Garden Calendar - September

September is the month of Indian summer. The sun can still warm up, but it doesn't have the same strength as during the holidays. Fruit and some types of vegetables are ripening in gardens. Gardeners and growers don't get bored even this month, there's still plenty of work to do in the gardens. Free space on harvested beds can still be filled with new sowings. At the beginning of the month, it's necessary to plant bulbs that you pulled out in June into the soil. During September, it's time to harvest late varieties of apples, pears, peaches and plums... As if that wasn't enough, gardeners must again watch the thermometer to see if the first ground frosts might arrive at the end of September, which could destroy the not yet ripened harvest...

What seeds to sow in September?

Although it may seem that nothing can be sown in the bed in September, the opposite is true. You can sow in the bed and harvest the crop this year. Lettuce Breedblad is designed specifically for summer and autumn sowings. Its heads have a full center and a fresh green color with a yellow heart. The heads are firm and resistant to heat. Plant the lettuce in a sunny location and provide it with plenty of watering. Plant early radishes in free beds in September, they are very tasty and shorter days benefit them. Early lettuce will also have time to grow. You'll secure a supply of vitamins in the spring period by sowing spinach. Young spinach plants overwinter without problems and provide much-needed vitamins early in spring. Like spinach, leaf parsley can also be sown. Ideal is the smooth variety Festival or leaf parsley in Bio quality Gigant.

Spinach sown in September is a source of the first spring vitamins.

What garden work not to forget in September?

September is the divide between summer and the approaching autumn. There's still plenty of work in the garden, because it's necessary to start preparing plants for winter and regular garden maintenance must not be neglected. Even though it may seem pointless at first glance, it's good to regularly remove weeds even from beds that have long been empty. If weeds managed to flower and seed, they would create a very dense growth in the beds in spring. Removing pest and disease-affected parts of plants should not be forgotten either.

Never put weeds or affected parts of plants in compost!

September is the ideal time for planting ornamental shrubs, establishing hedges, and roses can also be planted. Spring-flowering bulbs go into the ground - from mid-month, plant hyacinths and tulips. Daffodils benefit more from planting when temperatures drop below 12°C. Hardy tuberous plants, especially lilies, are also planted in September. Conversely, tubers of dahlias, gladioli, and cannas must come out of the ground before stronger frosts arrive. Remove dahlias and other tuberous plants from the ground along with part of the stem, and let them dry thoroughly. Store the tubers in winter storage only when the stems are well dried and there's no risk of mold. If you're overwintering tubers in a place that's too dry, place them in a crate with a little soil.

In September, water ornamental trees thoroughly - sufficient water will ensure successful overwintering!

Diseases and pests must be fought year-round - what to do in September?

There are fewer diseases and pests in September than during peak growing season, as many crops have long been harvested and pests have lost their host plants. However, you cannot completely ease up in the fight against diseases and pests. Infected plant parts must be removed before the infection or pest spreads. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini are already producing their last fruits, so it's no longer necessary to protect them from mildew with chemical sprays - simply remove infected leaves and dispose of the entire plant after harvest. Leeks can be mechanically protected against leek moths using non-woven fabric, just as carrots can be protected against carrot flies. Regular collection of fallen apples, pears, and other fruit that would rot under trees and become a source of disease is also disease prevention.

Don't leave infected apples lying in the grass under the tree - they're a source of further infection.

Devote attention to ornamental plants in September too

At the beginning of September, most plants in window boxes and hanging containers still look good, but flowers gradually become fewer. A beautiful appearance can be prolonged by regularly removing spent flowers and occasional fertilizing. Watch out for the weather. One strong frost in September will destroy plants that could otherwise remain decorative for a long time. If plants in window boxes and hanging containers are still beautiful and it would be a shame to let them freeze, shelter them from frost indoors or cover them with several layers of non-woven fabric. Also try to protect flowers in beds from frost using non-woven fabric. Sometimes this works, other times the frost is too strong and plants freeze despite all efforts - then it's time to remove them from the bed.

What to Do with Indoor Plants in September

Indoor plants that were placed outdoors during the summer must be returned to their original location inside during September. Fertilizing should be gradually reduced to prepare the plants for the winter period with less light. Watering should be adjusted to the requirements of individual plants. Before moving plants back inside, check whether they are infested with any pests or diseases. If you detect any diseases or pests, take appropriate protective measures.

Cacti and Succulents Also Follow the Calendar - What Benefits Them in September?

For cacti, the growing season slowly ends in September. In September, it's time for the last watering, this time without any fertilizers or chemical sprays. In case of a very warm September, it's possible to water more frequently; however, it's necessary to give cacti enough time for tissue maturation before the approaching winter. Poorly matured cacti are more susceptible to mold infestation and dying. Also stop fertilizing cacti and succulents grown on windowsills and water them only moderately (watering is especially necessary if placed near a heat source - above radiators).

Tulip bulbs and other spring bulbs are planted in September.

What Else Is Good to Know in September?

September is the month for planting most spring bulbs, so it's good to know how deep to plant individual bulbs. Tulips are planted approximately 10-15 cm deep, crocuses approximately 6-10 cm, hyacinths to a depth of around 15 cm, daffodils can go deeper to 15-20 cm. You can plant bulbs in flower beds as well as in lawns, which will then bloom fantastically in spring. Most bulbs prefer sunny locations with humus-rich, well-drained soil, so don't forget this when choosing a suitable location. Always choose the specific planting depth for individual bulbs with regard to the size of the bulbs.