'I'm a gardening expert - these are five garden jobs you must do in September'

It's not time to take off the gardening gloves just yet - an expert reveals the top gardening tasks to get started on as summer comes to a close.

While some of us might be dreading the cooler weather, September is actually a fantastic month to get out into the garden. It allows gardeners to bridge the gap between summer harvests and preparing for the next growing season – which will ultimately help better support wildlife in your garden.

Gardening expert at Green Feathers, James Ewens, explains why gardening enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook September. He says: “ Your September jobs don’t have to be exhaustive, but a little goes a long way. Your garden is experiencing less daylight and cooler temperatures, and more moisture in your soil works in your favour for planting and establishing new growth.

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He continues: "September is also a vital time to support our wildlife populations by building up food and shelter reserves, including our feathered friends and our pollinators. These five small gardening jobs can make a huge difference to your garden’s success in the year to follow."

Plant spring bulbs

James says that September soil still retains warmth from the peak summer months, which means it’s the best time to plant your spring-flowering bulbs. This allows the roots to establish themselves before the winter chill kicks in.

James advises: “Spring-flowering bulbs, like daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths can develop strong root systems that will survive the winter chill, and develop vibrant blooms in spring - they’re worth the wait. By staggering your varieties, you can expect months of colour, with crocuses showing their faces in February, and late tulips in May.”

Plus, it doesn’t just benefit your garden. James adds: “Your pollinators need all the support they can get, and they’ll thank you for your efforts. Early spring blooms provide some of the first vital nectar sources for bees emerging from winter hibernation.”

Divide your perennials

Dividing herbaceous perennials is a gardening technique where a single, mature plant is cut into two or more smaller plants, each containing its own roots and crown, and comes with numerous benefits.

James explains: “Many herbaceous perennials, such as asters and daylilies, benefit from being divided every three to four years, and September is the perfect time for this.”

This is because the soil is still easy to work with and plants are starting to slow their growth rate. “Dividing your perennials prevents overcrowding, reduces plants’ competition for nutrients, and rejuvenates those older clumps that may have stopped blooming as vigorously.

“More flowers means more life to your garden. Not only aesthetically as you reap the benefits of gorgeous, vibrant blooms, but for your wildlife. Spreading different varieties of flowers helps extend the feeding season for pollinators, giving them the much-needed consistent source of energy and nutrients.”

Protect wildlife

Winter can be tough on animals. For this reason, James says that September is the perfect time “to create a safe haven by providing water, food, and shelter for those scarce cold months”.

He says: “Something as small as leaving the seedheads on your sunflowers, planting native trees and shrubs, and supplementing your garden with bird-loving food like high-energy bird cakes or fat balls provides a food source for birds.

“Piles of logs, leaves and branches can be a high-impact ‘lazy’ hack, creating instant shelter for hedgehogs, amphibians, and insects. Delaying heavy pruning gives insects a safe home for winter, maintaining biodiversity at the most crucial time of year.”

Lawn care

September is also a great time to perk up your lawn, according to James, as conditions are ideal for repair and rejuvenation. Lukewarm soil and consistent rainfall allows grass to germinate quickly, while airing out compacted soil improves drainage and root growth.

James says: “It’s the optimal time to overseed those bare patches on our lawns, so they can thicken before winter - giving that even, healthy appearance. A light feed in September with something high in potassium and phosphorus can promote strong root growth and winter hardiness. A healthy lawn not only looks good, but it also supports birds foraging for worms and insects.”

Harvesting

September is traditionally a busy month for harvesting. James says: “Apples, pears, plums, squash, pumpkins, late beans, and courgettes will now be ready to pick, and regular harvesting encourages continued fruitful crops, and prevents them from falling and going to waste.”

Plus, it can even ward away unwanted visitors. James adds: “Collecting fruits and vegetables at their peak also prevents pests and the spreading of diseases, so what better time to enjoy the fruits of your labour, quite literally!”