September brings cooler weather and warm soil which is ideal for growing. You can plant coo-season vegetables and sow seed for colorful spring wildflowers. Mid-to late September is time to really begin planting while the soil is still warm to promote root growth and establish your plants before it gets cold.
1. Sketch out your layout. Note areas of sunlight and shade and take into account the mature size of your plants. vegetables need at least size hours of sunlight. Wildflowers need full sun and do well in exposed areas where other plants might not do so well. You can also asses your landscape and replace shrubs, trees and perennials that may have been damaged from the summer storms or heat.
2. Prepare the soil. You must prepare the ground for your vegetable garden. This is done whether you are planting a raised bed or on the ground and even if the soil has been worked before. You must turn the soil to a depth of at least a foot. If you are working hard compacted soil that has not been worked before, you might consider renting a rototiller. Work in compost evenly throughout to about – inches and add fertilizer. Mix thouroughly and rake smooth.
3. Plant your veggies and flower beds. Cool season vegetable seeds to plant in late September include beets, brocolli, carrots, cauliflower, peas, spinach, cabbage, lettuce. Herbs such as rosemary and lavendar and most vegetable transplants can be planted through Thanksgiving generally.
4. Stagger the planting of seeds and transplants so if we have a hot spell, you won’t lose everything. You can prepare your wildflower areas but won’t sow the seeds until mid-Octobe.
5. Fertilize other plants. Now is the time to give citrus their third and final nitrogen fertilizer application. (Valentine’s day, Memorial Day and Labor Day). Also give your other plants their final light applicatin of fertilize for the year.
6. Winter lawn and cactus care. Do not fertilize your Bermuda lawn if you plan to overseed with winter rye grass. If you do not overseed, continue fertilizing to keep your Bermuda grass green through most of November. Watch for yellowing on your cactus and succulents through September and October due to the sun’s angle changing and becoming lower. Cover with shade cloth if needed until mid-October.
7. Keep Watering. It is still really hot so do not consider cutting back on water until temps begin to show signs of dipping below degrees and the nights begin to cool a little.
Most importantly, have fun -and enjoy your landscape. If you need help with your landscape design call Arizona Living Landscape & Design. 480-390-4477
