kate burtonwood -- Lover of Green Things, rhs and botanically trained horticulturist, happy gardener
Things to do this month
Wet weather work – It’s been a wet month, so line up any inside jobs you have, like greenhouse work, cleaning tools, preparing seeds, trays and pots, and anything you can think of that will save you some time next month. Sowing – Seeds …
Weather watch – Keep an eye on rising temperatures. After the cold in February everything is a little unpredictable – but you will want to start to think about cutting back more tender herbaceous plants in advance of spring growth and hardening off plants which …
Start sowing: You can start off vegetables and flowers indoors. If you don’t have a greenhouse or a propagator, a warm windowsill will do. Start weeding: Even at this time of year unwanted plants are sprouting. Common weeds like hairy bittercress and celandine are …
Winter pruning: Now’s the time to prune wisteria, some fruit trees and climbing roses. Additionally, if you haven’t been out properly since the winter snow, you may find damaged trees and shrubs you need to tidy up. Plan ahead: Choose and order your …
Have a good tidy of the shed. It’s clichéd, but it’s a good way to spend some “outdoor” time inside. And if you find you’re missing some vital equipment you could always add it to the Xmas list. Move plants – if …
Plant hedges: Now is a good time for bare root planting, and if you are thinking of installing some hedging (either evergreen or deciduous) mid autumn is ideal. Repot Acers: In Autumn you can work on deciduous trees. Acers in particular will appreciate being …
Cut back borders: It’s time to chop your herbaceous plants to let them overwinter quietly in the ground. Visit gardens with Autumn colour: Leaves are changing fast and soon they will be gone. Head out to great tree collections (I like Stourhead, Westonbirt and …
Change pots: With the days getting shorter and temperatures falling next month, it’s time to think about changing plants in your pots to give an Autumn/Winter display. I’ve done one of mine here. Lawncare: September is the month for scarifying and giving your …
Visit gardens with later Summer borders and prairie plantings. Many of these will be at their height, so don’t miss out. In the garden: Weeding and Deadheading. It’s the bread and butter of the summer months. Planning ahead: Start taking cuttings of tender …