September Gardening Activities - Region 2
September Gardening Activities – Region 2
Southwest, Desert, Interior Valleys/Southern California Gardens
States in this region include: Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (western) and California (Desert, Interior Valleys, Southern).
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Keep watering your lawn properly to keep it alive. This means you may need to increase your sprinkler frequency from three times a week to four, or even five. (That said, do be aware of any local water restrictions in your area.) "Hot spots" - those dry areas that don't seem to be getting enough water - should be watered individually, as often as daily, until they recover.
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Take care of yourself - it may be September, but it's still hot out there! Work in the yard only in the early morning, and for brief periods of time. It's important to stay completely hydrated with water, too: Drink water before you go out, while you're out and after you come inside. You won't "toughen up" to the heat this time of year by being in the sun - you'll only become more susceptible to heat sickness. (And as always, don't forget the hat and sunscreen!)
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It's time to buy and plant hardy bulbs - and yes, there are a number of them that can be grown in your region - offering a splash of terrific color to warm climes.
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Continue to water wisely! Check your sprinkler system for adequate coverage and efficient use of water. Use a rain gauge to determine how much water your sprinkler is actually providing.
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Start sowing your vegetable seed now - leaf lettuce, cabbage, root crops (radish, turnip, carrot), sugar peas and garden peas - and enjoy some crisp, homegrown salad (and other nutritious goodies) later.
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Add some flower power to your garden! Mid- to late September is the ideal time to start seed of stock, viola, alyssum, pansy, viola, ageratum, lobelia, calendula and snapdragon.
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Resist the temptation to fertilize your lawn now. September isn't the month to do it - wait until October, then fertilize to revitalize.
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Prune some of your landscape plants. Palms and cycads (sago palm), as well as most hydrangeas, can be cut back this month. Remember to use sharp clean shears or a pruning saw to get the job done.
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Take control of weeds before they take control of your garden. (Remember, they're weeds because they compete successfully with your landscape plants.)
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Late summer into early fall is an important time to tend to lawn chores. A little TLC now will help prepare the lawn for the months ahead.
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Water your trees. Your lawn's roots uptake most of the sprinkler water, so irrigate beneath the canopy for extended periods of time as needed. Especially susceptible are newly planted trees and those showing signs of drought stress. (Keep special watch on bald cypress, Chinese pistache, maples, ash and poplars.)
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Come to The Garden Party and share your gardening adventures with other home gardeners around the country. Post pictures of your garden, write a blog, or ask expert green thumbs for more help, tips or suggestions on how to enhance your outdoor living experience.
