Although autumn does not arrive officially for a few more days, the colorful flowers of summer are already disappearing in the higher altitudes and leaves are changing color.
In the milder areas, the outdoor color will last for a few more weeks.
But all over the West, fall brings many important things to do as a new season opens. It’s time for planting new lawns and patching up old ones.
It’s the last opportunity to sow seeds of perennials for bloom next season.
New beds have to be prepared for the fall bulbs. Harvesting of summer vegetables is yet to be done, and additional ground must be readied for the winter vegetable plot.
It’s fun to garden in September—and the rewards will be enjoyed for many months.
Causes Of Bud Drop
Bud drop on fuchsias, camellias, and begonias can usually be attributed to a lack of ample and continuous moisture.
The soil should be humusy, partly to hold the moisture around the roots and to make the nourishment more readily available to the plants.
Monthly feeding with a liquid fish plant food helps to maintain large blooms over a longer period and keep them in good growing condition.
Check For Scale Insects
Check over the shrubs to make sure the main trunks are free of scale insects.
At first signs of them, spray with a good summer oil spray. The “backs” of these scaly pests are still soft and for that reason, an oil spray will clean them up easily now.
If you put the job off until wintertime, it becomes almost impossible.
Start Sweet Peas
Sweet pea planting time is here for folks in mild spots-from San Francisco south to the Mexican line, where winter bloom outdoors is possible.
He is sure to use seeds of the early or winter flowering types. The dealers have big jumbo packages at bargain prices.
Remember that the little sweet pea vines, until they are about 6” inches high, are subject to snails and slugs and bird attacks.
Snails and slugs can be routed with any of the bug-type metaldehyde pellets. The birds can be kept away by hanging shining little discs on strings.
Sweet peas like a sunny spot and soil enriched with Canadian peat moss and steer manure.
Planting Perennials From Seeds
There’s still time to sow seeds of perennials if you get them planted at once.
Try the following:
- Coreopsis
- Gaillardias
- Penstemons
- Canterbury bells
- Hollyhocks
- Gazanias
- Mexican primroses
- Delphiniums
- Rehmannia
- Foxgloves
- Thalictrum
The last three are for shade, while the others are sun lovers.
Keep Watering-Water Is Essential
Generally speaking, September is the time to cut down on watering. The idea is to harden off plants for the coming winter.
Yet, September days are often the hottest, so water is essential.
Watch the water problem carefully. You never save “garden money” by economizing on irrigation. Don’t waste water; simply do the job correctly.
44659 by Norvell Gillespie