September Jobs
General:
September is the perfect time to sow grass seed. Mow the area as short as possible in order to expose the bare earth. Gather the clippings, then rake the surface to expose more soil. Scatter the grass seed according to the instructions on the pack, and keep the area moist. A wildflower mix could be incorporated into the grass seed for a beautiful and wildlife friendly area.
Trim evergreen hedges.
Plant perennials so that they can establish roots before winter.
Start planting daffodils, and plant crocus corms in pots.
Plant out biennials such as Sweet Williams and wallflowers into their final flowering position.
Remove diseased leaves from roses, and from the ground beneath them, to avoid reinfection.
Cut back lavender, cutting the newest growth back by two thirds. Never cut into old wood as it won't grow back.
Keep watering pots planted up for autumn.
Take cuttings of salvias in case any less hardy plants are lost over winter.
Fruit & Veg:
Make new strawberry plants for free by pegging down runners into the soil around the parent plants. Once rooted, cut them from the main plant and pot them up.
Remove any fruits with brown rot from apples, pears, plums, cherries and peaches.
Order bare root fruit trees and bushes for planting later in the autumn.
Earth up brassica plants to keep them stable against the wind.
Keep leaves well watered.
Start harvesting winter squashes.
Cut back summer fruiting raspberry canes. Leave in place the strongest of the new green canes and tie them in to supports.
Plant winter lettuce in containers.
Wildlife:
Add a range of birdboxes to your garden to attract various species.
Help ensure there are safe spaces in your garden for wildlife - don't cut long grass yet or cut it in stages, to leave a buffer for those who need it.
Pile twigs or sticks at the back of borders for insects and leave compost heaps intact for hibernating wildlife.
Plant a hedge for wildlife - a mixed native hedge provides safe corridors for hedgehogs and small mammals, and berries for birds.