To Do List: September in the Garden
Preparing Your Garden for Fall
As summer winds down and the crisp, cool air of September arrives in Southwestern Ontario, it’s time to prepare your garden for the changing seasons. This transitional month offers the perfect opportunity to wrap up summer gardening tasks while getting a head start on fall preparations. Here’s a checklist of essential to-dos to keep your garden healthy and beautiful as we head into autumn.
1. Tidy Up and Refresh
September is all about cleaning up the garden beds. Remove any spent annuals, deadhead perennials, and trim back overgrown plants. This not only keeps your garden looking neat but also helps prevent diseases from overwintering in plant debris. Consider adding a fresh layer of mulch to insulate the soil as temperatures start to drop.
As you tidy up, think about planting fall favourites like ornamental kale, colourful peppers, and garden mums. These hardy plants can withstand cooler temperatures and will keep your garden vibrant and full of colour well into the autumn months. By incorporating these fall plantables, you’ll ensure that your garden remains lively and beautiful, even as the summer blooms fade.
2. Harvest and Preserve the Last of the Summer Crops
If you’ve been enjoying the fruits of your labour, now is the time to harvest those late summer vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are likely still producing, so pick what’s ripe and preserve the bounty through canning, freezing, or drying. Don’t forget to start thinking about planting cool-season crops like spinach, kale, and lettuce for a late fall harvest.
3. Plant Fall Bulbs
September is the ideal month to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. In Southwestern Ontario, the soil is still warm enough for the bulbs to establish roots before the ground freezes. Plant them at the recommended depth, and consider grouping them for a more impactful spring display.
4. Divide and Transplant Perennials
Many perennials benefit from being divided in the fall, including hostas, daylilies, and irises. Dividing these plants now gives them plenty of time to establish their roots before the winter chill sets in. It’s also a great time to transplant any perennials that might be outgrowing their space or need a new location in your garden.
5. Lawn Care
September is prime time for lawn maintenance in Southwestern Ontario. Aerate your lawn to alleviate compaction, overseed any bare patches, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to give your grass the nutrients it needs to thrive into the fall. Cooler temperatures and regular rainfall provide optimal conditions for grass seed germination.
6. Prepare for Frost
While frost may still be a few weeks away, it’s wise to start thinking about protecting tender plants. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be ready to cover vulnerable plants with fabric or bring potted plants indoors if a frost warning is issued. This proactive step can extend the life of your plants and keep your garden looking vibrant for longer.
7. Plan Ahead for Next Year
As you wind down this year’s gardening activities, take some time to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Make notes about any changes you’d like to implement next year, such as adding new plant varieties, expanding your garden beds, or improving soil quality. Fall is also a good time to order seed catalogues and start dreaming about next year’s garden.
8. Compost and Soil Care
Turn over your compost pile and add any plant material that isn’t diseased. This will break down over the winter and be ready for use in the spring. Consider amending your soil with compost or organic matter to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure for the next growing season.
September is a busy month in the garden, but the work you put in now will pay off in the coming seasons. By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll ensure that your garden is ready to weather the winter and burst into life again next spring. Happy gardening!
