In September the long hot days of summer give way to cooler temperatures and the opportunity to prepare the landscape for fall.  Here are some important tips for this month.

Fertilizing Lawns.  When the temperatures begin to drop, feeding and preparing your lawn for winter is critical.  (Now is a good time to fertilize with rain forecasted for this weekend and next week).  With high temperatures in August, lawns need extra care and attention.   Use a fertilizer that is recommended for the turf and soil types in our area.  A balanced NPK ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash is recommended.

Lawn Pre-emergents.  A little effort in September using a preemergent on lawns will give you the weed-free lawn you want during the winter and into spring.  Preemergents work by stopping weed seeds from germinating so applying at the right time is important.  For organic gardeners Corn Gluten can be used as an effective method of preventing weeds.

Plant Color in the Fall.  As cooler type plants become available from growers, look to plant alyssum, snapdragons, ornamental kale, cabbage, peppers, chrysanthemums, dianthus, pansies, violas, petunias,  crotons, marigolds and dusty miller into your yard.  Chrysanthemums are perennials and can add wonderful color to the garden, patio or portch blooming up to three times in a year.   

Vegetables.  Vegetables are not just for spring and summer.  Beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, winter squash, peas, Swiss chard, lettuce, turnips, onions, and carrots are all crops that do well this time of year.  Vegetables can be planted from seed or transplanted.

Stephen Gent

Owner McDade’s Nursery, Tool, TX

www.mcdadesnursery.com