To keep a garden producing, each month has with it a list of Garden Tasks to tackle by the avid gardener. Here is the list for September.
September To Do List in the Garden
- This month (and October) are the best months to divide and transplant daylilies, Louisiana iris, bearded iris, violets, Shasta daisies, cannas, liriope, ajuga and phlox if they are crowded. Reset divisions into well prepared soi with generous amounts of organic material worked into the top 8 – 10 inches. Water in thoroughly.
- Prune perennial salvia, penta, buddleia and lantana by one-third; water and fertilize for a good fall show.
- Plant seeds of alyssum, snapdragons, petunias, stock, and sweet William. Sow spring wildflower seeds such as Texas bluebell, bluebonnets, and Indian paintbrush late September or early October.
- Transplant petunia and dianthus and leave spreading room for the petunias.
- Rejuvenate stressed geraniums and begonias for the fall season by lightly pruning, fertilizing and watering.
- Fertilize roses as needed, but do not fertilize after September to allow roses to go into dormancy.
- Start planting parsley, carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage transplants.
- By the end of September, begin planting beets, chard, collards, kohlrabi, English peas, Irish potatoes, radishes, and spinach.
- The last week of September is the time to treat for brown patch in lawns if there has been a prior history. Apply a fungicide to the affected area. Avoid watering in the evenings to prevent fungal diseases.
Sources:
- Gulf Coast Gardening, a bimonthly publication by Galveston County Master Gardeners. Free online subscription at https://txmg.org/galveston/.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension September Garden Checklist by Dr. Larry Stein
