The cool, crisp days of September are upon us.
Most of the garden harvest is in and you may be thinking of putting your garden to bed for the winter.
But wait!
There is still time to plant more cool season crops in the Mid-West.
September Means Time To Put Up The Cold Frames
While it is true what you can plant this month is limited, there are still quite a few options for your fall and winter garden.
Prepare your cold frames and frost covers just in case you need them.
Remember you can make a cold frame from four bales of straw and an old window.
This will protect young seedlings as well as older plants from frost or chilly nights.
Yes, You Can Plant Vegetables In September
This month you can direct sow argula, Chinese cabbage, collards, endive, lettuce, mache, mustard, parsley, peas, radish, sorrel, spinach and turnips.
You can also transplant Chinese cabbage starts into the garden if you have any.
Remember to keep your seeds and seedlings well watered.
Getting your plants to grow well right now is the key to keeping them alive longer.
Cool weather plants that are fully grown can be stored and harvested directly in the garden if they are given adequate protection from frost and fridgid weather.
If you are looking to plant cover crops over part of your garden, September is the time to plant alfalfa, buckwheat, hairy vetch, mustard, oats, radish, winter rye and winter wheat.
Divide Those Perennials Or Plant New Ones
September is certainly cooler and thus a good time to dig and divide perennial plants such as Hostas or Daylilies.
It is also a good time to scoop up those sale plants at garden centers or big box stores.
The cooler weather makes it easier for you to work in the garden meaning you can get work done you avoided all summer due to the heat.
It also means the plants you put into the ground will establish a solid root system over the winter months and be ready to take off come spring.
Of course, don't forget about planting bulbs this month.
Want to learn more about gardening year round?
Order a copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Year-Round Gardening written by Delilah Smittle and Sheri Ann Richerson.
The Backside Of The Gardening Calendar
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