Septemberâs splendor is arriving in our gardens. By now, most vegetables have matured and are continuing to produce and most flowers have shown the same. Days are noticeably getting shorter, and the nights are getting cooler. Hereâs a look at tasks that await in the day ahead.
Early September
⢠Now is a good time to plant or transplant. Take a walk around the garden and fill in bare spots; divide those that are looking scraggly or have a hole in the middle.
⢠Harvest pears, apples and ever-bearing strawberries as they ripen.
⢠Continue to harvest tomatoes, peppers, onions and winter squash.
⢠Plant radishes, spinach and lettuce.
⢠Divide peonies. Begin by cutting the peony stems near ground level. Carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into sections. Each division should have three to five buds and a good root system.
When replanting, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the entire root system. Position the plant/division in the hole so the buds are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
It must be noted that peonies do not need to be divided on a regular basis. They can be left undisturbed in the garden for 50 or more years. However, large peonies can be divided if additional plants are desired.
Mid-September
⢠Dig up tender bulbs like gladiolus, cannas, caladiums and tuberous begonias. Allow them to completely air dry before storing in a cool, dry environment.
⢠For dried arrangements, cut strawflower, statice, babyâs breath, Annabelle hydrangea and celosia. Bind them securely and hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area.
⢠Save coleus, wax begonias, impatiens and fuchsia and bring indoors. Dig up, cut them back by half and pot them.
Late September
⢠Plant spring bulbs. Select large healthy-looking bulbs, as the larger the bulb the larger the flower.
⢠Reduce watering for established trees and shrubs so they can harden off in preparation for winter. Do continue to water newly planted trees and shrubs.
⢠Improve garden soil by adding aged manure, compost or leaves to increase organic matter.
Lawn
⢠Aeration, overseeding or new sod? This is the best time of the year to address any lawn issues.
⢠If you did not fertilize in late August, apply it by mid-September.
⢠With cooler weather here, attack broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain and bindweed while they are actively growing. Autumn is the optimum time to apply broadleaf herbicides if that is your control method.
Donât forget
⢠Add appointment to your personal calendar that reads: âTake time to see the leaves change.â Our gorgeous Colorado fall colors are truly something to see!
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
