• Northwest, and Northern
  California Gardens
• Southwest, Desert &
  Southern Cal Gardens
• Northeast, Midwest &
  Central Plains Gardens
• Southeast &
  Mid-Atlantic Gardens
• Rocky Moutains &
  California Mtn Gardens
• Tropical &
  Sub-Tropical Gardens

Gardening Tips for September

Southwest, Desert, Interior Valleys and Southern California Gardens

• 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. Remember to stay hydrated: Drink water before you go out, while you're out and after you come inside. You won't "toughen up" to the heat by being in the sun - you'll only become more susceptible to heat-related illness. (And as always, don't forget the hat and sunscreen!)
• It's time to buy and plant hardy bulbs for the Southwest - yes, there are a number of them that can be grown in your region, offering a splash of terrific color to warm climes.
• Continue to water wisely! Check your sprinklers and irrigation system for adequate coverage and efficient use of water. Use a rain gauge to determine how much water your equipment is actually providing.
• Sow vegetable seed now and enjoy crisp, homegrown salad later! Leaf lettuce, cabbage, root crops (like radishes, turnips and carrots), sugar peas and garden peas are great crops to start.
  • Lettuce is a low-calorie treat high in folic acid and several vitamins and minerals.
  • Cabbage comes in many shapes and colors, forming large heads of thick, fleshy leaves that are delicious either cooked or raw.
  • Garden peas can be grown vertically on supports, thus freeing up valuable garden real estate.
• Add some flower power to your garden! Mid- to late September is the ideal time to start annual seed of stock, ageratum, lobelia, pot marigold and snapdragon (among others).
  • Stock is an old-fashioned favorite, featuring sweetly fragrant flowers in pink, purple, white, violet or mauve.
  • Ageratum is easy to grow and makes a statement in the garden with its clusters of small, showy, fluffy, flower heads.
  • Lobelia is a heavy bloomer that adds impact to flower beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets.
  • Pot Marigold features bright, showy daisies in cream, bronze, yellow and orange.
  • Snapdragons bloom in shades of white, red, pink, yellow, purple and orange, depending on the cultivar.
• Perform a few pruning basics on 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.
• Take care of the lawn: Late summer into early fall is an important time for your turf. A little TLC now will help prepare the grass for the months ahead.
• Resist the temptation to fertilize. September is not the month to do it - wait until October to tackle that chore! Until then, keep watering the lawn properly to keep it alive. (You may need to increase your sprinkler frequency - just be aware of any local water restrictions in your area.) "Hot spots" - those dry areas in your lawn that don't seem to be getting enough water - should be watered individually, as often as daily, until they recover.

• Manage weeds before they take control of your garden. (Remember, they're weeds because they compete successfully with your prized landscape plants.)
• Water trees. Your lawn's roots drink most of the sprinkler water, so irrigate beneath tree canopies 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.)
• Come to The Garden Party and share your gardening adventures and ideas with other green thumbs in your region, as well as nationwide. Post pictures of your garden, write a blog, or ask expert gardeners for more help, tips or suggestions on how to enhance your outdoor living experience.