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September in the Garden: A perfect time to garden!
September might just be one of the best months to be outside.
The mornings are cooler, the evenings feel better, and the garden finally gets a little break from summer heat. But don’t put those garden gloves away just yet—September is a great month to refresh, plant and prepare.
A Few Things to Do This Month
Plant while the soil is warm
September is a wonderful time to plant many trees, shrubs and perennials. Warm soil encourages root growth, while cooler air means less stress on new plants.
Sneak in a fall harvest
Try quick-growing cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes and other leafy greens. A little frost protection can help stretch the season even longer.
Think spring—now!
Tulips, daffodils, crocus and other spring-flowering bulbs go into the ground in fall. A little work now = a colorful surprise next spring.
Keep watering - as needed!
Cooler weather doesn't mean your landscape is finished drinking. Trees, shrubs and perennials still need adequate moisture heading into winter—especially after a hot, dry summer.
Enjoy the harvest
Tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs and other garden favorites may still be producing. Pick often and enjoy the last tastes of summer.
Don't clean up too much!
A perfectly spotless fall garden isn't always best for nature. Seed heads, stems and leaves can provide food and shelter for birds, beneficial insects and other garden visitors.
One More Thing…
September isn't the end of gardening season.
It's more like the garden taking a long, slow exhale.
So grab a cool drink, wander around the yard and enjoy what you've grown. There will be plenty of time for rakes and winter prep later.
955 S 1950 W, Springville, UT 84663
(801) 489-4777
Gardener's Almanac Monthly Gardening Checklist
Gardening advice and checklists that are broken down by every month of the year. This gardener's almanac provides gardening tips exactly when you need them.
Utah State University
September Tips & Checklist
Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.
Deep water established trees and shrubs about once per month when it is hot.
Remember that turfgrass only needs 1 ½ to 2 inches of irrigation per week. See irrigation needs in your area.
Pests and Problems:
Be aware that if tomatoes are not producing, one common reason is hot weather (95°F and above), which causes flower abortion.
Watch for blossom end rot (black sunken areas on the end of tomatoes), which is common and is caused by uneven watering.
Check under leaves of pumpkins, melons, and squash plants for squash bugs.
Treat for corn ear worm when the corn’s silk is approximately ½-inch long.
Treat for spider mites by using “softer” solutions such as spraying them with a hard stream of water or by using an insecticidal soap. They prefer dry, hot weather and affect varying plants.
Identify spider mites by shaking leaves over a white piece of paper. If the small specs move, you have mites.
Control codling moth in apples and pears to reduce wormy fruit. For specific timing, see our Utah Pests Advisories.
Control of the greater peach tree borer in peaches, nectarines, and apricots generally occurs in July. However, for specific timing, see our Utah Pests Advisories.
Submit a sample to the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab (UPPDL).
Watch for symptoms of turfgrass diseases.
Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects.
Keep Growing With Bloom Gardens
For more practical gardening ideas, water-wise inspiration and advice created for gardeners across the Mountain West, visit BloomGardens.org.
Bloom Gardens
“Where Ideas Take Root”
Happy Gardening!
Ramona
The Sustainable Garden Newsletter is provided by Bloom Gardens
