Dannette Hunnel
September is a hot, rugged month. We gardeners are anxious for the upcoming fall planting season. September is a good time to get prepared! Clean planters and pots by emptying the dirt onto an old sheet, tablecloth, or paint drop cloth. Sanitize pots by mixing water and a cap-full of bleach or vinegar to get rid of the white, chalky calcium build-up. Scrub, rinse, and empty, then let dry in the sun.
Check on hanging planters to be sure the rope or plastic that is suspending them is secure and hasn’t frayed or cracked from the sun and monsoons. Hanging planters often have debris left over from visiting birds, bats, etc. So, fresh soil and peat moss (to retain moisture) might be needed.
This is also the time to clean and sharpen any gardening tools. Wash tools with a wire brush or Brillo pad and soapy water. Maybe even soak in white vinegar to remove rust. Let completely dry, preferable in sunlight. It’s good to disassemble shears so the joints don’t rust. Some tools may need to be sharpened, and there are people in the Sun Lakes area who will do that for you. It might be time to invest in new garden gloves, hoses, and hose nozzles, too.
Prepare the soil in flower beds by turning up the dirt with a shovel or rake. Remove any debris, rocks, old roots, and weeds. Mix a plant fertilizer, peat moss, and a little vitamin B into the soil and mix it all up. This process helps soften the soil and improves water penetration and future water retention. Follow with watering the soil a few times to be sure the amendments get evenly distributed and alleviate plant shock later.
Check out your lawn ornaments and statues. They may be faded from the sunlight or have bird feces and need to be cleaned, or the paint may require a touch-up. Move lawn ornaments, planters, decorative rocks, and fountains around for a fresh look in your garden! Now, start your list of pretty plants you’d like to purchase and where you’re going to place them. Then watch for sales and specials at our local nurseries. September is for planning and creating that future beautiful, comforting winter garden.