September Planting Guide

General Maintenance

     Mulches may have decayed and thinned over the summer. Replenish mulch layers with fresh material to maintain about a 2- to 3-inch thickness. From now through the winter, do not apply fertilizers containing nitrogen to most landscape plants. Fertilizers with the first number a zero; 0-X-X is a fertilizer with a low nitrogen level. Fertilizing trees, shrubs, lawns and ground covers with nitrogen in the fall can reduce the hardiness of some plants and promote winter injury. 

Pruning

         Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs and gardenias, hydrangeas, sasanquas and camellias. They have already set their flower buds, and any pruning now will reduce blooming. 

Vegetables

     In early September, plant transplants of tomatoes or peppers and seeds of squash, cucumbers, bush snap beans and bush lima beans. Transplants or seeds of broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can be planted throughout the month as can seeds of Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, collards, mustard, kale, kohlrabi and turnips. Sets (small bulbs) of shallots and bunching onions also may be planted this month, and small whole Irish potatoes can be planted 4 inches deep spaced 12 inches apart in well-prepared beds.