September is a busy and important month in our gardens. Complete lawn programs, especially seeding, by mid-month to allow for 6 weeks of growing weather before frost.
Light Top Dressing of Good Soil
A light top dressing of good soil will correct uneven slopes or surface variations in the lawn. Work this soil into the grass plants by raking.
Light Feeding of All-Purpose Fertilizer
A very light feeding of all-purpose fertilizer in the fall encourages deeper rooting of grass and keeps it in good color. Seed heads are forming as grass makes an effort to reproduce.
Move The Lawn Every Four Days
Keep them down by mowing the lawn every four days. To toughen grass for winter conditions, apply muriate of potash lightly.
Dig, Divide, And Reset Peonies.
Before planting, work manure deep into the soil (if it is in the top layers of soil, manure is injurious to the tender crowns of the peonies). ¾” to 1” inch of coverage is sufficient. Peonies are alkaline-loving plants that benefit from applications of wood ashes.
Continue dividing and resetting irises and daylilies. Both thrive in similar conditions and respond beautifully. Plant in clusters for best results. Continue planting madonna lilies with 1” – 2” inches coverings.
November And December: Planting Other Lilies And Pansy Seeds
Prepare soil to plant other lilies in November. Plan their location for protection from wind and afternoon sun for vivid colors. Transplant perennial seedlings to permanent locations soon so they can develop strong root systems before cold weather.
Chrysanthemums begin blooming by mid-month, so feed with liquid manure and water well. Plant pansy seeds for December transplants. Take cuttings of Lythrum, lantana, geranium, pentas, and other herbaceous materials for the next season.
44659 by Robert H. Rucker