What to do in the garden in September? Autumn is a great time to plant shrubs and perennials because the soil is still warm from the summer and there is new moisture. Try growing autumn onion sets and garlic bulbs for the best harvests next year.
Plant garlic cloves 2cm (1 inch) below the soil surface and onion sets so that their tips are just showing above ground. It’s not too late to plant autumn bedding. Now is the time to think about which spring bulbs and perennial plants you would like for your garden next year. Order now ready for autumn planting. Cut back any fruited raspberry canes on your summer raspberries.
Tie in the new green canes to support wires or fencing. If you have autumn fruiting raspberries, you will still be harvesting your crop so leave their canes for a while longer. Plant up your winter hanging baskets and containers between now and October.
Take time to admire the sights of the late summer garden going into Autumn – and if you don’t have these in your garden, why not plan to plant them ready for next Autumn?
- Ripening fruits of Apples and Pears, colouring up in the September sun.
- Blousy and spectacular Hydrangea flower heads.
- Delicate Cyclamen hederifolium popping up its flowers ahead of the ivy-like foliage.