September Gardening Tips

*Plant peonies now, but make sure the
crowns are buried only one and a half to two
inches below ground level. Planting them
deeper than two inches may keep them from
blooming.

*Root cuttings from annual bedding plants
such as begonias, coleus, geraniums and
impatiens. These plants can be overwintered
in a sunny window and provide plants for
next year's garden.

*Before the first frost dig up caladiums. Allow
them to dry and store them in a dry place for
the winter.

*Perennial phlox can be divided about every
third or fourth year. Divide big clumps of
perennial phlox into thirds. Early fall or early
spring are the best times to plant or
transplant them.

*Divide lily-of-the-valley.

*Select accent plants for your landscape that
will provide autumn colors. Trees that have
red fall color are flowering dogwood, red
maple, sugar maple, Norway maple, red oak
and scarlet oak. Shrubs with red fall foliage
include sumac, viburnum, winged euonymus
and barberry.

*Allow plants to finish the summer growth
cycle in a normal manner. Never encourage
growth with heavy applications of fertilizer or
excessive pruning at this time. Plants will
delay their dormancy process that has
already begun in anticipation of winter in the
months ahead. New growth can be injured
by an early freeze.

*Tree wound paints used after pruning are
no longer recommended as they can slow
healing and may promote decay.

*If pesky seedlings of woody plants, such as
elm, mulberry hackberry or maple are found
growing in your yard, remove them as soon
as possible. If left too long they will take over
gardens and other landscape plantings.

*Rake up leaves, twigs and fruit from
crabapple trees and dispose of them in the
trash to help control apple scab disease.

*Water newly planted trees and shrubs to
provide sufficient moisture and prevent
winter damage. Add a three inch layer of
organic mulch such as shredded bark
around the base of plants to retain soil
moisture and regulate soil temperature.

*Wood ashes contain phosphorous,
potassium and calcium. It can be placed on
vegetable gardens and flower beds.

*Save seeds from favorite self-pollinating,
non-hybrid flowers such as marigolds by
allowing the flower heads to mature. Lay
seeds on newspaper and turn them often to
dry. Store the dry seeds in glass jars or
envelopes in a cool, dry, dark place.

*Hot peppers will keep best if stored after
they are dry. Thread the peppers on a string
to dry. Hang in a cool, dry place.

*Pot up chives, parsley and other herbs to
extend the growing season in the house.

*Pears should be picked at the hard ripe
stage and allowed to finish ripening off the
tree. The base color of yellow pears should
change from green to yellow as the fruit
approaches maturity.

*Be sure to keep strawberry beds weed free.
Every weed you pull now will help make
weeding much easier next spring.

*Do not wait for frost warnings to move your
plants indoors. Temperatures of 45 degrees
Fahrenheit or lower can damage many
tropical house plants.

*Collect okra seed pods, gourds, sumac
seed heads, rose hips and other suitable
materials for dried arrangements. Air dry
these materials in a dark, cool location.

*Fall is a good time for improving your
garden soil. Add manure, compost and
leaves to increase the organic matter content.
Now is the time to:
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