Not only are we a couple of days away from a new month but we are also on the brink of entering meteorological autumn. According to the meteorological calendar, the first day of autumn is always September 1, ending on November 30.
During September, many plants begin to slow down and start preparing themselves for winter, a process marked by the gradual loss of leaves as days shorten. Maximum temperatures average at 16.5C in September compared to 19.4C for July and 19.1C for August, meaning the month can be mild but it often cools down as we edge closer to October. You can also expect slightly more rainfall in September, with the average of 96.4mm compared to August's 89.5mm.
As a result experts at the Royal Horticultural Society have provided the Met Office with their top tips on five jobs to do in September.
These five tips are:
1. Plant spring-flowering bulbsSeptember is an ideal time to plant most spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and alliums.
The best planting window for most bulbs is from September to October while the soil is still warm.
2. Reduce houseplant wateringYour plants will need less water as the temperature and amount of sunlight they are getting drops meaning you can gradually reducing watering houseplants until the compost is almost dry between watering.
3. Divide plants
September is an ideal time to divide plants, diversion is most successful when the plants are not in active growth. Divide summer-flowering plants in spring (Mar-May) or autumn (Sep-Nov) when the soil is dry enough to work.
4. Harvest your fruit
In September, you can harvest many popular fruits, including apples, pears, plums, grapes, peaches, and nectarines, along with berries like blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
It's also a perfect time to order new fruit trees, canes and bushes ready for next year.
5. Collect and store seeds
September is a perfect time to start your seed-gathering season. Growing plants from seed is simple and inexpensive, and it is an opportunity to increase the number of plants in your garden for free.
