September is a transition month in the Georgia garden. Daytime temperatures
continue to be warm, but our evening temperatures should start cooling down. This is a great opportunity to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. The roots will appreciate the cooler temperatures as they begin to establish before heading into Winter dormancy. Note that root establishment varies by type and size of plant, so you will need to continue monitoring your newly planted specimens well into 2026.
Soil amendments like worm castings and compost add nutrients and help the soil retain moisture. CLM and WSM have the added benefit of Permatil mixed into the product. Permatil assists with drainage. Conifers prefer well-draining soil, so use a layer of Permatil in the bottom of your planting hole and CLM as an amendment when planting conifers. I like to think of soil amendments as an insurance policy for my plants.
Deep watering continues to be our best practice in the garden. Deep watering
encourages strong roots that will be better able to withstand heat and drought conditions throughout your plants’ lives. We have planting/care/watering guidelines on our website under the About Us tab – you can save this valuable resource on your phone. Heat and drought stress create conditions that are detrimental to Fall color. Supplemental water when rainfall is insufficient will pay off when your plants are ready to put on their dramatic Fall show.
Now is a great time to plant transplants of cool season vegetables. We are
fortunate to have an additional season for homegrown herbs and vegetables. Consult the UGA Cooperative Extension for suggested times to plant seeds – there may be time for direct sowing some varieties of seeds. Be sure to add fresh garden soil, worm castings, or compost to your vegetable beds and containers. Our Summer crops have likely depleted the soil of valuable nutrients.
I mention mulch in every blog. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will help insulate your soil in addition to assisting with moisture retention. It also looks nice! Remove the mulch from under your rose bushes to prevent the spread of disease. You can recycle the mulch under other plants that are not in the rose family.
Think about adding seasonal color as we transition into Fall. Annuals and
evergreen perennials are a great way to keep your landscape and containers looking fabulous throughout the Fall and Winter months. Add some containers to your landscape beds to draw your eye upward and avoid the Winter doldrums. Colorful containers are a welcome addition any time of year. Consider leaving some seedheads on your perennials when cleaning up the beds. They will feed our feathered friends throughout the Fall and Winter months.
We have some fun activities going on at Scottsdale Farms during the Fall months. Check our event section on our website often for details. The Scottsdale Farms Garden Club will meet on September 2 this month. This is a deviation from our typical schedule, so mark your calendars and learn about Fall Planting. Please register if you plan to attend so we can ensure adequate seating.
Stay cool out there,
Well see you in the garden center!