Expert shares 4 essential September chores to ensure a vibrant garden in spring

A gardening expert has revealed four essential jobs you need to do this September to have a vibrant, blooming garden in spring.

Even though summer is over, there is still plenty to do in the garden to get everything ready for the coming year.

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Steven Walley, patio and paving expert at London Stone, said: “With autumn approaching, it’s a great time to make the most of the last of the dry, warm weather and get any garden jobs done.

“This will help keep your garden looking great while being low maintenance during the colder months.”

Lawn maintenance

In September many of our lawns will be looking worse for wear and will need a little maintenance. TLC.

Steven recommended raking the lawn to remove any debris and mowing and aerating the grass.

He said: “This makes the lawn more resistant to drought and flooding.

“Most lawns can recover well from the summer without any fertilizer, but if your lawn needs a little extra attention, use a fertilizer that is specially formulated for fall application. This will encourage root growth over the winter.”

Weeding

Another important chore that gardeners should tackle this month is weeding.

Steven said: “Weeds should be removed in the autumn months as this is when common weeds begin to produce seeds.

“If we treat this weed now, it will not be able to spread again. As a result, fewer weeds will appear in the spring.

“To remove weeds from between your patio tiles, pull the weeds out by the roots, rather than removing the leafy part. This ensures that the weeds are removed effectively.

“The colder months are not the peak season for weed growth, but it is still important to take preventative measures.

“Continue to sweep your patio regularly to prevent seeds from entering and to reduce weed growth.”

Plant new flower bulbs

Steven said that autumn is the best season to plant flower bulbs, so you can be sure that your garden will look vibrant and colourful in the spring.

Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are just some of the flower bulbs you can plant this fall.

Garden work in September

As September begins, so does autumn. Veronica Lorraine, gardening editor at The Sun, has a few jobs to keep you busy as the summer sun fades.

1. Start thinking about spring bulbs

It’s early bulb season! As well as the more traditional daffodils, crocuses, alliums and bluebells, try snake-head fragillaries for something a little different.

2. Think of the bees

Be sure to continue to feed the bees with fall-flowering pollinators such as stonecrop, honeysuckle and asters.

3. Dig and enjoy your potatoes

The potatoes from the main crop are ready to be harvested. Make sure you harvest them all so they are not damaged by slugs.

4. Change your lawn mowing schedule

Raise the height of your lawn mower and start reducing the amount of mowing you do. Fertilize it in the fall, especially if you didn’t get around to it over the summer, and start raking to remove thatch.

5. Plant new perennials while the soil is still warm.

6. Take cuttings of salvia

It is as easy as cutting a shoot tip above a node and throwing it in a glass of water to see if roots develop. Especially with delicate Salvias that do not survive the winter.

7. Give camellias enough water so that buds will form again next year.

8. Keep removing faded flowers and watering your hanging baskets

They must continue until the first frost.

9. Make pumpkins Halloween-ready

Remove any leaves that are covering the pumpkins so they are ready for Halloween. Also make sure to water them regularly as they are very thirsty.

10. Check your pond

Cover your pond with a net to prevent it from filling up with fallen leaves when the trees start to fall.

Steven added: “Daffodils should be planted at the end of September, but tulips should not be planted until November.

“When you plant the flower bulbs, make sure you dig deep enough.

“To ensure good drainage, approximately twice the depth of the bulb itself is recommended.

“Don’t forget to choose a spot where you’re guaranteed sunshine.”

Bring plants indoors

To protect potted plants, Steven explains that now is a good time to bring them indoors or move them to a sheltered spot so they are protected from the cold winter weather.

He added: “It is best to make sure that all plants and flowers are pruned and that all dead leaves and branches are removed. This will help them to flower for longer.

“Keep plants happy during the winter months by limiting your watering schedule. Just make sure your plants don’t get too dry.”

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