As the summer transitions into fall, there are a few important yard chores for September. This is the month to to a little outside work so that it isn’t as overwhelming  in spring. Hot summer nights give way to perfect evenings with just a hint of coolness. Plant growth will begin to slow, but they will continue to grow. Follow these tips to keep your yard in tip top shape.

 

• Aerate your lawn (cool season grasses), overseed with ryegrass and apply second fertilizer application on cool season lawns.
• Check and store yard and plant chemicals.
• Order lily bulbs for October planting.
• Start cutting back on lawn watering.
• If you planted vegetable plants, pull them out of the ground as you remove the last of their veggies.
• Pull out all spent annual bedding plants.
• Dig, divide and plant bulb plants.
• Add fresh mulch to younger trees and shrubs for winter protection.
• Change up plants in containers and window boxes for fall and winter color.
• As leaves start to fall, rake them up and start your compost pile.
• There’s still time to plant perennials such as hostas, heucheras, ornamental grasses, ground covers, herbs, and all container grown plants.
• Great time to do a soil test for future gardening projects so you know where your soil is on its nutrient values.
• Start planning on which potted plants you will bring inside as the temperatures drop.