September Garden Tips & Advice

Tough perennial weeds are often easier to kill this time of year, use a glyphosate based weed killer to kill the roots as well as the top growth.

Cuttings of tender perennials such as Fuchsias, pelargoniums and Argyranthemum should be taken now so rooting takes place before the autumn.

Remove greenhouse shading now to allow maximum light in throughout the autumn and winter.

When cutting down peas and beans at the end of the season leave the roots in the soil to release the nitrogen fixed on them as they break down.

Brighten up and fill gaps in perennial borders with late flowering plants such as Rudbeckias and Chrysanthemum.

If your summer containers are looking a little tired, they can be planted up for autumn and winter now to establish before the weather turns.

Plant up some Parsley, Mint or other herbs and grow on the windowsill for a few fresh herbs during the colder months.

As the weather gets cooler lift, divide and replant any congested perennials which have finished flowering this will help them re-establish while there is still some warmth in the soil.

Any conifer hedges not already cut can be given their final trim of the year now to tidy them up for the autumn and winter.

Autumn bedding such as Pansies, Sweet Williams and wallflowers can be planted now; this will give them time to establish while there is still some warmth in the soil and provide a colourful display through the autumn and winter.

The canes of summer fruiting Raspberries which have finished cropping now can be cut back to ground level and the fresh new canes spaced and tied in ready for next year’s crop.

Test sweetcorn is ready to harvest by pinching a kernel, if it releases a milky sap its ready to eat but if it’s still watery give it a little more time until harvest.

Help your pumpkins to ripen ready for Halloween by removing any leaves covering the fruits.

Dahlias are in full bloom now, tie large flowered varieties to their supports to prevent their stems breaking in the wind.

Spring flowering bulbs are available for planting now for some glorious colour early next year.

Sow hardy annuals now to give them a good start for young healthy plants next year.