Six Gardening Jobs To Do In September

September is here. It's time for us to get back out in the garden!

Not sure where to start? This week, we have a list of six things for you to do in your garden this September. From bulb planting to bird-proofing plants, there's plenty for you to be doing to ensure your garden thrives this year and next.

So without further ado, let's get down to it!

It is hugely important that you use your mains water in very infrequent amounts. But then how do we get around watering our plants regularly? Simple… use stored rainwater! 

You can collect rainwater from a multitude of places, including your house roof, greenhouse, and garage, fetching the rain from the gutters and downpipe that meet your drain at ground level. Be sure to situate a water butt underneath your drainpipe so it can collect as much rainwater as possible.

To prevent the growth of bacteria and subsequent diseases, always keep your gutter free of debris. You will also need to clean out your water butt annually (Autumn is the best time), removing any sludge, algae, and grime on the inside. On the outside of the water butt, make sure to hose down and remove any stains or grime. Either use a mild washing-up liquid with warm water or use a water butt treatment.

When watering your plants with rainwater, make sure to use a watering can or a hose set to a coarse spray setting. Also, use the water regularly, as replacing the newly collected rainwater will dilute the stored water and keep it clean. If using a hose, make sure you disconnect it afterwards.

Dividing your perennials in Autumn will guarantee they stay healthy each year.

To successfully divide your perennials, you will need a garden fork to delicately lift the plants, going outward from the crown's centre. This is followed by shaking off any extra soil so that you have direct exposure to the roots. Depending on the plant, some will need to be teased out and replanted, while others can be raised and delicately pulled out.

Some plants with fleshy roots or woody crowns require a knife or spade for cutting. Try to produce clumps that have three to five healthy shoots. Divisions can be relocated to another part of the garden or replanted in the same spot. No matter the spot, make sure to water them well afterwards.

September is the perfect time to be planting your Spring-flowering bulbs, such as hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils.

Most bulbs should be planted in a dry, rootless state. If planted in borders, try to plant your bulbs in groups of six or more. Start by digging a wide hole that is relatively deep, planting your bulbs at two to three times their depth. Next, put your bulbs in the hole with their shoots facing upwards, and keep them twice the bulbs' width or more apart. After that, replace the soil and delicately firm it with the back of a rake. If planted in Autumn, make sure not to water bulbs excessively.

Generally, most bulbs are recommended to be grown in containers. Some others, however, have very specific requirements, like those with large flowers. For bulbs spending more than one season in a container, fill the display with three parts John Innes No. 2 soil and one part grit. Then plant your bulbs at three times their depth and a bulb width apart. Water them well afterwards.

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No matter whether your greenhouse is glass or plastic, it's super important that you keep it clean so that you can provide an ideal growing environment for your plants. Other jobs to check off your greenhouse maintenance list include removing plants and placing them in a sheltered area with fleece protection. Be sure to vacuum or brush all the debris out. Following that, use disinfectant to clean all structural parts. After that, wash any glazing material both inside and out and scrub off any old paint shade visible on the outside of the glass. 

To guarantee your safety, only clean what is safe and easily reachable, and do not put all your body weight up against the glazing or conservatory (also, wear eye protection and gloves!). Next, use a plastic plant label (or something similar) and remove any dirt located between the panes. Finish off by replenishing broken draught excluders and vent controllers.

Birds, more specifically pigeons, are notorious for wrecking havoc on your edible plants. They feed on many different varieties, pecking at the leaves and ripping off portions.

To prevent any potential damage this year, it is advisable to invest in a fruit cage or netting. If opting for netting, make sure to keep it firm and monitor it frequently for holes; this will stop birds and other animals from getting injured or trapped. You can get repellent substances; however, they provide only temporary protection.

Pigeons, in particular, will move to your garden to feed on different plants, especially when Winter sets in. Up to fifty birds can approach your allotments, so providing the right protection for your plants is a must. 

With the soil still warm following the Summer heat and the impending Autumnal rain soon upon us, now is the perfect time to plant your trees, both fruit and ornamental, as their roots can be established quickly. 

What's the best way to plant a tree? Start by digging a hole that equates to the same depth as your tree's rootball but is three times as wide. Soak your tree's rootball before you plant it and remove the tree from its pot. Place your tree in its designated hole so that the point where the roots meet the tree's trunk remains level with the surface of the soil. Proceed with refilling around the rootball, using your heel to press down the soil so there are no air pockets. Fit a spiral or tree guard, then water your tree so that its rootball is soaked. Over the soil‘s surface, place a mulch of organic matter. Using a mallet, add a stake and attach it to your tree's trunk with a tree tie.