September--Fall Arrives!
The harvest continues, and with temperatures five to ten degrees lower than August, our gardens become an even more wonderful place to sit and enjoy their natural beauty. If you have not yet designed a resting place in your garden plan, even if it is only a spot for a couple of comfortable chairs, now is the time to make that plan. As we transition from this year’s garden to next year’s effort, it is a natural time to think about what went well and what we might change or add as old plantings give way to the new. September can be bittersweet as we say farewell to summer and prepare for winter. What better way to weather the storms than to find moments to dwell on our gardening preferences and projects. Perhaps you have yet to try cold season activities such as outdoor winter gardening, setting up an indoor growing station, or investigating what plants might be grown and/or displayed as unusual decorations and conversation pieces during the coming holidays.
Of course, there is still much to do in the garden as we harvest, maintain, and replant our gardens, but soon things will quiet down and demand less intense labor. It’s a great time find relief from the stresses of life by keeping our heads in our gardens, even if our hands are less busy. What a wonderful avocation!
Immediate expert plant help for our region is available from the Master Gardener Plant Clinic by phone @ 541-776-7371, ext. 204. Of course, our website is here for you to ask questions in the forums and your fellow Rogue Valley Gardeners can respond; we will do our best to find answers to your questions as well.
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Prune |
Plant (seed) |
Transplant (starts) |
Sow for transplanting |
Harvest |
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Pepper and eggplant blossoms |
Arugula |
Broccoli |
No sowing needed |
Apples |
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Pinch tomato tips |
Chervil |
Cabbage |
Beans |
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Corn Salad |
Potatoes |
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Cover Crops (rye or winter peas) |
Celery |
Sunflowers (cover heads) |
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Daikon |
Chinese Cabbage |
Winter squash |
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Fava Beans |
Garlic |
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Garden Cress |
Pak (Bak) Choi |
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Kale |
Shallot Bulbs |
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Lettuce |
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Lettuce |
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Mustard & Turnip Greens |
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Onions |
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Radishes |
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Spinach |
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Upland Cress |
Other suggestions: Give special attention to hanging and potted plants so they don’t dry out. Their limited soil environment will also demand more fertilizing. Begonias and dahlias should still be putting on a real show. Think about planting some winter Pansies to keep the party going while you continue to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Also, Rhododendrons are best transplanted now. Plant or transplant iris, daffodils, tulips, crocus, etc. for spring color.
Adjust your irrigating as the weather cools--early morning is the best watering time. Aerate your lawn and water it deeply less often; every third day should be all that’s necessary under normal conditions. If you are planting a new lawn this fall now is the time to get started with best last planting date of October 15.
Spread manure or other compost over open areas and prepare to plant cover crops.
Copper spraying is due for peach and cherry trees.
Sources: Master Gardener’s Guide OSU Extension; Grange Coop Rogue Valley Gardening Guide.
