5 Quick Gardening Tasks to Tackle Before September Ends

Final Summer Gardening Tasks to Complete Before September

As the last days of August approach, gardeners are reminded that summer is slipping away. While it's easy to feel nostalgic about the season, there's still a lot to do in the garden before fall officially begins on September 22nd. This period is crucial for completing essential tasks that will save time, money, and protect your plants as the weather starts to change.

Here are five key gardening jobs to tackle before the end of August:

1. Give Your Yard a Final Summer Weeding

Weeding has been a constant challenge this summer, with weeds reappearing even after careful removal. Although the colder temperatures will eventually kill off annual summer weeds, it's not yet time to stop. Use weeding tools to clear out any remaining weeds, keeping your garden looking neat for the final gatherings you host.

Different types of weeding tools are available depending on the weeds you're dealing with. For example, a paver weeding tool is ideal for patios, while a claw weeding tool can help remove roots from lawns.

2. Order Spring Bulbs

There's still time to order spring bulbs if you haven't already. Many popular bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses, tend to sell out quickly. Reflect on what you'd like to change or maintain in your garden next year, and start searching for the best deals at local nurseries or online.

You can find a wide selection of bulbs on platforms like Burpee. Take the time to plan your garden for the coming year and ensure you get the right varieties.

3. Take Pelargonium Cuttings

Before summer ends, take advantage of the warm weather to propagate pelargoniums through softwood cuttings. These tender plants can be easily propagated by snipping new growth, stripping the lower leaves, and placing them in well-draining compost.

Use nursery pots and seed starter compost to give your cuttings the best chance to develop roots before the first frost. Keep them indoors on a bright windowsill or in a greenhouse until spring, when they can be planted for another season of vibrant blooms.

4. Sow Microgreens for a Quick Harvest

With the warmer temperatures still present, you can grow microgreens for a quick harvest of salad crops. These greens, such as cress, pea shoots, kale, and arugula, can be grown on your patio or balcony.

Find microgreen seeds at stores like Burpee and use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and consistent moisture. Within seven to 14 days, you'll have fresh greens ready to add to your salads.

Harvest the microgreens using sharp pruning snips, cutting just above the soil surface for the best results.

5. Start Harvesting Crops

Late summer is an excellent time to begin harvesting the crops you've been growing throughout the season. Check your crops during the last week of August to ensure you don't miss the optimal harvest time.

Tomatoes may be starting to turn red, and carrots are typically ready to harvest around 90 days after sowing. Fruit trees like figs and peaches should also be ripe for picking. If you want to speed up the ripening process for green tomatoes, try using a banana to help them mature faster.

Additional Tips and FAQs

Should I Still Fertilize My Plants in Late Summer?

As plant growth slows down in late summer, it's best to reduce fertilizing. Continuing to feed your plants can lead to over-saturation of the soil and damage the roots. Stop feeding around September to allow your plants to naturally wind down.

Other tasks to consider include deadheading certain plants in August to encourage a second flush of blooms in early fall. Additionally, there are various gardening tools and supplies you can shop for, such as pruning shears, long gardening gloves, and microgreen seeds.

By focusing on these tasks, you'll set yourself up for a successful transition into the fall season, ensuring your garden remains healthy and vibrant.