Things to do this month-September

This is the month when we really get going with warmer soils promoting germination of seeds
and growth of plants. However, at the time of writing in Mid-August we have had colder and
wetter conditions. So, we may have to wait a bit longer, otherwise the likes of sweetcorn, bean
and pea seeds are likely to rot rather than germinate. However, to achieve those early crops,
sow in multicell trays in the greenhouse or cold frame.

In the vegetable garden – Sow seeds of radish, snow peas & peas, beans, carrots, parsnips,
turnips and beetroot. Plant seedlings of lettuce, cabbage, kale, onions, and silver beet plus more
shallots. Plant potatoes. sow beans, carrots, and parsnips toward the end of the month as the
soil warms. Include a dressing of general fertiliser (Neutrog’s Gyganic is ideal) at planting time,
and lime if it was not applied in winter. Apply slug & snail bait. Hoe weeds regularly. Provide
support for broad beans. Apply mulch & fertiliser to strawberry beds and rhubarb.

In the flower garden: – Plant seedlings of Pansies, Violas, Poppies, Lobelia, Alyssum, Dianthus,
Lupins, Madeira Daisies, Marigolds, Candytuft, and Cleome. Provide support for Sweet Peas.
Plant seedlings of Dianthus, Petunias and the whole range of summer flowers as seedlings and
potted colour when they become available later this month. They are great in pots. Apply
fertiliser to Camellias (Kahuna) and Roses (Sudden Impact). Use specific fertilisers with low
phosphorus for Natives. Bush Tucker from Neutrog is giving great results. Watch for aphids and
blackspot on roses and treat as necessary.

Lawns: – Apply fertiliser. Control weeds with a broad leaf lawn weeder. Mow regularly. Check
sprinkler systems. Ants often colonise them during the winter months.

Fruit trees: – Prune apple trees. Keep the base of all fruit trees free of weeds. Spray nectarines
and peaches for “Curly Leaf” just as colour of flower buds appears with a copper product, such
as Bordeaux Mixture. Spray thoroughly just as the buds show colour and repeat if rain occurs
within the next 48 hours. Apply citrus & fruit tree fertiliser (Gyganic) to all fruit trees and
strawberries. Protect strawberries with suitable netting and apply slug bait to protect fruit as it
ripens. Watch for Black Aphid on plums, nectarines, and peaches. If spraying is necessary for
aphid control, only spray in the early morning or late evening when bees are not around.

Quote: “You know that you are a gardening fanatic when you put your favourite garden tools in
the dishwasher to clean them”: Summerdale Classics

– Ralph