Top Ten Gardening Jobs for September
There is still plenty to do in the garden before the days really start to draw in and get chilly.
September is often a lovely month weather-wise, so make the most of it and get some of these jobs done…
1. Divide herbaceous perennials
2. Pick autumn raspberries
3. Collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals
4. Dig up remaining potatoes before slug damage spoils them
5. Net ponds before leaf fall gets underway
6. Keep up with watering of new plants, using rain or grey water if possible
7. Start to reduce the frequency of houseplant watering
8. Clean out cold frames and greenhouses so that they are ready for use in the autumn
9. Cover leafy vegetable crops with bird-proof netting
10. Plant spring flowering bulbs
Fruit harvest
- Now’s the time to harvest top fruit such as apples and pears. Look for fruit falling under the tree (windfalls) to indicate which apples are ready, but also check their taste and texture to determine whether they are ready for harvesting. Quince and medlars are also picked now. Finish tying in shoots on wall-trained fan trees.
More video advice on fruit
New displays at Wisley
Look out for new glasshouse displays at RHS Garden Wisley – bright begonias kick off the shows from 14 September–13 October, while Solenostemon is the star of the show from 21 September – 3 November. And make a note in your diaries that the The Fritillaria Autumn Show is on 29 September.
Gold medal planting
Head to RHS Garden Harlow Carr for a workshop with Nigel Dunnett, principal horticultural and planting design adviser for the London 2012 Olympic Park on 14 September. He will look at the design, ecology and aesthetics of creative meadow gardening. The day includes illustrated presentations giving the background to the ‘Sheffield School’ of planting design, and a guided walk. Members £40, non-members £45 (includes tea/coffee and all materials, but please bring your own lunch)
Join the RHS from just £39
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Get listening
Listen to our latest podcast, featuring news and expert tips from the RHS at http://www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
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