The Digging the Earth Guide to September

Winter Lettuce: Varieties like ‘Winter Gem’ are perfect for late autumn and winter harvests.
Spinach: Sow now for a winter crop that will thrive in the cooler months.
Spring Cabbage: Start these now to harvest in early spring.
Broad Beans: Ideal for sowing in September for an early crop next year.
Garlic: Plant in well-drained soil to harvest next summer.
Onions (Overwintering Varieties): Sow for an early harvest next year.
Radish: Quick-growing and ideal for the last-minute harvests before winter sets in.
Pak Choi: Thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for sowing in September.

Harvesting:

Apples and Pears: Harvest before they drop to the ground; store in a cool, dry place.
Pumpkins and Squash: Harvest once fully matured but before the first frost.
Tomatoes: Pick the last of the crop before cooler temperatures set in.

General Maintenance:

Watering: Continue to water as necessary, especially for any late summer crops.
Weeding: Stay on top of weeds to prevent them from setting seed for next year.
Mulching: Apply mulch to protect plant roots as temperatures drop.
Pruning: Prune any dead or diseased wood from trees and shrubs.

Pest and Disease Control:

Monitor for Slugs and Snails: They can cause havoc as the weather gets wetter.
Remove Fallen Leaves: This helps to reduce the spread of diseases and is great for the compost heap.

Preparation for Autumn and Winter:

Seed Saving:

Collect Seeds: Save seeds from hardy annuals and vegetables for next year’s planting.

Let me know how your September gardening goes via Instagram @sarah.diggingtheearth.org.uk.

Sarah 🌻