olor, then September would be gold. The sun-angle at this time of year is transforming. It bathes everything in a rich, warm, golden light. The time between the last days of summer and the first days of fall are some of the most beautiful of the year. It is a special time to be in the garden. The hummingbirds and butterflies still flutter and buzz from bloom to bloom, but will soon be on their way to warmer climes. The harvest is in full swing and now includes colorful winter squash, popcorn, apples, and pumpkins. There is even time to plant another succession of quick-growing veggies like lettuce and radishes. Summer containers that are looking a little worn and can be re-planted with colorful asters, chrysanthemums, and ornamental kale.
It’s a joy to work in the garden when the sticky heat of high summer is past. There are many jobs to do before killing frosts drive us back inside. As you harvest, clear out spent veggies and plants to help prevent disease from overwintering in the soil. Don’t forget to harvest herbs for flavored butters and oils as well as pesto. Propagate herb cuttings to pot up and bring inside for the winter.
Select and purchase spring-flowering bulbs. It’s a good idea to order early to make sure you get your favorites. They will hold for planting later in the fall after temperatures turn cool. Early autumn is the time to plant garlic and shallots for harvest next summer. There is still time to transplant perennials as well as plant shrubs and trees. Keep them well watered as they send out new root growth. If you plan on growing paperwhites and amaryllis for indoor winter blooms, get your pots and potting soil ready now.
The New York Botanic Garden says September is a great time to take garden notes and photographs to help with plans for future planting. Note areas in your landscape that need new or replacement planting. Make note of which plants did well and what vegetable and annual flower varieties you liked best. Write everything down in a garden journal. Include your photos. You may think you will remember next spring, but you likely will not.
You can dethatch and aerate lawns now to promote new root growth and keep mowing your lawn to 2-1/2 to 3 inches high. If you plan to collect seeds from perennials and annuals, now is the time. Cut flowers for drying; they look spectacular in holiday garlands or tucked in the branches of your holiday tree.
If you make compost, fall is the optimal time to collect (stockpile) the “browns” you need for your compost mix. For composting to work, you need significant amounts of brown materials like dried leaves, wood chips, and shavings, which can be hard to come by during the height of the growing season. Rake and save leaves now. You can store them in large garbage containers near your compost bin. Now is also a great time to aerate and moisten your compost pile to speed decomposition.
The New York Botanic Garden says September is the time to prune rambling roses and remove diseased and dead rose canes. Root prune wisteria that doesn’t bloom and add organic matter such as manure, compost, or leaf mold to help improve your garden soil.
Lastly, take time to enjoy your garden and landscape. Right now, the days are getting shorter, and we never know exactly when the growing season will end. These fleeting days are precious, so sit back, relax, and take in some golden moments before they are gone for another year.
