September is a month of transitioning
“September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” –Helen Hunt Jackson
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Courtesy of Steve Kawaratani
There is still time to enjoy roses into late summer and fall if they are well groomed, watered deeply and fertilized
Labor Day weekend has arrived in Laguna and beyond, the last holiday of summer, although no one has likely mentioned that to our gardens. The calendar may be approaching fall, but warm afternoons will likely continue through September. Still, cooler mornings and shorter days are beginning to hint that a change of season is on its way.
For gardeners, that means this is a month of transition. There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy, while a few autumn chores can begin finding their way onto our lists; preferably after the holiday weekend.
Q: My roses aren’t looking their best. Should I prune them now?
A: A light cleanup is fine, but save the serious pruning for later. Remove spent flowers, dead or damaged growth and leaves showing signs of disease. Continue watering deeply as temperatures dictate. Many roses will respond to September’s shorter days and cooler temperatures with fresh growth and another flush of flowers.
Q: Should I start watering less now that it is September?
A: Not necessarily. As I noted, this month can still bring warm, dry weather, so check the soil a few inches below the surface before deciding whether to water. Containers may still require frequent attention, especially in sunny or windy locations. As temperatures moderate and plants begin using less moisture, watering can gradually be reduced.
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Photo by Catharine Cooper
Our late summer garden will shift to the cool season when the weather permits
Q: Is it too early to start fall vegetables?
A: Not at all. Lettuce, radishes, carrots, snap peas and other cool-season vegetables can be started as summer crops finish their cycle. Broccoli and cauliflower can also begin finding their way into the veggie plot. If the weather turns hot again, give seedlings some afternoon protection and keep the soil evenly moist. As we know, September occasionally likes to pretend it is still August.
Q: Some of my summer flowers are looking worn out. Should I pull them?
A: A little deadheading and removal of yellow or damaged foliage can keep many annuals and perennials attractive for several more weeks. Plants that have stopped flowering or are clearly declining can be removed, giving you an opportunity to prepare the soil for what comes next.
Q: What can I plant now for fall color?
A: Nurseries and garden centers will soon be filled with pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendulas and other cool-season color, but there is no upside to planting them during an early September heat spell. When temperatures have moderated, begin refreshing a few containers or beds. Otherwise, prepare the soil, enjoy what is still blooming and wait for cooler weather.
September is a month when summer and early fall share the garden. Pay attention to the weather and let the garden shift to fall at its own pace. And since it is Labor Day weekend, gardeners deserve a little less labor too; the weeds will still be there Tuesday. See you next time in the garden.
Steve Kawaratani, a regular columnist with Stu News Laguna, has been a local guy for seven decades and likes to garden and drive the Baja Peninsula with Catharine and Loki. He can be reached at plantman2@mac.com or 949.494.5141.
