Things to Do in September

Design-

Look at your landscape and consider whether you need to add more plants with late-season interest.  Many gardeners load their gardens with spring and summer color, but don't plan anything for the fall.  Visit your local garden center, and check out the selection of fall blooming perennials and grasses.  Also, consider trees and shrubs that are prized for their fall foliage or berries.

While the past summer's garden is still fresh in your mind, make some notes about what you want to change in your garden.  Some plants may need to be moved to more appropriate locations if they got too big, they may need more or less sunlight, or they clash with other plants.

Chores-

Don't forget about watering!  Regardless of what you get done in the garden, nothing will grow without water.  If you're not sure whether you need to water, use a small hand trowel and dig down next to a plant (far enough away so you don't hurt it) to a depth of 6-8".  If the soil is dry, you need to water.

Continue to remove dead foliage and spent blooms from perennials to keep the garden looking neat, and to make room for fall plantings.  Consider planting fall blooming asters, rather than the traditional garden mums.

Divide large clumps of Hosta, Iris, and Daylily to encourage healthy new growth. Other perennials that can be divided in September are Astilbe, Coreopsis, Bleeding Heart, Heuchera, and Epimedium.  Check with your local nursery or agriculture extension office about specific plants you want to divide.

Fall is a great time to plant.  The cooler temperatures make transplanting less stressful for plants. Evergreens are especially appreciative of autumn planting.

Spring bulbs are great for early color, and now is the time to plant them.  Consider planting bulbs in areas with existing groundcover, or areas you typically plant annual flowers.  The groundcover or annuals will help hide the fading foliage of the bulbs after they bloom.

If you are planning any major lawn renovation, including seeding and sodding, now is the time to do it.  The ground is warm enough to promote rapid root growth, and cooler temperatures help keep the grass from drying out.

Keep an eye out for weeds.  Don't let the late season weeds go to seed in your garden, or you will reap the consequences next spring.