In the garden
September
What to do
What to do in the garden during September
Unsure of what to do in your garden in September, take a look at some of these articles.
Gardening To-Do’s – Temperate Rainfall Regions – September
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Gardening To-Do’s – Winter Rainfall Regions -September
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Gardening To-Do’s – Subtropical Regions – September
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Gardening To-Do’s – Countrywide – September
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What’s flowering and featuring in September
Keep an eye out around your garden, neighborhood and nursery for these ornamentals. All of them boast attractive features and flowers during September and the months that follow.
What’s in flower
Shrubs and Perennials
Annuals
Ground Covers and Perennials
Ground Covers and Perennials
Fruits and Vegetables
Shrubs and Perennials
Shrubs and Perennials
Shrubs and Perennials
Shrubs and Perennials
Climbers and Creepers
Shrubs and Perennials
Westringia fruticosa (Australian rosemary, Coastal rosemary)
Ground Covers and Perennials
Shrubs and Perennials
Climbers and Creepers
Ground Covers and Perennials
Shrubs and Perennials
Shrubs and Perennials
What’s Featuring
What to do in the garden in September
This is a nation wide South African giude of what to do in the garden during the month of September.
September in South Africa marks the start of spring, making it the ideal time for gardeners to prepare for a vibrant season. This guide offers comprehensive advice on what to plant, sow, and maintain throughout the month. Key tasks include planting summer-flowering annuals like sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots. It’s also the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias and gladiolus. Garden maintenance tips include regular mowing and watering of lawns, feeding and fertilizing plants, and controlling pests like aphids and snails. Regional considerations are provided to help gardeners across different climates in South Africa. By following this guide, gardeners can ensure a healthy, colorful, and productive garden throughout the spring and summer months.
What to Plant and Sow in September
Annuals
Start sowing summer-flowering annuals from mid-September to ensure a vibrant and colorful garden. These can be sown directly into garden beds or in trays for later transplanting. (Follow package instructions)
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) – Fast-growing, bright flowers that attract pollinators and deter pests.
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – A medicinal herb with small daisy-like flowers, often used for its health benefits.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – Tall plants with large, bright yellow blooms that follow the sun.
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) – Hardy annual with bright blue flowers, excellent for borders and cut flowers.
- Joseph’s Coat (Amaranthus tricolor) – Ornamental foliage plant with vibrant red, yellow, and green leaves.
- Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) – Delicate, daisy-like flowers in various colors that attract butterflies.
- Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – Low-growing plant with silky, cup-shaped flowers, perfect for sunny areas.
- Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) – Tall, stately plant with large, colorful flowers that attract bees.
- Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) – Bright, long-lasting flowers that are easy to grow and great for cutting.
- Sweet Scabious (Scabiosa atropurpurea) – Fragrant, pincushion-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees.
- Scarlet Salvia (Salvia splendens) – Bright red spikes of flowers, ideal for adding color to garden beds.
- Carnation, Pink (Dianthus) – Fragrant, clove-scented flowers in pinks, reds, and whites, often used in bouquets.
- Angled Lobelia (Lobelia anceps) – A spreading, ground-cover plant with small blue flowers, great for edging.
- Snapdragons, Dragon Flowers (Antirrhinum species) – Tall spikes of brightly colored flowers that “snap” open when squeezed.
- Balsam, Busy Lizzie, Water Fuchsia (Impatiens) – Shade-loving plant with vibrant blooms, perfect for pots and borders.
- Tobacco Plant (Nicotiana alata) – Fragrant, tubular flowers that open in the evening, ideal for night gardens.
- Begonia (Begonia Species) – Versatile plant with bright flowers and attractive foliage, suited for shaded areas.
- Celosia, Cock’s Comb (Celosia argentea) – Unusual flower heads that resemble flames or cockscombs, available in vivid colors.
- Red Periwinkle (Vinca minor ‘Atropurpurea’) – Low-growing groundcover with glossy leaves and red flowers.
Vegetables
September is ideal for sowing a variety of vegetables, allowing you to establish a productive vegetable garden for the summer:
- Parsley (Petroselinum species) – A popular culinary herb with fresh, bright green leaves.
- Garlic (Allium sativum) – A must-have in the kitchen, known for its strong flavor and health benefits.
- Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) – Vigorous climber with long pods, great for vertical gardening.
- Radishes (Raphanus sativus) – Fast-growing root vegetables with a crisp, peppery taste.
- Beans (dwarf/green, French beans) (Phaseolus vulgaris) – Tender, stringless beans that are easy to grow.
- Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) – Versatile and widely grown, producing juicy, red fruits.
- Pumpkins (Cucurbita maxima) – Large, sprawling plants producing big, nutritious fruits.
- Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) – A leafy green vegetable, perfect for salads and easy to grow in cool weather.
- Carrots (Daucus carota) – Sweet, crunchy roots that are rich in vitamins and perfect for snacking.
- Melons (Cucumis melo; Cucumis citrullu) – Sweet, juicy fruits that thrive in warm, sunny climates.
- Turnips (Brassica campestris var. rapa) – Root vegetable with a mild flavor, good for roasting or mashing.
- Sweet Peppers (Capsicum annuum var. longum) – Colorful, sweet-tasting fruits that are rich in vitamins.
- Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) – Leafy green with colorful stems, high in nutrients and easy to grow.
- Brinjal, Eggplant, Aubergine (Solanum melongena) – Glossy, purple fruits used in a variety of dishes.
- Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) – Perennial vegetable prized for its tender, spear-like shoots.
- Onions (Allium cepa) – Essential kitchen staple with a strong, pungent flavor.
- Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) – Versatile tuber that is a staple food in many diets.
- Gem Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. pepo) – Small, round squash with a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Cabbages (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) – Large, leafy vegetable that’s great for salads, slaws, and soups.
- Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. coulorapa) – Unique vegetable with a bulbous stem, slightly sweet and crunchy.
- Leeks (Allium porrum) – Mild, onion-like flavor, ideal for soups and stews.
Bulbs
Towards the end of September, start planting summer-flowering bulbs to ensure a stunning display later in the season:
- Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) – Elegant white flowers with large, glossy leaves, often grown in moist areas.
- Indian Shot (Canna Species) – Bold, tropical-looking plant with large leaves and bright flowers.
- Wild Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) – Attractive, clump-forming plant with lavender-colored flowers and a garlic scent.
- Fairy Lily, White Rain Lily (Zephyranthes candida) – Small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom after rain.
- Mexican Shell Flower, Tiger Flower (Tigridia pavonia x hybrids) – Striking, tri-colored flowers that open in the morning.
- Maltese Cross, Aztec Lily, Jacobean Lily (Sprekelia formosissima) – Bright red, star-shaped flowers, ideal for borders and containers.
- Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa x hybrids) – Fragrant, waxy white flowers often used in perfumes.
- Berg Lily, White Berg Lily (Ornithogalum candicans) – Tall spikes of star-shaped white flowers, perfect for borders.
- Giant Nerine, Large Pink Nerine (Nerine bowdenii) – Clusters of vibrant pink flowers on tall stems, blooms in late summer.
- Blue Squill, Blue Hyacinth (Merwilla plumbea) – Clump-forming plant with dense spikes of blue flowers.
- Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris spicata x hybrids) – Tall, slender spikes of purple flowers, great for attracting pollinators.
- Spider Lily (Hymenocallis narcissiflora x hybrids) – Exotic-looking, white, spider-like flowers with a sweet fragrance.
- Pineapple Lily (Eucomis autumnalis) – Unusual, pineapple-like flowers on tall stems, great for pots and borders.
- Dahlia (Dahlia x hybrids) – Showy, large flowers in a wide range of colors, ideal for cutting.
- Tuberous Begonia (Begonia x hybrids) – Bright, large blooms, perfect for shaded gardens and containers.
- Belladonna Lily, March Lily (Amaryllis belladonna) – Large, trumpet-shaped pink flowers that bloom in late summer.
- Gladiolus (Gladiolus species) – Tall spikes of large, colorful flowers, perfect for cutting and garden display.
Garden Maintenance
Lawn Care
- Mowing: Start mowing your lawn regularly as it begins to grow more actively. Keep the blades high for the first few cuts to avoid stressing the grass.
- Watering: Water deeply once a week to encourage deep root growth. In winter rainfall regions, lawns traditionally receive a scarification and top-dressing in autumn, but in September, light top-dressing and fertilization are recommended.
- Fertilization: Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g., 5:1:5 or 8:1:5) to promote healthy growth.
Feeding and Fertilization
- Annuals: Feed summer annuals with a fertilizer high in potassium every 2-4 weeks to support blooming.
- Fruit Trees: Thoroughly water fruit trees once a month and apply organic fertilizers. Specifically, apply magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) to grapevines and a balanced fertilizer like 3:1:5 to strawberries and other berries.
- Roses: After pruning, feed roses with a balanced rose fertilizer and water them twice a week.
- Clivias and Hydrangeas: Mulch well and feed clivias with bone meal. For hydrangeas, adjust soil pH with lime for pink flowers or aluminum sulfate for blue flowers.
Pest and Disease Control
- Aphids and Other Insects: Regularly check plants, especially roses, citrus, and young seedlings, for aphids. Use organic insecticides or a strong jet of water to remove them.
- Codling Moth: Spray apples and pears to protect them from codling moths. Begin spraying peaches and nectarines every 10 days to guard against fruit flies.
- Snails and Slugs: Scatter organic snail and slug killers like Ferramol around susceptible plants.
Pruning and Deadheading
- Pruning: Prune away dead, weak, and crossing stems from roses. Prune spring-flowering shrubs immediately after they finish blooming to encourage new growth.
- Deadheading: Regularly deadhead annuals, bedding plants, and perennials to prolong their flowering period.
Mulching
- Beds and Borders: Mulch all beds to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain cooler soil temperatures. This is especially important as temperatures rise in September.
Water Features
- Maintenance: Clean water features, divide water plants, and replant healthy pieces. Ensure pots are filled with heavy soil that won’t float when submerged, and add charcoal to the soil to help purify the water.
Container Plants
- Repotting: Dig out old potting soil from containers, replace with fresh soil, and feed with organic fertilizers. Water in well after feeding.
- General Care: Ensure that container plants are pruned, watered, and fed regularly.
Regional Considerations
While this guide provides a general overview, be mindful of the specific climate in your region:
- Winter Rainfall Regions: Wait until the soil dries out slightly before top-dressing lawns and applying fertilizers. Be cautious of late frost when planting summer bulbs.
- Summer Rainfall Regions (Highveld): Only remove frost protection when all danger of frost has passed. Continue to prune frost-bitten shrubs and sow summer vegetables once the threat of frost is over.
- Subtropical Regions: Start sowing and planting warm-season vegetables and flowers, but be vigilant about watering and feeding to cope with the heat.
