With summer starting to draw to a close, September is the optimal time for gardeners to bridge the gap between summer harvests and preparing for the next growing season, while also supporting wildlife in their garden.
James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers, said: "Your September jobs don’t have to be exhaustive, but a little goes a long way. Your garden is experiencing less daylight and cooler temperatures, and more moisture in your soil works in your favour for planting and establishing new growth. September is also a vital time to support our wildlife populations by building up food and shelter reserves, including our feathered friends and our pollinators. These five small gardening jobs can make a huge difference to your garden’s success in the year to follow."
1. Plant spring bulbs
The soil in September retains some warmth from the peak summer months, so it’s the perfect time to plant your spring-flowering bulbs. This lets the roots establish in the tepid soil before the winter chill kicks in.
Spring-flowering bulbs, like daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths, can develop strong root systems that will survive the winter chill, and develop vibrant blooms in spring. By staggering your varieties, you can expect months of colour, with crocuses showing their faces in February, and late tulips in May.
Early spring blooms are crucial in providing some of the first vital nectar sources for bees emerging from winter hibernation.
2. Divide your perennials
Many herbaceous perennials, such as asters and daylilies, benefit from being divided every three to four years, and September is the ideal time for this.
The soil is still workable and plants are starting to slow their growth as autumn draws near. Dividing your perennials prevents overcrowding, reduces plants’ competition for nutrients, and rejuvenates those older clumps that may have stopped blooming as vigorously.
More flowers means more life to your garden. Not only aesthetically as you reap the benefits of gorgeous, vibrant blooms, but for your wildlife. Spreading different varieties of flowers helps extend the feeding season for pollinators, giving them the much-needed consistent source of energy and nutrients.
3. Look out for wildlife
Wildlife is up against it in winter, so September is the perfect time to create a safe haven by providing water, food and shelter for those scarce cold months.
Something as small as leaving the seedheads on your sunflowers, planting native trees and shrubs, and supplementing your garden with bird-loving food like high-energy bird cakes or fat balls provides a food source for birds.
Piles of logs, leaves and branches can be a high-impact ‘lazy’ hack, creating instant shelter for hedgehogs, amphibians, and insects. Delaying heavy pruning gives insects a safe home for winter, maintaining biodiversity at the most crucial time of year.
4. Lawn care
September is the perfect time to give your grass some attention as conditions are ideal for repair and rejuvenation. Tepid soil and regular rainfall means new grass can germinate quickly, while aerating compacted soil improves drainage and root growth.
Overseeding bare patches on lawns can allow them time to thicken before winter, giving an even, healthy appearance. A light feed in September with something high in potassium and phosphorus can promote strong root growth and winter hardiness. A healthy lawn not only looks good, but it also supports birds foraging for worms and insects.
5. Harvesting
Apples, pears, plums, squash, pumpkins, late beans, and courgettes will now be ready to pick, and regular harvesting encourages continued fruitful crops, and prevents them from falling and going to waste.
Collecting fruits and vegetables at their peak also prevents pests and the spreading of diseases.