Belle Mead Farmers Co-Op
 | GARDENING TIPS FOR SEPTEMBER |
| Expect the first frost in our area from 9/25-10/10 |
| Early in the month sow lettuce, spinach, and radish seeds for a late harvest. |
| Harvest tomatoes, peppers, beans, and squash before the first frost. Should an early light frost be predicted, a row cover or blanket can protect the crops to extend the harvest. |
| Sow a cover crop such as rye or buckwheat in the vacant areas of the vegetable garden. Later in the year this will be turned under as a green manure to enrich the soil. |
| September is the time to bring the houseplants back inside. Examine them for pests and spiders first. A good rinse with the hose or an application of insecticidal soap should remove any stowaways. |
| Dig dahlias, cannas, begonias, and gladiolus before frost blackens the foliage. Dry them for 1-2 weeks before storage. |
| Seed and feed bare spots in the lawn. |
| FALL IS FOR PLANTING: |
| Mums, flowering kale and cabbage, pansies, and dianthus. Plant, divide and move early blooming perennials. Evergreens can be planted now. Sow seeds of larkspur, poppy and sweet alyssum for early spring bloom. |
| Purchase spring bulbs this month for the best selection. |
| Cover ponds with a pond net to catch falling leaves. Rake leaves as they fall- left on the lawn too long will kill grass. Shred them for mulch or start a compost pile. |
| Weed and mulch strawberries. Water trees and shrubs during dry periods until the ground freezes (Dec.). |
| Remember to feed the birds! |