January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

General Care

Shortening days are a warning of impending winter. Frosts are possible. Sometimes the weather is settled and warm, the so called Indian summer. Dahlias come into full bloom as fruit ripens. Chrysanthemums are at their best. September is a good time for ordering herbaceous plants, roses, bulbs, shrubs etc. Mildew can be a problem in the autumn. Be ready to deal with it. Make sure any construction tasks are complete. Bad weather soon will stop you from completing them.

Flower beds

Move delicate plants indoors if frost is forecast. Gales are possible so ensure that stakes and ties are secure.

Lawn

September is much the same as any summer month, keep the lawn well mowed except in really dry weather. Use an autumn fertiliser if necessary. Although most lawn use dies down in September be ready to repair bare patches as required. The month can also be dry so ensure your lawn has enough water.

Pond

September is a quiet month for ponds. Feed your fish ready for the winter. In colder weather fish feed less. September is a month where the water is not really cold but live food becomes rarer.

Greenhouse

Some artificial heat may be required by the end of the month. Any shades you put up during the summer should be removed about now. Sow annuals now ready for spring. Collect up your primulas, cyclamens and cinerarias and take into the greenhouse before the night air gets too cold.

Vegetables

Lift main crop carrots and store. You may plant spring cabbages now. Under cover lettuce may be sown.

Indoors

Remember nights can be cooler so move delicate plants away from windows at night. Reduce the amount of feed and water given to houseplants. Shorter days mean less light so move plants that need light from west windows to south windows. Keep a watch for red spider mite.