September

Lawns:
Mid-September is the optimum time to start seeding and renovating fescue lawns. Fertilize lawns in September, November and February for good root growth. Turf-type fescue varieties have finer textures than K-31,are more shade tolerant and make a dense turf.

Annuals:
Plant pansies for splashes of winter color.

Cut back impatiens to promote new sprouts.

Collect seeds from zinnias.

Perennials & Bulbs:
If you are planning spring color from bulbs, now is the time to order for October and November planting. For best landscape effect, plant bulbs in groups between shrubs or scattered in woodland setting to naturalize.  Avoid planting in straight lines.

To create a planter with successive bulbs blooming:
Choose a container that is about 8 inches deep and about 12 inches in diameter. Anything larger will be hard to carry when filled with soil and bulbs.

Plant a layer of tulip bulbs 6" deep, then daffodils 4" deep, then crocus and Muscari about 2" deep.  Spring will arrive greeted first by the crocus, then the daffodils and Muscari and finally the tulips!

Collect seeds from spider flowers, coneflowers and rose campion.

Trees & Shrubs:
Peach tree borers should be controlled by spraying with Thiodan during the first week of September. Ornament cherries, plums and peaches are subject to attack..

Keep feeding your figs and harvesting fruit before the birds!

Vegetables & Herbs:
 Sow lettuce, radishs, carrots, mustard, peas and kale seed. 

Put out broccoli and brussel sprout plants.

Dry herbs for winter use.  Make pesto. Freeze chopped chives.

Plant dill, parsley and coriander seeds.

Links:
 The JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University http://arb.ncsu.edu/arboreutm.html

www.gardensouth.com