Michigan Gardening Calendar for September 2023

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Michigan Gardening Calendar for September 2023

September in Michigan marks the transition from summer to fall, bringing cooler temperatures and the opportunity to prepare your garden for the upcoming season. Here’s a gardening calendar for September to help you make the most of this month in the Great Lakes State: Michigan Gardening Calendar for September 2023

1. Harvest Vegetables:

• September is a bountiful month for harvesting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and pumpkins. Be sure to pick them before the first frost.

2. Plant Fall Crops:

• Consider planting cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes. These will thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall.

3. Divide Perennials:

• Divide overgrown perennials like hostas, daylilies, and iris to maintain their health and encourage better growth.

4. Prune and Deadhead:

• Trim back spent flowers and remove dead or diseased foliage from perennials, shrubs, and trees. Pruning can be done throughout the month.

5. Lawn Care:

• Continue mowing your lawn as needed but at a slightly lower height. Consider overseeding bare spots to promote a lush lawn next spring.

6. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs:

• September is the ideal time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Ensure they get adequate sun and well-drained soil.

7. Fall Cleanup:

• As leaves begin to fall, keep your garden clean by raking and disposing of debris. This helps prevent disease and pests.

8. Composting:

• Add fallen leaves, spent plants, and kitchen scraps to your compost pile to create nutrient-rich compost for next year’s garden.

9. Protect Plants from Frost:

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the first signs of frost. Be prepared to cover or move tender plants indoors to extend their growing season.

10. Garden Planning: – Use this time to reflect on your gardening season and plan for next year. Consider what worked well and what changes or additions you’d like to make.

11. Harvest Herbs: – Gather and dry herbs like basil, oregano, and mint for culinary use throughout the winter months.

12. Enjoy Fall Blooms: – Many perennials, such as asters and sedums, bloom in September. Take time to appreciate these late-season flowers and the pollinators they attract.

Conclusion

Remember that Michigan’s climate can vary from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, so local weather conditions may impact your gardening schedule. Stay attentive to frost warnings and adapt your gardening tasks accordingly. September is a delightful month to savor the changing colors of the landscape while tending to your garden’s needs. Happy gardening!