Six Gardening Jobs to do in September

đŸŽ” Do you remember? The gardening jobs of September?Â đŸŽ”
I'll see myself out...
September is here, and so it's time for us to get back out into the garden!
Not sure where to start? This week, we have a list of six things for you to do in your garden this September. From bulb planting to bird-proofing plants, there's plenty for you to be doing to ensure your garden thrives this year and next.
So without further ado, let's get down to it!
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Collect Rainwater

Climate change and the growth in population have resulted in the UK's water resources facing pressure to provide more. It is therefore imperative that you use your mains water in very infrequent amounts. But how do you water the plants otherwise? You can store rainwater! 
You can collect rainwater from a multitude of places, including your house roof, greenhouse, and garage, fetching the rain from the gutters and down pipe that meets your drain at ground level. You will also need to situate a water butt underneath your drain pipe so it can collect and store the water.
To prevent the growth of bacteria and subsequent diseases, you must always clean your gutter free of debris. As well as this, you will need to clean out your water butt annually (Autumn is the best time), removing any sludge, algae, and grime on the inside. On the outside of the water butt, make sure to hose down and remove any strains or grime. Either use a mild washing-up liquid with warm water or use a water butt treatment.
When watering your plants with rainwater, make sure to use a watering can or a hose set to a coarse spray setting. Also, use the water regularly; replacing the newly collected rainwater will dilute the stored water and keep it clean. If using a hose, make sure you disconnect it afterwards.
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Divide your Perennials

To guarantee healthy plants every year, it is recommended that you divide your perennials, especially during Autumn.
To successfully divide your perennials, you will need a garden fork to delicately lift the plants, going outward from the crown's centre. This is followed by shaking off any extra soil so you can see the roots. Depending on the plant, some will need to be teased out and replanted, while others can be raised and delicately pulled out. Some plants with fleshy roots or woody crowns will require a knife or spade for cutting. You must try to produce clumps that have three to five healthy shoots. Divisions can be relocated to another part of the garden or replanted in the same spot. No matter the spot, you need to water all of them well afterwards.
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Plant your Spring Bulbs 

 

September is the perfect time to be planting your Spring-flowering bulbs, like hyacinths, crocus, and daffodils.
Must bulbs should be planted in a dry, rootless state. If planted in borders, try to plant your bulbs in groups of six or more. Start by digging a wide and deep hole for your bulbs, planting them at two to three times their depth. Next, put your bulbs in the hole with their shoot facing upwards, and put them twice the bulb's width or more apart. After that, you need to replace the soil and delicately firm it with the back of your rake. If planted in Autumn, you do not need to water excessively.
Generally, most bulbs are recommended to be grown in containers, although some will have very specific requirements, like those with large flowers. For bulbs spending more than one season in a container, fill the display with three parts John Innes No. 2 soil and one part grit. Then plant your bulbs at three times their depth and a bulb width apart. Water them well, and during season, make sure to feed them with tomato feed. 
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 Clean your Greenhouse

No matter whether your greenhouse is glass or plastic, it is super important that you keep it clean so that your plants can have an ideal growing environment.
There are, of course, various jobs that need to be completed. Start by removing plants and placing them in a sheltered area with fleece protection. Then vacuum or brush all the debris out. Following that, use disinfectant to clean all structural parts. After that, be sure to wash any glazing material both inside and out and scrub off any old paint shade visible on the outside of the glass. To ensure safety during glazing cleaning, only clean what is safe and easily reachable, and do not put all your body weight up against the glazing or conservatory (also, wear eye protection and gloves!) Next, use a plastic plant label (or something similar) and remove any dirt located between the panes. Finish off by replenishing broken draught excluders and vent controllers.
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 Bird-Proof your Vegetable Plants

Birds, more specifically pigeons, are notorious for causing damage to your edible plants. They feed on many different varieties, pecking at the leaves and ripping off portions.
To prevent damage this year, it is advisable to invest in a fruit cage or netting. If opting for netting, make sure to keep it firm and monitor it frequently for holes; this will stop birds and other animals from getting injured or trapped. You can get repellant substances; however, they won't be able to give your plants more than temporary protection. You can also try calcium chloride-based deterrents, but they will only provide a certain level of protection also.  
Pigeons, in particular, will move to your garden to feed on different plants, especially as Winter makes its way over. Up to fifty birds can approach your allotments, so providing the right protection for your plants is highly necessary. 

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Tree Planting

With the soil still warm from the Summer heat and the impending Autumnal rain soon upon us, now is the perfect time to plant your trees, both fruit and ornamental, as their roots can be established quickly. 
What's the best way to plant a tree? Start by digging a hole that equates to the same depth as your tree's rootball but is three times as wide. Soak your tree's rootball before you plant it, as well as remove the tree from its pot. Place your tree in its designated hole so that the point where the roots meet the tree's trunk remains level with the surface of the soil. Proceed with refilling around the rootball, using your heel to press down the soil so there are no air pockets. Fit a spiral or tree guard, then water your tree so that its rootball is soaked. Over the soil‘s surface, place a mulch of organic matter. Using a mallet, add a stake and attach it to your tree's trunk with a tree tie.

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And here we are again, at the end of the road (for now!)
We hope you've enjoyed reading and are ready to crack on with your September gardening jobs!
As always, be sure to pay us a visit at Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre, where our team is here to assist you with all your gardening needs.
See you again soon!

 

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