As September Weather Changes ...

After many days and weeks in the 90s, it looks like the hot summer of 2022 might be waning in the coming days. I wouldn't bet the farm on cooler temperatures being the norm however. September has wacky weather, one day it might be in the 80s - the next day snow. Are you garden ready to react to what comes our way? 

Since I cut back on seeding and growing vegetables this season I have less to do which isn't so bad.

My short term to do list for the remainder of September isn't that long. 

• Remove the martini cucumbers which have been an unbelievable tasty treat for the past several weeks. They haven't been frost killed yet, but the flavor isn't as crisp and fresh so it's time they go. Plus I need the bed space for planting garlic. 
  

• Plentiful tomatoes need to be blanched and placed in the freezer or canned. Don't forget to share with friends and neighbors who don't grow tomatoes or may have had a bad growing season.
  

• 
  Direct seed more quick maturing leafy greens and radishes.

• Collect seeds or cut off seed heads (if not saving) from desired plants. 

• The Smart Pot® growing basil is going strong and we're enjoying it in salads, pesto and sauces. The three containers grew enough for several small batches of chopped frozen leaves in olive oil which we'll used in dishes this fall and winter.  

• Continue watering the landscape. It's fine to adjust (reduce) your lawn irrigation run times. However, just because temperatures cool a bit this month doesn't mean our valuable trees, shrubs and perennials need less or no water. Plants that go into the dormant season later this fall need moist roots to survive our often dry winters. Remember, winter wet roots (not too wet) are good. 

• Schedule your fall lawn aeration appointment now. Fertilize immediately after the job so valuable fertilizer goes into those plug holes.
  

• 
  Purchase your fall planted bulbs now while the selection is the best, don't forget the garlic planting stock. Support your local independent garden centers, they carry the best products for our growing area and greatly appreciate our business.

Outdoor chores pick up in October when leaves and temperatures drop. 

Until then if you need some helpful reminders of what to do in your garden, please click the links below.

Punch List: Winterizing your lawn, garden and other fall chores My Denver Post article from a few years ago, still applicable. 

Fall is the Time for Seed Saving Excellent article by Patti O'Neal. 

Preserve Smart - the all in one place how to preserve anything you grow in your garden or purchase at grocery stores and farmer's markets.

Happy September! Enjoy the changes!