As September arrives, gardeners are advised to focus on reviving lawns and preparing their outdoor spaces for the transition from summer heat to autumn's unpredictable weather. Experts highlight several key tasks to ensure gardens recover from dry spells and are set for the colder months.
Lawn Restoration
Restoring the lawn is a primary concern for many homeowners following a hot summer. Andy Simms, spokesperson for MyBuilder.com, emphasizes 'scarifying' the lawn to remove thatch—a layer of dead grass, moss, and organic matter—which prevents moisture from reaching the grass roots. This process can be done with a rake or a scarifier.
Jimmy Englezos, a gardening expert at Ronseal, recommends aerating the lawn, especially after rain, to improve drainage and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil. This encourages healthy regrowth. For struggling lawns, Simon Parry, a professional from Tres outdoor living, suggests using a lawn feed high in potassium and phosphorus to strengthen the roots. After scarifying and aerating, a sprinkle of drought-tolerant seed can also be beneficial.
Mowing practices in September are also crucial. Simon Parry advises mowing in dry weather, as cutting wet grass can damage roots. In early September, mowing every one to two weeks with high mower blades (around two to two-and-a-half inches) helps the grass absorb moisture and strengthens it against sun damage. As growth slows towards the end of the month, fortnightly cuts are sufficient. Leaving the grass at this height can also protect it from colder weather.
Planting and Harvesting
September is an opportune time for planting larger items such as trees, bushes, and hedges. This allows them sufficient time to establish roots before winter and begin growing in the spring. Simon Parry also notes that September is ideal for sowing seeds because the soil is still warm. Hardy annuals sown now can be ready by early summer, and hardy greens can provide winter harvests.
Sowing spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths is also recommended to help them develop strong root systems before winter. Container planting can ensure ample growth throughout autumn.
For those who cultivated fruit and vegetable patches over the summer, September marks the harvest season. Bumper harvests are common as plants reach their peak. Fruits such as apples, pears, and plums, along with vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, beans, onions, and potatoes, are typically ready for picking. It's important to remove any rotting fruits and clear out spent summer crops, which can be composted if healthy.
Garden Maintenance and Weather Preparedness
Clearing debris is another important task. Leaves, moss, and dirt accumulating on fences and decking should be removed using a stiff brush or a pressure washer on a low setting to prevent slips and wood decay. Maintaining garden borders by removing dead or damaged foliage can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Collected dead leaves can be used to create leaf mould, a soil conditioner that improves water retention, aeration, and provides nutrients. This is made by stuffing leaves into sturdy bags, poking holes, and allowing them to decompose over one to two years.
Preparing for unpredictable autumn weather is also essential. Experts advise inspecting fences, decking, and sheds for rot, loose nails, or cracks and repairing them to prevent further damage over winter. Items that could be blown away, such as wheelie bins or trampolines, should be secured or moved to a sheltered area. Fences should be checked for wobbly posts and strengthened. Creating decorative holes in fences can help reduce wind strain, and planting hedges or trees on the upwind side can act as a windbreak.
Timber decks are susceptible to cold, wind, and rain, leading to rot and mould. Composite decks should be swept clear of leaves and cleaned with warm, soapy water. Applying a weather-repellent sealant or stain to decks, on a clear day with temperatures above 10°C after cleaning off old treatments, can protect the wood.