Essential Allotment Tasks for September: Preparing for Autumn and Beyond
As the summer heat begins to wane and the first hints of autumn appear, September becomes a crucial month for gardeners. It's a time to harvest the last of the summer crops, prepare for the cooler months ahead, and set the stage for next year’s growth. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential jobs to do on your allotment in September.
Harvesting
September is a busy month for harvesting. Many summer crops will be reaching their peak, and some autumn varieties will start to be ready for picking:
- Tomatoes: Harvest the last of your tomatoes. Green tomatoes can be ripened indoors or used in chutneys.
- Beans: Pick the last of the runner beans and French beans. Regular harvesting encourages the plants to produce more.
- Squashes and Pumpkins: Harvest pumpkins and winter squashes before the first frost. Leave them in the sun for a few days to cure and harden their skins.
- Potatoes: Lift main crop potatoes on a dry day. Leave them on the soil surface for a few hours to dry before storing.
- Apples and Pears: Pick apples and pears as they ripen. If they come away easily when lifted and twisted, they are ready.
Planting
September is a great time to plant crops that will grow through the winter and into the spring:
- Garlic and Onions: Plant garlic cloves and onion sets for an early summer harvest next year.
- Spring Cabbages: Sow spring cabbages outdoors for a harvest in early spring.
- Spinach and Winter Lettuce: Sow hardy varieties of spinach and winter lettuce for a continuous supply of greens.
- Broad Beans: Sow broad beans in late September to overwinter and provide an early crop next year.
Soil Preparation
Preparing your soil in September ensures it’s in prime condition for next year’s growing season:
- Clear Spent Crops: Remove any plants that have finished cropping. Compost healthy plant material but dispose of any diseased plants.
- Weeding: Keep on top of weeding to prevent them from setting seed and causing problems next year.
- Digging and Aerating: Dig over empty beds and add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Covering Soil: Use mulch or cover crops to protect bare soil from erosion and nutrient loss over the winter.
Maintenance
September is also a good time to maintain and tidy your allotment:
- Composting: Turn your compost heap to aerate it and encourage decomposition. Start a new heap with the current season’s plant waste.
- Tools and Equipment: Clean and sharpen tools, and store any equipment that you won’t be using over the winter.
- Structures: Check and repair structures like greenhouses, polytunnels, and cold frames to ensure they are ready for winter.
- Paths and Beds: Clear paths of weeds and debris, and edge beds to keep them neat and defined.
Planning Ahead
Use September to start planning for the next growing season:
- Crop Rotation: Plan your crop rotation for next year to avoid soil depletion and reduce the risk of disease.
- Seed Orders: Order seeds for autumn and winter sowing, as well as any new varieties you want to try next year.
- New Projects: Consider any new projects or improvements you want to make on your allotment, such as installing raised beds or setting up a new composting system.
Wildlife and Environment
Encouraging wildlife and considering the environment can benefit your allotment in the long run:
- Wildlife Habitats: Create habitats for beneficial wildlife, such as log piles for insects and ponds for amphibians.
- Water Conservation: Set up water butts to collect rainwater over the winter months, ensuring you have a sustainable water supply for next year.
- Green Manures: Sow green manures to cover bare soil, fix nitrogen, and improve soil structure.
Conclusion
September is a pivotal month on the allotment, marking the transition from summer to autumn. By focusing on harvesting, planting, soil preparation, and maintenance, you can ensure your plot remains productive and healthy. Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy the fruits of your labor while setting the stage for a successful growing year ahead. Happy gardening!