September Gardening Advice and Tips

A Gardener's Guide To September

This is the ideal time to get ahead for next year. The soil is still warm, which helps new plants and seeds establish strong roots before winter.

Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses for a burst of colour next spring.
Sow hardy annuals directly into the ground like cornflowers and cosmos. Doing this now means they'll develop larger, more robust root systems, resulting in bigger and better flowers next spring.
Plant biennials and perennials that attract beneficial insects, such as foxgloves and cranesbill geraniums, to support local wildlife.
Plant new tress from pots. The warm, moist soil will help them settle in quickly.
Sow wildflower seeds like yellow rattle to help establish or improve a wildflower meadow.
Divide perennials to ease overcrowding and create new plants. This works well for plants like alliums, bleeding hearts, and oxeye daisies.

Keeping the garden tidy and healthy now will pay off later.

Clean up annuals that have finished flowering and add them to your compost heap.
Collect seeds from perennials and hardy annuals to sow next year.
Continue watering any new plants until they are well established, but you can start to reduce how often you water your houseplants.
Repair you lawn by raking and seeding any bare patches. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip this and let nature take its course.
Harvest ripe fruit and vegetables. Check pears to see if they are ready by gently twisting; they should come away easily in your hand.
Prune and take cuttings. Cut back faded foliage on penstemons and take cuttings from evergreens like Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'.

As the weather gets cooler, many animals will be looking for food and shelter.

Keep your bird feeders clean and topped up with fresh food to help birds prepare for the colder months. Remember to regularly clean feeders and baths to prevent the spread of disease.
Leave leaves on the ground in some areas to create shelter and food source for insects and other small creatures. Alternatively, you can collect them in a bag to create leaf mold, a rich compost that will be ready to use in about a year.
Create a brush pile or leave a section of your garden untidy. This provides valuable habitat for hedgehogs, amphibians, and insects.

By following these tips, you'll ensure your garden remains a vibrant and healthy space for both you and our local ecosystem. Happy gardening!