What to do in your garden this September

By Chris Small of Orchard Nurseries

As we enter the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, there are many things that you can do in your garden. 

Summer bedding displays can still go on for a few more weeks, but they may look a bit tired. If you want more from them, keep them deadheaded, fed and watered, especially hanging baskets and pots. Don’t forget to water even if it rains, as the foliage may well shed the water away from the soil.

Now is a good time to take semi-hardwood cuttings of a wide range of shrubs and plants, such as Ceanothus, Choisya ternata, Cistus, Escallonia, Euonymus, Hydranga, Ilex (Holly), Lavendula, Lavatera, Philadelphus, Viburnum davidii & tinus, Weigelia, and semi-hardy plants like penstemons, osteospermums, and salvias.

This year’s growth has started to ripen, so bases are firmer. Cut the shoots 5-15cm (2-6 in) long just below a leaf joint, and nip out the growing tip, as this encourages a bushy plant. Remove the lower leaves, leaving at least two. With large-leaved plants such as hydrangeas, cut the leaves in half in order to reduce water loss. Dip in some rooting powder and insert the cutting into a pot or cells, with a 50:50 mixture of compost and grit or perlite. Water well and cover with a plastic bag, or in a propagator with a lid. Place in a well-lit, sheltered spot, not in direct sunlight. They should start rooting in 4-6 weeks. Keep checking for yellowing leaves and remove. The semi-hardy varieties need keeping in a frost-free location through winter. Once rooted, remove the bag or lid and pot up the following spring.  

September is a traditional time to plant, move and divide herbaceous perennials that have finished flowering. Lifting and dividing a clump of perennials allows you to rejuvenate the soil. Dig over the soil where you are planting, adding garden compost and a little fertiliser. Split the plant into good-sized pieces and replant 3 or 5 clumps – you will probably have more material than you need, so plant elsewhere or see if a friend or neighbour would like some. It’s a nice way to share plants and save a bob or two! 

September is a good time to treat lawns with nematodes to control cockchafer grubs and/or leatherjackets. Also, if you are having problems with vine weevils, now is a good time to apply vine weevil nematodes to control them.

In both cases, the soil needs to be good and damp, as it allows the nematodes to ‘swim’ through the soil. Order them online by mail order, store in the fridge until ready to use, and apply them as soon as possible as per the instructions on the packet.

And finally, have fun in your garden, gardening!

Visit www.orchardnurseries-york.co.uk to find out more about Orchard Nurseries. Email orchardnurseries@aol.com or call 01904 421153 to get in touch with the team.