Top tips for gardening in September

Spring flowering bulbs

September is the month to plant most spring flowering bulbs. Tulips benefit from later planting in November, but its best to make your selection now while the choice is wide. As the summer bedding plants come to an end, the ground should be prepared for spring flowering plants such as Wallflowers, Forget-Me-Nots and Pansies – the effect can be stunning if bulbs are planted amongst them. Be adventurous and design a colour coordinated display to turn the neighbour’s heads.

Trees and shrubs

September is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs while the soil is still warm. Remember to water them well so they become established before the winter arrives. Plants planted now will have a head start and will be sufficiently established next spring to withstand a water shortage, should we have a dry spring.

Perennials

Perennials that have finished flowering often look untidy at this time of the year and should be cut down so as not to spoil the displays of brilliant colour provided by the Dahlias, Chrysanthemums and Asters. At the same time as cutting down, any old clumps that have outgrown their strength will benefit from being divided and replanted with fresh compost to give them added vigour next year. A good watering is essential.

Grass seed and turf

Gardening in September is the best time of year to sow grass seed or lay turf for a new lawn. It is important to prepare the ground thoroughly – all traces of weed should be removed and the ground dug and raked to break down the lumps. Never work a soil that is too wet; a good indication is that if the soil sticks to your boots, then it’s too wet. Whether you choose to sow seed or lay turf, the Aylett’s team can help with advice and the necessary essentials to create a first-class lawn. Visit our page on lawncare for more information.

Dahlias

Continue feeding Dahlia plants until the middle of the month with Sulphate of Potash and Superphospate in equal parts to promote the formation of good firm tubers. Apply at a rate of one handful per three plants, sprinkle around the base of the plant and water well.

Potatoes

Main crop potatoes can be harvested this month. After drying out, store in paper sacks which are available in our garden shop. Potatoes must be kept dark or they will turn green making them inedible, so store in a cool frost-free situation. It is important to remove any tubers left in the soil to prevent disease being carried over to next year. Also in the vegetable garden, it’s time to prepare the soil ready for Japanese Onion sets which will be available later this month. The soil should be worked to create a fine tilth adding a general fertiliser.

Contact our friendly team

Browse our range of plants, tools and accessories at our garden centre in St Albans – perfect for gardening in September.

For more information, contact our friendly team on 01727 822255 or email us on info@aylettnurseries.co.uk.