By Karolyn Gephart
A severe drought is not the way gardeners want to begin fall gardens. But we are still in one so continue to water plants before 10 am or after 5 pm. During the day, it is too hot, too sunny and too easy to have your watering evaporate instead of going where it needs to be.
September
• This month (and October) are the best months to divide and transplant daylilies, Louisiana iris, bearded iris, violets, Shasta daisies and phlox if they are crowded.
• Prune perennial salvia, pentas, 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 adequate space for the petunias to spread.
• Spring blooms from daffodils, hyacinths and even tulips are possible if planted in September. Each requires certain planting depths and spacing so follow instructions that come with the bulbs.
• Fertilize roses as needed, but do not fertilize after September to allow roses to go into dormancy.
• Start planting parsley, carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, lettuce, kohlrabi, and cabbage transplants. Last call for tomatoes and peppers is in the ground is early September.
• By the end of September, begin planting beets, chard, collards, kohlrabi, English peas, Irish potatoes, radishes, and spinach.
• Keep watch for any pests and/or diseases on plants. Early treatment can aid in ending a problem that could have grown into an infestation.
• Keep things mulched to retain water now and to ease into cooler weather. Helping keep weeds away is an added plus.
To get great fall plants along with getting correct gardening information for Galveston, Brazoria and Harris Counties, check on the plants the go on sale by Galveston Master Gardeners.
It’s their Summer Sundown Sale and takes place online beginning at noon September 8 and ending at noon September 9, 2023. Shoppers can browse the sale before it happens and then buy at the same location: www.txmg.org/galveston.
The site also offers a free online gardening bi-monthly publication, Gulf Coast Gardening. Written by GCMGs along with full color photos, the publication can be sent to your email on a bi-monthly basis. Click on Gulf Coast Gardening newsletter to find out more and to peruse issues that have been published.
The calendar says it is fall but keep hydrating, replacing sunscreen, and wearing garden hats as we all brave through the drought, longing for that first cool front.
Happy Gardening!
