Jobs to do in the Garden in September

Late summer turns into autumn

September is often a cooler, wetter month than August but as previous summers have shown this is not always the case and can often be glorious.  The days are however noticeably shorter.  Whilst there isn’t quite so much to do in the flower or shrub garden at this time of year, if you have a fruit or vegetable patch you will be busy reaping the rewards of a bountiful harvest.  Get outside and plant spring-flowering bulbs for next year’s display and make the most of the remaining warmth while you can.

• This is the time to divide perennials (if necessary).
• Collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals.
• Keep up with watering of new plants, using rain or grey water if possible.
• Plant spring flowering bulbs.
• Start to reduce house plant watering.
• Net ponds before the autumn leaf fall gets underway.
• Pick autumn raspberries and prune fruited blackberry stems.
• Dig remaining potatoes before the slug damage spoils them.
• Cover leafy vegetable crops with bird-proof netting.
• Clean out cold frames and greenhouses so that they are ready for use in the autumn.