In
the Vegetable Garden
-
Potatoes
can be dug as soon as the tops have died. Depending on your
area, they may store better in the ground that in the cellar.
-
Pick
lima beans while still green.
-
Harvest
and eat the early
onions first. The white and sweet varieties
generally do not store well whereas the yellows typically store the
best.
-
Thin
late beets now.
-
Keep
mature peppers and
eggplant fruits picked so that the smaller fruits
will develop.
-
Continue
to sow lettuce.
-
Blanch
cauliflower heads by pulling the leaves around the heads and fastening
with twine or string.
-
Pick
cucumbers as soon as they are large enough. Keep them well
watered so that bitterness is avoided.
-
Place
developing melons on a board so that they are protected from rot and
insect attack.
-
Remove
raspberry canes after they are done producing but be sure that you do
not injure the developing shoots that will be next years producing
canes.
-
Harvest
many herbs now, before they flower and are at their spiciest.
Dry thoroughly and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place
for best results.
-
Empty
soil should be planted in a good cover crop, such as Winter rye.
Sow early in the north so that it gets well established. Turn
into the soil next spring as a green manure.
-
In
the southern United States,
peas,
radishes,
string beans, and
turnips
will provide fall harvests if planted now.
In
the Flower Garden
-
Remove
the dead foliage of bleeding heart now.
-
Sow
Forget-Me-Not seeds now for bloom early next year. Sowing
directly over the top of a bulb bed that is through for the summer
makes a nice looking ground cover.
-
Although
it is not a good idea to divide well establish peonies, try replanting
ones that do not bloom. They may be planted too deeply.
Carefully work composted manure around your peonies for healthy blooms
next year.
-
As
soon as hollyhocks are done, cut them to the ground and remove all old
plant material to protect next years plants from disease.
-
Continue
to divide irises.
-
Oriental
poppies can be moved as summer is the time of year when you will have
the greatest success rate.
Trees &
Shrubs
-
Evergreens
can be transplanted out now if the growing tips are mature and have
stopped growing. Be sure to plant in a hole that is oversized
and water well. It is often beneficial to water the area that
you intend to place the plant several days in advance.
-
Begin
preparing areas that you intend to plant in lawn.
September is
generally a good time of year to plant.
Note: This almanac page should be
used as a general guideline of common garden tasks. You should modify the
list based on your specific geographic area. For a very useful tool to
aide in planning your garden,
click here. |