Gardening September

Welcome to our Gardening Calendar series! September is a pivotal month in the garden, a time of transformation when the summer's lushness begins to give way to the crispness of autumn. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, there's a list of gardening jobs to get through to ensure your outdoor space remains a haven for both you and the local wildlife. Let's break down the essential tasks by category.

**Lawns**:

Book your jobs for Autumn - probably October Leave clearance!!

September is your lawn's recovery time. After a long, hot summer, it's the perfect period to repair any wear and tear. Start by aerating your lawn to improve drainage and reduce soil compaction. Reseed any sparse areas to encourage thick, healthy growth. If you haven't done so yet, this month is also ideal for applying a fall lawn fertilizer to give your grass the nutrients it needs to strengthen before the winter.

**Borders**: Your flower borders might still be blooming, but it's time to start thinking ahead. Deadhead any spent flowers to encourage a last burst of blooms. Begin dividing perennials that have become too large or are starting to crowd their neighbors. This is also a prime time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, ensuring a burst of color when the warmer weather returns.

**Hedges and Bushes**: Keeping your hedges and bushes in shape is crucial in September. Trim any overgrown hedges before the nesting season begins to avoid disturbing wildlife. Prune summer-flowering shrubs now for better growth next year. Remember, it's all about maintaining structure and health, so don't go too drastic with the cuts.

By ticking off these gardening jobs in September, you're setting the stage for a thriving garden in the months to come. So, grab your gloves and get to it – your garden will thank you for the effort!