September is ‘perfect’ for ‘deadheading roses’

From planting to harvesting crops, watering and deadheading, there’s plenty to be done this month in the garden . Josh Novell, the director of Kent’s leading garden centre, Polhill Garden Centre , has shared which gardening jobs to do in September. He said: “For some of us, especially in the garden centre industry, this is the time when we look ahead to Christmas and start putting out our decorations and artificial trees in store – because it’s never too early, right? ‘However, there is plenty still to do in the garden, and we can now plan for the spring too, with bulbs starting to fill up the shelves in stores.’ September planting: This month, gardeners need to concentrate on planting spring- flowering bulbs. Deadheading roses this month will ensure they remain healthy and keeps displays looking their best (Image: Getty) Josh’s bulbs to plant this month include hyacinths, crocus, alliums and narcissi. He also recommended planting indoor hyacinth bulbs so they can flower in time for Christmas. This month, gardeners should also transplant evergreen shrubs and conifers and ‘brighten-up’ containers and flower beds with spring bedding such as pansies, violas, sedums and chrysanthemums. General gardening to do in September: Divide herbaceous perennials Once dormant, herbaceous perennials like foxgloves can be divided. Josh explained: ‘Once they have finished flowering, you can either keep the seedpods for harvesting next year or you can cut them back, and re-plant them in a different position for next year.’ Josh’s bulbs to plant this month include hyacinths, crocus, alliums and narcissi (Image: Getty) This month, gardeners can collect seeds from perennials and hardy annuals and then sow them. Potatoes Potatoes are ready for harvest in September and should be dug up to stop slugs from eating them. Watering With the weather continuing to be hot, gardeners must ensure they keep up with watering flowers and new plants . Deadhead roses regularly Deadheading roses this month will ensure they remain healthy and keep displays looking better for longer. Raising containers off the ground using pieces of wood allows the water to drain more freely after torrential downpours. Clear up any leaves Clean up dead leaves and other dead plant material to prevent diseases from overwintering and remove shelter for vine weevils. Josh added: ‘September is a great time to get your garden in order for the winter months ahead. ‘It’s the perfect time to divide perennials, plant spring bulbs, collect and sow seeds, and do general gardening tasks such as deadheading roses and clearing fallen leaves. ‘By taking care of these tasks now, you can ensure that your garden will be ready for the winter and look beautiful when spring comes around again.’