Grow Your Own - September Jobs

September is the perfect time of year to grow your own produce! Now is the time to reap the rewards of your hard work throughout the growing season. Whether you are an avid gardener or a beginner, there are plenty of jobs to be done in the garden this month to ensure that you get the most out of your garden. From harvesting your crops to preparing for winter, there's plenty to do to get your garden ready for autumn. Read on to discover some of the key September jobs to help you grow your own!

What to Sow & Plant in September
Sowing and planting in September is a crucial step in ensuring a bountiful garden next year. In the UK, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that can be planted or sown this month to take advantage of the cooler weather and prepare for the spring.

When it comes to fruit, it's a great time to continue planting new strawberry beds. These delicious berries thrive in the UK climate and will provide a sweet treat next summer.

For vegetables, consider sowing turnips, spinach, winter lettuce, and Oriental vegetables for overwintering. These crops will mature in the spring and give you an early start on your vegetable garden. Additionally, planting overwintering onion sets will ensure a harvest next year.

If you sowed spring cabbages last month, they are likely ready for planting out. To protect them from pigeons, cover them with horticultural fleece or netting.
Another important task in September is sowing green manures, such as crimson clover and Italian ryegrass. These plants act as soil improvers, covering bare areas and conserving nutrients. When dug in, they improve soil texture and prepare the ground for future planting.

By sowing and planting in September, you are setting yourself up for success in the coming months. Take advantage of the cooler weather and get your garden ready for the seasons to come.

What is ready to harvest in September
September is a bountiful month in the garden, with plenty of fruits and vegetables ready to be harvested. Here are some of the delicious and nutritious crops that you can enjoy in September:

• Apples and pears are at their prime, offering a sweet and juicy treat.
• Quinces and medlars are also ready to be picked, adding unique flavors to your dishes.
• Plums and damsons are abundant, perfect for making jams or enjoying fresh.
• Autumn raspberries provide a burst of flavor, perfect for snacking or adding to desserts.
• Perpetual strawberries continue to produce, offering a taste of summer even as the seasons change.
• Grapes are ready to be harvested, perfect for enjoying fresh or turning into wine.
• Melons, figs, kiwifruit, and cranberries are also ready to be enjoyed, adding a touch of sweetness to your meals.
• Tomatoes are abundant and can be used in salads, sauces, or preserved for later use.
• Salad crops such as lettuce, rocket, and spinach are ready for harvest, adding freshness to your meals.
• French and runner beans provide a hearty addition to your plate, perfect for stir-fries or steaming.
• Courgettes and cucumbers can be picked, offering a versatile vegetable for a variety of dishes.
• Peppers are ready to be enjoyed, adding a pop of color and flavor to your meals.
• Sweetcorn is at its peak, perfect for grilling or steaming.
• Onions and shallots are ready to be harvested, adding a savory flavor to your cooking.
• Marrows, pumpkins, and squashes are ripe and can be used in soups, stews, or roasted dishes.
• Globe artichokes can be harvested and enjoyed, offering a unique and delicious vegetable for your meals.

With such a wide variety of crops ready to be harvested in September, you can enjoy the fresh flavors of the season and create delicious meals straight from your own garden. So get out there and start harvesting the fruits of your labor!

Plants to Prune and Train in September
Pruning and training your plants in September is an important step in maintaining their health and encouraging future growth. This month, focus on the following tasks:

For fruit trees, continue tying in any shoots on fan-trained trees to ensure they are supported and properly positioned. This will help them grow in the desired direction and maximize fruit production.

When it comes to berries, cut back the old canes of blackberries and hybrid berries after they have finished fruiting. This will promote new growth and ensure a healthy crop next year. Don't forget to tie in the new canes to provide support and structure.

For blackcurrants, it's time to prune them. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open and airy structure. This will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases.

If you have kiwifruit plants, after harvesting the fruit, it's time to spur prune them. This involves cutting back the canes to a few buds, encouraging the growth of new shoots and ensuring a more manageable and productive plant.

By dedicating some time to pruning and training your plants in September, you are setting them up for success in the coming months and years. Enjoy the process and watch as your garden thrives with proper care and attention.

Garden Problems, Pests & Diseases in September
As you tend to your garden in September, it's important to be aware of potential problems, pests, and diseases that can arise. Stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any issues that may affect your plants. Here are some common garden problems to watch out for this month:

Tomatoes can be prone to blossom end rot, a condition where the bottom of the fruit turns black and becomes leathery. This is often caused by calcium deficiency or irregular watering. Make sure to provide consistent watering and consider adding calcium-rich amendments to the soil.

If you recently harvested potatoes, be sure to clear any debris left behind and take care not to damage the tubers. Potatoes are susceptible to rotting if left in moist and crowded conditions.

Keep an eye out for bacterial canker, a disease that affects a variety of fruit trees, including apples, pears, and cherries. Look for sunken lesions on the bark or oozing sap. If you spot any signs of canker, prune affected branches and disinfect your tools to prevent further spread.

Grapes can be a tasty treat, not only for you but also for wasps. As the fruit ripens, make sure to protect your grapes from these pesky insects. Consider using netting or traps to keep them away.

By being proactive and addressing garden problems, pests, and diseases in September, you can ensure the health and productivity of your plants. Stay informed and take action when necessary to maintain a thriving garden. Happy gardening!

General care
In the midst of the September gardening frenzy, it's important not to neglect the general care of your plants. This month, take some time to provide the extra attention and TLC that your garden needs to thrive. Here are some general care tips to keep in mind:

For fruit trees, continue to monitor and adjust support for heavily-laden branches to prevent breakage. Harvest top fruits like apples and pears, paying attention to windfalls and assessing taste and texture for readiness. Don't forget to order new fruit trees, canes, and bushes to expand your orchard.

In the vegetable patch, keep a close eye on watering. Inconsistent watering can lead to problems like blossom end rot in tomatoes, root vegetable splitting, and flower abortion in runner beans. Take the time to water well during dry spells, using stored rainwater whenever possible. Also, remember to earth-up celery for the final time this month, leaving just a tuft of foliage sticking out of the trench to blanch the stems.

Lastly, don't forget the importance of mulching. As the weather begins to cool, a layer of mulch around your plants will help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil. Consider using organic matter like straw or compost for optimal results.

By following these general care tips, you'll be giving your garden the love and attention it needs to flourish.