SEPTEMBER 2024

As we enter September, we will continue spot treating for weeds and applying our custom-blended slow-release fertilizer combined with an insecticide. Rest assured, we will also inspect your lawn for any underlying issues. In the upcoming weeks, once our daily temperatures are conducive, we will commence our pre and post-emergence herbicide blanket applications to effectively manage weed growth.

It may be hard to believe, given the frequent record high temperatures during our summer months, but September 22 marks the first day of Fall. I'm sure I am not alone in expressing my eagerness for it! As we move towards the cooler months, now is the perfect opportunity to switch from heat-loving plants in our gardens to more delicate varieties.

Valuable Fall Gardening Tips

Flower beds: Now is a great time to prepare and spruce up your flower beds. By planting annuals and bulbs that thrive better in slightly cooler temps, you can add beautiful fall colors to your landscape. Coleus, cosmos, gaillardia, impatiens, marigold, vinca, salvia and zinnia are great examples that thrive well in our area. Fall is also the time to separate and replant your perennials. You want to give them enough time to re-establish before the cold weather sets in. Additionally, some bulbs you might consider planting are:African lily, amaryllis, crinum lily, society garlic, Aztec lily, calla lily, narcissus, shell ginger, gladiolus, spider lily and rain lily.

Pruning: You should avoid pruning most trees until late winter or early spring.

Irrigating Plants:  Keep in mind that as the temperatures drop, your plants may need less watering.

Vegetables and Herbs:  The preparation for a fall-season garden is the same as for an earlier garden. If you use the same area for your garden throughout the year, after your final summer harvest, make sure to pull all of the plants out - - - root and all - - - to reduce the risk of disease and fungal issues. Rotating the area of your garden plots can also help reduce those issues. If you are selecting a new location or are a novice grower, make sure to select a sunny spot as most vegetables do not thrive in the shade. An ideal location would be an area that receives a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight daily, although some vegetables like broccoli, collards, and spinach can also thrive in partial shade. Avoid situating your garden close to hedges or trees as they can create excessive shade and compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients. Placing the garden close to the house will make it easier for regular pest and disease inspections and monitoring for larger pests like birds, squirrels, deer, and rabbits. Having it close to your house will also make it convenient to tend to the garden chores and harvest the fruit. Make sure it is close to a water source for easy watering; for optimal results, it is crucial to water your garden regularly. Mulches and organic matter will improve the soil's ability to hold onto water and reduce evaporation.

Cool-season vegetables that can be planted this time of year include leafy-green vegetables like cabbage, collards and spinach. Collards will withstand wide ranges of temperatures if properly conditioned. They may be direct seeded and thinned to cabbage spacing or plants may be set. Collards can be harvested by cutting the whole plant or by "cropping" individual leaves. Other cool-season vegetables that you can enjoy include radish, beets and carrots. Broccoli is also an excellent fall home garden crop. Bulb onions will not be ready to harvest until spring. Plant onions September through December. Radish is a fun and fast-growing vegetable to cultivate. It should be ready to harvest 25 to 30 days after planting. Plant radish seed September through mid-October. Other cool season vegetables to consider are: Beets, plant Aug. 1-Sept. 20; carrots, plant Aug. 20-Sept. 15; cauliflower, plant Aug. 15-Oct. 15; kale, plant Aug. 15-Oct. 15; lettuce, plant Sept. 1-Oct. 1; mustard, plant Aug. 20-Sept. 10; spinach, plant October-November; turnips plant Aug. 10-Oct. 1.

This is also the perfect time to plant an outdoor herb garden. Some suggestions are: sweet basil, chives, garlic chives, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme, mint, and rosemary.