September………………………………….Average Daily Temp 77-Average Rainfall: 5.1
PLANT new bedding plants such as zinnia, portulaca, lantana and marigold, for Fall color in the garden. Timing is right for planting, in open ground, wildflower seeds such as sweet alyssum, cleome, coreopsis, and hollyhock, petunia, pansy, sweet william, etc., but be sure to water all plants and seeds in well and water often until Fail rains begin. Thorough watering allows soil/plant "connection", preventing air pockets. It is also a good month to transplant aspidistra, four-o'clock, phlox, and violets. If you did not complete transplanting iris and daylilies last month, you may do so now. All lilies, such as Regal, Tiger and Exotics may be planted now. Use bone meal mixed with soil. Water in. Winter hardy herbs may also be planted now. Chives and garlic grow well in our area.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS are so beautiful beginning in October; let's do a little work now to assure healthy foliage and maximum bloom. Feed lightly over next two to three weeks. Liquid fertilizer produces faster results. Keep well watered.
ROSES: Continue feeding liquid fertilizer only (such as Miracle Gro in weak solution) and watering Discontinue feeding about mid-month. Continue to spray for black spot control. Prune dead branches stems. Prune spent blooms, going down stem to a cluster of five leaves, on hybrid teas. Prune tops of ole fashioned roses for new spurt of bloom. October is show-stopper month for roses. Make sure they are ready.
CLEAN-UP: Spent blooms should be bagged and destroyed, to avoid diseases, but clean, healthy stem~ and branches, and certainly leaves and grass clippings are great in the compost pile. September is a good month to start one, taking advantage of Fall leaves.
WATERING schedule should be continued; containers and flowerbeds particularly. As cool nights begin discontinue any late afternoon watering, especially on lawns. Water lawns early in the day.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com
CHRYSANTHEMUMS are so beautiful beginning in October; let's do a little work now to assure healthy foliage and maximum bloom. Feed lightly over next two to three weeks. Liquid fertilizer produces faster results. Keep well watered.
ROSES: Continue feeding liquid fertilizer only (such as Miracle Gro in weak solution) and watering Discontinue feeding about mid-month. Continue to spray for black spot control. Prune dead branches stems. Prune spent blooms, going down stem to a cluster of five leaves, on hybrid teas. Prune tops of ole fashioned roses for new spurt of bloom. October is show-stopper month for roses. Make sure they are ready.
CLEAN-UP: Spent blooms should be bagged and destroyed, to avoid diseases, but clean, healthy stem~ and branches, and certainly leaves and grass clippings are great in the compost pile. September is a good month to start one, taking advantage of Fall leaves.
WATERING schedule should be continued; containers and flowerbeds particularly. As cool nights begin discontinue any late afternoon watering, especially on lawns. Water lawns early in the day.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com