September is a busy time in gardens around the Northern Hemisphere, and the Southwest is no exception.  I wrote this for September 2022, and each year is slightly different – but there are so many tasks that we can revisit this topic every year.

Days are Getting Shorter

Autumn is nigh and the days are getting shorter. This tells plants to GROW! Easy to do because the soil is still warm from the summer heat, but days and nights are cooler. These factors all make September ideal for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, groundcovers, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables,,,, in short, lot’s of stuff!

There are exceptions of course. Some things like citrus, palms, and succulents are better planted in Spring.

Plan on Some Planting

Plan on getting out and doing some planting this Fall. Some work now, and your yard will bloom all winter long. In the cool months. When you want to be outdoors anyway.

Right now it is still hot enough to break a sweat as you plant – but if you wait until October it does not give plants quite enough time to become well established before their genes tell them to stop growing because the days are too short.

Anytime in September

Bulbs.

Order and plant spring flowering bulbs that can take our heat. This includes amaryllis, anemone, daffodil, freesia, gladiolus, grape hyacinth, narcissus, ranunculus, and Turkish tulips (also called species tulips).

Sow Wildflower Seeds.

You will be glad you did. Just be sure to protect them seeds and tender green sprouts from hungry wildlife (this includes birds).  More about growing Spring Flowering Wildflowers.

Divide Crowded Plants.

Not all of them right now, just spring flowering perennials, like iris.

Herbs.
Plant seeds of the cool season annual herbs like calendula, caraway, chamomile, cilantro (coriander), dill, fennel, feverfew, parsley, and salad burnet. More on cool season herbs coming up on this site sign up for the newsletter to stay informed!

Vegetables.
Time to plant leafy and root vegetables.

September Fertilizer. 

Last one for the year – Labor Day.

Lawn if you have some.

Dethatch your Bermuda lawn for October overseeding with winter rye grass.

September Pruning

Deadhead summer-tired salvias and autumn sages for a burst of new bloom. Light pruning on anything else, just enough to shape or control rampant growth.
Avoid pruning fall-flowering plants.
Avoid pruning ANY fruit tree this month. (If you can think of an exception I’d like to hear about it.)
Palms can be pruned now that borers and nesting birds have gone for the year. More about palm care.

Weeds.

You got rid of them all last month. Sure you did. But then our constant desert breeze, or maybe a dust devil dropped more weed seeds. The price of freedom from weeds is eternal vigilance.  More about eliminating weeds – here.

Not Enough Details?  I did mention some of this in my book

The Month By Month Guide offers tips for your landscape (yes even lawns and roses) in every month of the year.  I have a few copies left and am offering them to you – my loyal readers. When you buy from me you get a signed copy!

From the review:

“A great reference book is key to successful gardening in the region where you live. Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Month-by-Month Gardening takes the guesswork out of gardening for anyone residing in the Southwest. With this book, you’ll know what to do each month to enjoy a thriving garden all year, from January to December. Chronologically organized, this guide is full of critical gardening when-to and how-to advice, along with illustrated step-by-step instructions.

The book’s author is Jacqueline Soule, a Tucson-based gardening expert. She knows this arid region inside and out, and she’s written several articles and books packed with her gardening advice. Arizona, Nevada & New Mexico Month-by-Month Gardening showcases Soule’s expertise in one easy-to-read guide.”

Profits from the sale of this book go to the Horticulture Therapy non-profit Tierra del Sol Institute.   Recent price increase, due to the US Postal Service price increase in July 2024.  It is now $30.

Or perhaps you wish Vegetable Garden Help

May I recommend my book?  The Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Guide offers not just growing guides but some of the latest varieties – including ones specifically for raised bed and container growing. Price is what you would pay on Amazon – only when you buy from me you get a signed copy!

From the review:

“In this updated 2nd edition of Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, you’ll find much-needed advice and practical tips on growing an edible garden, no matter which part of the southwestern US you call home.

Profits from the sale of this book go to the Arizona-based Horticulture Therapy non-profit Tierra del Sol Institute.

Thanks for Reading!

Jacqueline

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