September Garden Chores

 

Things You Should Do In September
The wonderful spring and summer seasons have passed, and now it is time to turn your focus on fall gardening. September is all about tidying up your garden. Below is a list of essential gardening chores for all regions - check them out to know what you have to do in your garden space this month.

Tidy Up Your Plants
Get rid of any diseased plants and cut back on perennials as they begin to fade.

Preserve Your Harvests
Make the most of this year's harvests by learning to preserve them. Now is the time to try canning, pickling and even freeze-drying your produce for the best results. Your herbs can also be dried and frozen to preserve their flavors.

Allocate Time for Weeding
Do some weeding for at least one to two hours weekly. Regular weeding keeps the weeds from running to seed, and also protects your garden from potential disease.

Take Care of Your Houseplants
Move your houseplants indoors to protect them from the cold. Choose a sunny location in your home with good air circulation. Repot your plants if needed and don’t forget to inspect them for any signs of pests.

Hold Off on Pruning & Fertilizing
Encouraging new growth is not ideal this time of year, specially when their chances of surviving winter are very slim.

Start a Compost Bin
If you've never made your own compost before, think about starting one this season. Fallen leaves are abundant this time of year, which you can use to build your compost bin.

Remember to Mulch
Remember to add mulch in your garden as you weed and cut back on your plants. Doing this will help protect your garden space from the coming winter.

Plant Some Cover Crops
Prepare your garden soil for the next season by planting some cover crops. Some excellent options are winter rye, field peas, hairy vetch and medium red clover. They’re not only quick to grow but also great for building nutrients in the soil.

Grow Cool-Weather Crops
The start of fall doesn't mean you have to end your garden. If you're eager to keep the harvests going, try growing some cold-weather favorites such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, chard and snap peas.

Update Your Garden Journal
Jot down your garden successes this year as well as the issues you’ve encountered. Your journal will serve as a great resource when you begin planning your next garden.