Colorado Gardening Calendar for September 2023

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Colorado Gardening Calendar for September 2023

September in Colorado heralds the arrival of autumn, with cooler temperatures and the opportunity to prepare your garden for the changing season. To help you make the most of this transitional month, here’s a gardening calendar for September in the Centennial State: Colorado Gardening Calendar for September 2023

1. Harvest Vegetables:

• September is the time to reap the rewards of your summer garden. Harvest tomatoes, peppers, squash, and other warm-season crops before the first frost arrives.

2. Plant Cool-Season Vegetables:

• Extend your growing season by planting cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, carrots, and kale. These thrive in the cooler fall temperatures.

3. Divide Perennials:

• Divide and transplant overgrown perennials to rejuvenate them and improve their overall health.

4. Pruning and Deadheading:

• Trim back spent flowers and remove dead or diseased branches from trees, shrubs, and perennials.

5. Lawn Care:

• Continue mowing your lawn as needed but gradually lower the cutting height. Fall is also an ideal time for aeration and overseeding to improve your lawn’s health.

6. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs:

• September is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Plant them in well-drained soil and provide adequate sunlight.

7. Fall Cleanup:

• Rake and remove fallen leaves and debris from your garden to prevent disease and pests. Compost leaves to create nutrient-rich mulch.

8. Protect from Early Frosts:

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast for early frosts. Be ready to cover or move tender plants indoors to extend their growing season.

9. Composting:

• Add fallen leaves, spent plants, and kitchen scraps to your compost pile. Turn the compost regularly to ensure proper decomposition.

10. Garden Planning: – Use this time to evaluate your garden’s performance over the summer and plan for next year’s planting. Make notes of what worked well and what to improve.

11. Harvest Herbs: – Harvest and dry herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for culinary use during the winter months.

12. Fall Blooms: – Enjoy the beauty of late-season perennials and annuals like asters, sedums, and pansies, which thrive in the cooler fall weather.

13. Bulb Care: – If you have spring-flowering bulbs already in your garden, avoid cutting back their foliage until it turns brown. This allows the bulbs to store energy for next year’s blooms.

Colorado’s diverse climates, from the plains to the mountains, can affect local gardening conditions. Be aware of the specific needs of your region and any frost warnings to ensure a successful September in your garden. Embrace the changing colors and cooler days as you tend to your garden’s needs, preparing it for the beauty of the fall season. Happy gardening!