September Garden Chores - Southern Gardening Guidelines
Get ready for a bountiful autumn and winter garden with these September gardening tips.
Plant peony roots and trees this month, as they will provide beautiful blooms next spring. If you have houseplants that are vacationing outdoors, start feeding them from September, which can continue through November.
Invasive weeds such as bindweed, Japanese knotweed, and curly dock should be dealt with in September. These weeds can cause significant damage to your garden if left unchecked.
Roses should be fertilized for the last time in September to ensure they have enough nutrients for the rest of the growing season. Southern areas in Zones 7 and 8 can plant cool season garden vegetables like collards, cabbage, and broccoli during the early part of September.
Divide and cut back perennials such as daylilies, irises, and monkey grass in the Southeast during September. This is also the time to divide and establish divided perennials in new beds before winter's cold in some parts of the south.
Clean up in the garden and flowerbeds starts in September, becoming the primary chore. However, in many gardens, mums, asters, pansies, sedums, and some coneflowers are yet to flower for autumn pleasure.
Purchase spring flowering bulbs for planting in fall, but wait until soil temperatures are in the 60's or cooler, likely in October. Warmer parts of the southeast may need to wait until November or December for planting bulbs.
Remember, many houseplants go dormant in winter, so feeding should cease by then. Fertilize those plants that will bloom again this autumn, such as salvia and asters. Use small plants that have time to mature before temperatures cool.
Becca Badgett, a regular contributor to the platform for ten years, co-authored the book "How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden" and specializes in succulent and cactus gardening. She has co-authored books with Hazel Thornton and Tim Morey.
In southern gardening, September allows Zone 9 and above to continue planting many vegetables that are considered summer growers. In areas that grew summer veggies, the soil should be amended before planting.
Enjoy a vibrant autumn and winter garden with these September gardening tips!
