-ventilated containers like burlap sacks or wooden crates to prevent undue moisture accumulation and sprouting. Following these procedures, you can enjoy potato harvest through the chilly winter months, ensuring minimal waste and maximum flavor.
Preserve the Harvest
As September unfolds, preserving the harvest becomes pivotal to sustaining the flavor and nutritional benefits of your garden produce throughout the year. By employing various preservation techniques such as freezing, canning, drying, and fermenting, you can appreciate the fruits of your work long after the growing season finishes. Each method has unique steps and considerations to ensure the best quality and safety.
Freezing is a straightforward method suitable for numerous vegetables and fruits. Before freezing, it’s crucial to blanch vegetables like beans and spinach by briefly boiling them, followed by an ice bath. This process halts enzymatic reactions that could affect texture, color, and flavor. Fruits like berries can be frozen without blanching and arranged in a single coating on a baking sheet before being placed in airtight containers to prevent clumping.
Canning requires more precision and attention to detail. Two primary methods are
- Water bath canning
- Ideal for acidic foods like tomatoes and fruits
- Pressure canning for low-acid vegetables
Both methods entail filling sterilized jars with produce, sealing them, and processing them in their respective canners to achieve a vacuum seal. Following reliable recipes and guidelines is essential to prevent botulism and other foodborne illnesses.
Drying dehydrates fruits and vegetables, making them shelf-stable and convenient for snacking or cooking. Using a dehydrator or an oven, maintain low temperatures to preserve enzymes and vitamins. Thinly slicing produce such as apples, tomatoes, or herbs helps ensure uniform drying and consistently good results. Storing dried goods in airtight containers prolongs freshness.
Fermenting not only preserves but also enhances produce through beneficial bacteria. Vegetables like cucumbers, cabbage, and carrots adapt well to fermentation. Start by submerging sliced or shredded vegetables in a saltwater brine, ensuring they remain below the liquid to avoid spoilage. Over several days to weeks, depending on ambient temperature and desired taste, the vegetables develop a tangy and complex flavor profile.
Safety procedures are paramount in all preservation methods. Sterilize all equipment, use proper concentration of brine or vinegar when fermenting, and ensure airtight seals when canning. Properly labeled and dated containers help keep track of freshness, allowing you to enjoy your garden’s bounty with confidence year-round.
Trim Hedges and Shrubs
September is crucial for trimming hedges and shrubs, setting the stage for healthy, robust growth before these plants enter their dormant phase. Good pruning techniques are necessary to maintain the aesthetics and structural integrity of your garden’s greenery. During this month, the urgency lies in ensuring your plants are in the best shape to endure the colder months and emerge revitalized in spring.
Shaping hedges and shrubs promotes healthy growth and deters disease and pest infestations. Begin by determining the specific needs of each plant species in your garden, as different shrubs require varying pruning methods. For instance, deciduous shrubs, such as hydrangeas and roses, benefit from thinning cuts that remove old, sparse branches to promote new growth. On the other hand, evergreens, like boxwoods and yews, should be trimmed to maintain their shape, focusing on gentle cuts that do not go beyond the soft, green growth to prevent damage to their structural framework.
Timing your trimming activities is vital to respect the local bird nesting season. Generally, by September, most birds have finished nesting, minimizing disturbances to wildlife. This timing ensures a better environment for biodiversity in your garden. Regarding tools, financing in quality, sharp pruning shears, loppers, and hedge trimmers can make all the difference. Sharp tools provide cleaner cuts, reducing the risk of ragged edges that can invite disease.
Power hedge trimmers are also helpful for larger tasks, offering speed and efficiency. Hand shears are optimal for precision work around delicate areas. Always disinfect your tools before and after use to prevent the transmission of pathogens between plants. Adhering to these trimming guidelines ensures that your hedges and shrubs retain their vigor, withstand winter conditions, and flourish in the coming spring.
Sow Winter-Hardy Salads and Greens
As September ushers in cooler temperatures, it is an opportune time to sow winter-hardy salads and greens, ensuring a steady supply of fresh crops throughout the colder months. Varieties that are remarkably resilient and thrive in more excellent conditions include kale, spinach, and winter lettuce. These greens not only tolerate frost but often improve in flavor after exposure to a touch of frost, making them ideal for autumn planting.
When sowing winter-hardy varieties, the first consideration should be the space and method of sowing. For kale, sow seeds in rows around 18 inches apart, as these plants can grow quite large. Spinach seeds should be sown thinly, approximately a half-inch deep, and spaced about one inch apart within rows that are 12-14 inches apart. Winter lettuce, which can come in many varieties, typically requires around 12 inches between rows and 6-8 inches between plants to allow for adequate growth.
Protection from frost is crucial to the success of your winter garden. Young plants are particularly vulnerable, and utilizing cloches or cold frames can significantly increase their chances of survival and robust growth. Cloches, made of glass or plastic, act as mini-greenhouses, retaining warmth and protecting plants from frost damage. Cold frames offer a similar function on a larger scale, providing a controlled environment easily vented during warmer days and sealed shut on chillier nights. Both are excellent investments for ensuring the health and productivity of winter crops.
Additionally, mulching around the base of plants can help retain soil moisture and provide extra insulation against cold temperatures. Regular monitoring is essential; remove any damaged leaves promptly to prevent disease and ensure that plants receive adequate water, as winter winds can be drying.
By carefully choosing winter-hardy varieties and implementing proper sowing and protective measures, gardeners can enjoy a bounty of nutritious salads and greens well into the winter months, promoting sustainability and health.
Check and Prepare Garden Tools
As the gardening season transitions into fall, ensuring your garden tools are properly maintained and ready for future use is crucial. Proper upkeep of your gardening equipment enhances its performance and extends its lifespan, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
The first essential task is cleaning. Thoroughly clean all tools to remove soil, sap, and other residues that can cause corrosion over time. Use an inflexible brush and warm, soapy water for metal parts, then rinse and dry the tools completely to prevent rust. Wooden handles should be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Once cleaned, sharpening is the next step. Sharp tools are more efficient and safer, requiring less force and providing cleaner cuts. Use a sharpening stone, file, or specialized sharpener to hone the edges of spades, hoes, pruners, and shears, ensuring they are ready for the next season. Pay extra attention to pruners and shears, whose fine edges can dull quickly with frequent use.
Besides cleaning and sharpening, repairing any damaged parts is also crucial. Check for loose screws, broken handles, or bent tines, and address these issues promptly. Tighten screws and replace broken components to maintain the functionality of your tools. If a tool is beyond repair, consider recycling or adequately disposing of it to prevent accidents.
Oiling wooden handles and metal parts is another critical step in garden tool maintenance. Rub linseed oil onto wooden handles to prevent cracking and splitting over time. Spread a thin layer of machine oil or a specialized rust-preventive oil to metal parts to ward off rust and maintain their condition.
Proper storage methods are essential to stretching the life of your garden tools. Store tools in a dry, sheltered place like a shed or garage to protect them from moisture and extreme temperatures. Hang tools on racks or pegboards to avoid clutter and potential damage. Place small hand tools in a toolbox or container to keep them organized and readily available.
Taking the time to check and prepare your garden tools at the end of the season will save you time and frustration next year and ensure that your equipment remains in peak condition for many gardening seasons to come.
