September
September has an average maximum temperature of 16.2°C, and an average minimum temperature of 4.0°C. September has an average rainfall of 65.2mm.
What to do this month
- With any new planting of trees and shrubs, good preparation is vital. Ensure you are using a good planting compost, water crystals and Organic Xtra fertiliser. After planting keep soil moist (but not soaking) for at least 12 weeks.
- Hellebores, also known as Winter Roses, are great planted under deciduous trees as they love to be shady in the summer and sunny in winter. They are a clumping perennial available in single and double flowering varieties, in a wide range of colours.
- Winter-flowering Sasanqua Camellias can be pruned after flowering.
- Lemon trees will need an end of winter pick-me-up feed. You will need to check for pests.
- Feed Camellias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Daphne, Pieris, Erica and other shallow-rooted plants with a generous helping of fertiliser.
- Fertilise the lawn every 6 to 8 weeks. Increase water to lawns as temperature heats up.
- Time to plant or repair your lawn areas. Now is the time to spray for Bindii or broad leaf weeds like Cape Weed. Use a selective herbicide like Kleen Lawn.
Vegetables
- Tomato seedlings are available but must be protected from frost, along with capsicum and eggplant seedlings.
- Onion seedlings may still be transplanted.
- Vegetable beds can be planted with Marigold and Nasturtiums as they are great plants for attracting pollinating insects.
- Control slugs and snails using pellets or beer traps.
Sow
- Asian greens
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Leek
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Radish
- Silver beet
- Spinach
- Turnip
Plant
- Asian greens
- Asparagus
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Rhubarb
- Potatoes
- Spinach
Harvest
- Globe artichoke
- Broad beans
- Leek
Flowers and bulbs
- If you didn’t get to plant bulbs in April we have bloomer pots of bulbs in stock – Daffodils Hyacinths and Tulips. You can now buy your summer bulbs.
- Tie Sweet Peas to supports.
- Dahlia clumps left in the ground can be divided before new growth emerges.
- Finish planting summer bulbs such as Bearded Irises, Dahlias, Daylilies, Gladioli, Canna Lilies and Hippeastrums.
- Begonia tubers can be taken out of winter storage and placed in small pots to start growth in a frost-free area, such as a glass or shade house.
- Control slugs and snails using pellets or beer traps.
- Spring can be one of the best times of year, and our gardens bring something new each day.
- Spring-flowering bulbs require consistent watering, especially if grown in pots.
- Apply much to retain moisture in soil.