Top Gardening Tips for September
As the weather becomes cooler and leaves begin to fall, a few simple jobs will help your garden remain healthy throughout autumn and winter.
Autumn is not only a time for tidying. It is also an excellent opportunity to plant for spring, support wildlife and protect vulnerable plants from colder weather.
1. Leave seed heads for birds
Avoid cutting down every sunflower and perennial seed head. Seeds provide a valuable food source for garden birds, while hollow stems can shelter insects during winter.
Remove only damaged or diseased growth and leave healthy stems standing where possible.
2. Plant spring-flowering bulbs
Plant crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and bluebells during autumn for colour the following spring. Tulips are generally best planted slightly later.
Add bulbs to borders, containers or areas of grass for a natural display.
[Read our guide to planting spring-flowering bulbs]
3. Refresh your containers
Replace tired summer bedding with hardy autumn plants such as cyclamen, heathers, heuchera, pansies and trailing ivy.
Use a frost-resistant container with drainage holes and raise it onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging.
[Read our guide to creating an autumn container]
4. Monitor your greenhouse
Close greenhouse vents on cold nights to retain warmth. Open them during mild days when necessary to reduce condensation and improve airflow.
Remove dead leaves and keep the glass clean so plants receive as much autumn light as possible.
5. Protect tender plants
Check the weather forecast regularly and move tender plants under cover before the first frost.
Pelargoniums, citrus trees and other vulnerable container plants can be placed in a greenhouse, conservatory or bright, frost-free space.
6. Care for your lawn
Rake out excessive thatch, aerate compacted ground and repair bare patches with suitable grass seed.
Continue mowing while the grass is growing, but raise the cutting height as temperatures fall.
[Read our autumn lawn-care guide]
7. Maintain your pond
Remove fallen leaves before they sink and decay. Pond netting can help prevent large amounts of debris entering the water.
Check filters regularly and avoid disturbing sheltered areas where amphibians may be preparing to spend winter.
8. Check trees and plant supports
Inspect tree ties, stakes and supports before strong autumn winds arrive.
Ties should be secure without cutting into stems or trunks. Replace damaged stakes and loosen any ties that have become too tight.
Prepare your garden for the season ahead
Completing these manageable jobs will help protect your garden while creating better conditions for plants and wildlife.
Visit Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre in Woodmansey, near Beverley and Hull, for seasonal plants, bulbs, containers and gardening essentials.