September is when summer really gets into its stride, says our resident gardening expert Adam Kirtland. Here’s his quick tips to keep everything looking blooming lovely…

After a somewhat drab start to the year, the garden is now in full swing and the sunshine and rain combination we endured way back then doesn’t seem to have dampened the spirits of our plants. If anything, that mixture has given them some tenacity to fight through those rougher times, which really has given us a summer garden to be proud of.

If your garden is anything like mine then it has really come into its stride now, later than usual but it’s here and all that growth has brought an abundance of blooms (and hopefully fruit and veg too!). This month I’d really like you to put your feet up and try to enjoy it all, but if you’re itching to get gardening then I’ve got some simple jobs to keep your occupied throughout September.

Deadhead daily!

September is a month to keep on deadheading to ensure continued blooms and maintain the health of your plants. Dahlias, for instance, thrive with regular deadheading. To deadhead Dahlias, look for spent flowers and snip them off just above the nearest set of healthy leaves, using clean, sharp scissors or pruners. This encourages the plant to produce new side shoots and flowers rather than putting energy into seed production. Roses also benefit from deadheading this month, and it’s a similar procedure for these too. With most types of roses, cut the stem back to the first set five leaves, ensuring you make a clean cut at an angle to promote quick healing.

Similarly, bedding plants like petunias and geraniums can be deadheaded to prolong their flowering season. Pinch off the faded flowers with your fingers or snip them, taking care to remove the entire flower head including the base to prevent seed pod formation. Perennials like rudbeckia and echinacea also respond well to deadheading. Cut back the flower stems to just above a leaf or bud to encourage more blooms. Deadheading not only keeps your garden looking tidy but also promotes vigorous growth and a longer blooming period, ensuring your garden stays vibrant through to the end of summer.

Think ahead, save your seeds!

This month the garden is brimming with opportunities to save seeds for future planting. Sweet peas, for example, are excellent candidates for seed saving. While it is a little early to let the plants form their seed pods, occasionally you’ll miss one and in that case, it is worth saving these seeds instead of spending money on new ones. Once the flowers have faded, allow the seed pods to develop and then when the pods turn brown and dry out, collect them and carefully split them open to release the seeds. Dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Aquilegia is another plant whose seeds can be saved in September, too. After flowering, aquilegia develops seed pods that will dry and start to crack open. Harvest the pods just before they split completely and shake out the seeds into a paper bag. Let the seeds air dry for a few days before storing them in labelled envelopes or jars. Alternatively, if you leave these pods on your Aquilegia plants, they will self-seed in your borders or pots and grow more plants next year.

Fruitful fruit!

If you’ve got fruit growing in your garden or green space then there are a few things you can be doing in September. Apples and pears are ripe now, so start checking for readiness. Gently lift the fruit—if it comes away easily, it’s ready to pick. Blackberries and raspberries are in full swing, perfect for fresh eating, jams or freezing.

Plums are also abundant; pick them when they are slightly soft to the touch. For those of you growing strawberries, make sure to regularly harvest the ripe ones to encourage more fruiting – the more you pick, the more will grow! Additionally, keep an eye on these softer fruits as they can be somewhat appealing for birds.

Don’t forget to water your fruit plants regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure they remain healthy and productive. A good feed every few weeks, especially of tomatoes is always advised to maximise your harvests.