September is the month where the weather becomes cooler and more breezy, and the increasingly shorter days will be more noticeable. It’s the time of year when, if you grow fruit or vegetable plants, you can reap the rewards of your earlier hard work, and when you should begin planting bulbs for spring-flowering plants for next year. Of course, not all September gardening tasks are this enjoyable, but here’s a guide to what you should be doing this month!
Net Ponds
Fewer things are more of a nuisance than ridding your pond of fallen leaves, despite their autumn beauty. What’s more, the accumulation of debris in the water can encourage algae and weeds to grow which can be harmful to any fish in your pond. This worry can be eliminated simply and inexpensively by covering the pond with netting. Not only will the netting prevents leaves from falling into the pond, but also act as a safety net- useful if you have young children playing in the garden.
Continue To Care For Hanging Baskets
The hours of sunlight may be decreasing, but that is not to say that your hanging baskets can provide colour and brightness well into autumn. This maintenance is perfect for September as it requires little effort, meaning you don’t need to spend hours outside in the slowly dropping temperatures. Deheading and regular watering and feeding are the only things that your hanging baskets will need to see them through the month.
Clean Your Patio
This task may seem mundane, but is vital to ensure that your garden is safe as the weather gets colder. Cleaning your patio of algae and moss will prevent the area becoming slippery and dangerous in the winter. All you will need for this is a detergent a stiff bristled brush.
Install A Water butt
In England it’s inevitable that, with autumn and winter comes rain. Despite this change in weather being a nuisance for any outside plans, it can help you to save money in the garden. A simple water butt will collect any rainwater that can be reused to keep your plants hydrated. Rainwater is especially beneficial to potted ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons and azaleas.
Start Your Compost Heap
This requires little effort and makes use of kitchen and garden waste. You can begin your compost heap by purchasing a compost bin, or building your own partially enclosed, yet easily accessible compost area. The compost you make will be essential for replacing the goodness your soil will have lost over winter. You should add a variety of different materials to your compost heap, but be mindful of what may do more harm than good. Spent plants, and vegetable peelings are perfect, but plants that were diseased or had pests should not be added.
Do you have any gardening tasks that you think are essential in September? Perhaps you have tips to make these tasks easier! Let us know in the comments below!
[Photo Credit: JuhaOnTheRoad ]
