Dry, desert-like air frequently spreads over this area in September, even along the Coast and up into northern California. Because of this, it’s a good idea to renew mulches and keep them moist, wet down walks and flower beds, wash off foliage of roses, shrubs, and trees. Water deeplyÑeven deciduous treesÑto prevent premature leaf drop and bud drop of camellias.
Lawns. Fertilize, but be sure the water you apply soaks in. Soil compaction often allows water to run off instead of penetrating to the roots. Aerifiers open compacted sod and admit air, water, and plant food, revitalizing the turf. Roots of trees and shrubs also need air to grow properly, especially if surrounded by a lawn.
Sow dichondra seed now for new lawns or to fill bare spots. Planted now, it will grow through the winter. Sown next month, it may not come up until spring. In late fall, rather than seed use plugs of dichondra.
Dig gladiolus and store in a dry, well ventilated place after cutting off the tops about 2 inches above the corms. They will be ready to plant again by November.
Bulbs to plant this month are the baby gladiolus, freesias, Dutch iris, Madonna lilies, narcissus, watsonias, ixias, and sparaxis. For later planting: anemones, ranunculus, daffodils, hyacinths, hybrid lilies, and others that do better put in when the weather is cooler. Prepare planting areas for them now.
Sow seeds now or set out plants of delphiniums, snapdragons, stocks, Iceland poppies, calendulas, larkspur, forget-me-nots, sweet alyssum, pansies, and violas for winter and early spring bloom. The low growing ones make attractive carpets over bulbs. Iceland poppies, larkspur, and forget-me-nots mingle well with daffodils, tulips, and lilies. Multiflora or Early Spencer sweet peas start blooming in late winter from seeds sown now. For still earlier blooms purchase plants.
Cultivate beds or borders of violets. Remove old runners and leaves. Fertilize and water thoroughly for October blooms. Plants from pots set out now will also bloom then. Since overfeeding results in many leaves and few flowers, use a fertilizer that is not too high in nitrogen. Fish emulsion applied once a month will encourage blooming from fall to summer.
For fall color. Plants you can obtain to set out now include perennial asters, heleniums, chrysanthemums, celosias, lantanas, begonias, geraniums, scabiosas, and salvias.
Prune trees to prevent damage from fall and winter winds. Evergreen elms often produce heavier tops than their trunks can support unless the branches are shortened and thinned out in the tops; but leave branches on the trunks of young trees for two or three years to hasten their thickening. Shorten these branches so they do not make excessive growth, and remove them when the trunks are strong enough to support the tops.
Vegetables. This is an important month for planting in warm winter areas. Sow seeds of beets, carrots, Swiss chard, endive, leek, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, and spinach. Set out plants of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage.
by D Westcott – 61644
