University of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Fall News
Article
PATCHING THE LAWN AND OTHER
SEPTEMBER GARDENING TIPS
Charlie Nardozzi,
Horticulturist and
Leonard Perry, UVM Extension
Horticulturist
Patching
bare spots in the lawn, planting garlic, and rooting flower cuttings
are some
of the gardening activities for this month.
Early
fall is a good time to patch bare spots in your lawn -- the cooler
temperatures
encourage good germination and root growth. Weeds aren’t
germinating
then either to
compete. Prepare the area by raking
thoroughly, loosening the topsoil if it is compacted, then adding a
thin layer
of compost or topsoil. Cover newly seeded areas with row covers or a
light
scattering of straw to keep birds from eating the seed, and keep it
well
watered.
As
long as lawns are growing, keep mowing.
With the cooler days later in the fall, grass will remain vigorous,
especially if there is rain. As during
the summer, don’t mow when grass is wet, if possible. This
ensures a
better cut, avoids clumps of
wet grass, and is easier on your mower.
The end of this month, or early next, with your expected last mowing,
mow
slightly lower. This avoids tall grass
over winter, which mats down and can lead to disease in spring.
Later
this month and into next is garlic planting time. Don't plant garlic
from the
grocery store, because it may have been treated to prevent sprouting,
and it
may not be adapted to your growing region. Place orders now for
garlic
for planting this fall, or buy when available at your local garden or
feed
store. Plan to plant your garlic shortly after the first hard frost --
this
will allow the garlic enough time to develop strong roots before
winter. Make a note to cover later in fall with a
light layer of straw mulch.
Root
cuttings of some flowers such as coleus, geranium, and thicker-stemmed
herbs, such
as sage, to bring indoors over the winter. Cut a 3-inch section of
stem, remove
the bottom half or two thirds of the leaves, and place in moist
soilless mix,
vermiculite, or sand. Place the entire container in a loosely tied
plastic bag
to maintain humidity. Other flowers and
herbs can be dug, potted, and kept indoors in a bright area to extend
their
life well into fall.
Begin
preparing houseplants for the move indoors. If possible, acclimate them
over
the course of a few weeks to the dryer, warmer, darker indoor
conditions by
placing them in a transition area
such as a porch. Inspect plants for pests before bringing them
indoors. Now, too, is a good time to repot if needed,
using a houseplant potting soil, not regular garden soil.
Avoid
pruning woody plants and roses now; it will encourage a flush of new
growth
that may be damaged by the upcoming cold temperatures. Instead,
wait
until late winter or early spring to prune
most trees and shrubs. Exceptions to this rule are spring-blooming
shrubs, such
as lilacs and azaleas, which should be pruned in spring after
flowering. You
can prune off branches that break in the wind or from other causes.
Continue
harvesting warm season crops of beans, peppers, and tomatoes, and be
prepared
to cover the plants in case an early frost threatens. If covered, these
heat-loving plants may survive a light frost. Use floating row covers,
which
are designed to hold the heat in, or take your chances covering plants
with old
sheets, cardboard boxes, or whatever else you can find. Extend the
covers to
the ground. Once done, or plants die
from frost, clean the garden.
(Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally known horticulturist,
author, gardening consultant, and garden coach
(CharlieNardozzi.com).
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