September gardening jobs - make the most of your garden this autumn

Whilst the main growing season may be coming to an end, a keen gardeners job is never done “ and there are plenty of things to be getting on with in the early autumn months.

In this post, we look at some of the key jobs for September, so that you can make the best of your garden, and start to prepare it for overwintering and the next years growing season.

September

As late summer turns to autumn, youll be reaping the rewards of your fruit and veg patch, preparing for a bountiful winter harvest, whilst collecting seeds and planting bulbs for 2015.

Harvest

Although the main summer veg crop is mostly over, theres still a lot of harvesting to do in September. Autumn raspberries, late strawberries and orchard fruits should all be at their best, and ready to provide you with a bumper September harvest.

Make sure you dig up any remaining potatoes and store them, to ensure that the slugs and wetter autumn weather doesnt start to destroy them.

Seeds and planting

September is the time to start gathering seeds from your perennials and hardy annuals, and to start sowing them for the next year. Its also time to plant your spring bulbs, to provide you with plenty of colour next spring.

Outside, its time to start planting your first winter crops, with cabbages, winter salads and radishes all ready to go in the ground. September is a good time to start off your spinach and pak choi, but make sure you provide some protection from a cloche to protect them from the cold. You can also start next years onions and garlic off now if you like to give them a head start.

Flower wise, you can direct sow your hardy annuals outside, ready to flower early next year. In the greenhouse and cold frame you can also start off some hardy perennials in trays for overwintering.

This month, its also time to divide your herbaceous perennials, which will enable you to multiply your plants, and help to ensure that they are all healthy and will grow vigorously next year.

Watering

Although the temperature might be dropping, your plants will still need watering unless its a really wet month. Towards the end of September, you can start to reduce the frequency of your watering, both outside in the garden, and inside the house.

Clear and protect

Now is the time to start preparing and protecting your garden from the threat of autumn leaves. Make sure you net your pond and get yourself a pair of leaf collectors to ensure that youre ready for when the leaves start to fall.

Youll also want to clear out your cold frames and greenhouse, so that they are ready for use in the autumn. To ensure your leafy autumn and winter veg crops dont become dinner for hungry birds during the leaner months, protect them all by covering them with plant netting.

How Keen Gardener can help

At Keen Gardener, weve got a full range of gardening tools and equipment designed to provide you with everything you need to make the most of your garden this autumn, all at unbeatable prices.

For further information on any of our products, get in touch with an expert member of our team today on 01789 763336.