September brings an interesting transition to Bedford gardens. Summer vegetables and flowers may still be producing, but cooler nights are a reminder that fall is approaching. This month is a great time to keep harvesting, refresh tired garden beds, and begin preparing for the season ahead.
Keep Harvesting
Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, squash, and herbs may continue producing well into September. Harvest vegetables regularly to keep plants productive, and remove damaged or overripe produce. If your garden has produced more than you can use, consider freezing, preserving, or sharing the extras.
Plant for Fall
Early September can still offer opportunities to grow cool-season vegetables. Fast-growing crops such as radishes, spinach, lettuce, and other leafy greens are good choices for fall gardens. Containers are another option and can make it easier to protect plants when colder nights arrive.
Give Perennials Some Attention
Early fall is a useful time to divide and transplant many established perennials. Plants that have become crowded can often benefit from division, and the cooler weather gives new transplants time to establish roots without intense summer heat.
September is also a good time to evaluate your flower beds. Make notes about plants you would like to move, areas that need more color, and places where you might add native plants next year.
Don’t Clean Up Too Quickly
While removing diseased plants and troublesome weeds is important, your garden doesn’t need to be spotless. Consider leaving some healthy flower heads and stems standing. Seeds can provide food for birds, while stems and other plant material may offer habitat for beneficial insects.
A Fun September Project: Collect Seeds
Before removing your favorite annuals, try saving seeds for next year. Flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers can provide easy-to-collect seeds once their flower heads have matured and dried.
Label your seeds with the plant name and year, store them somewhere cool and dry, and you’ll have a little piece of this year’s Bedford garden ready to grow again next spring.
