Allotment & Gardening in September: Harvest and Preparation

September is a wonderful month for gardeners and allotment holders, the harvest is in full swing, the air is cooler, and autumn is just around the corner. It’s a time of abundance, but also of planning, as the work you do now will set the stage for next year’s success.

Harvest Time

September is peak harvesting season. Many summer crops are still producing, while autumn fruits and vegetables start to come into their own.

• Vegetables: potatoes, carrots, beetroot, courgettes, runner beans, French beans, and sweetcorn are all ready for picking.

• Salads: lettuces, rocket, and radishes can be harvested regularly.

• Fruit: apples, pears, plums, blackberries, raspberries, and late strawberries bring a delicious sweetness to the month.

Keep harvesting little and often - it encourages plants to keep producing and prevents gluts from going to waste.

Jobs to Tackle This Month at The Allotment

While harvesting is the main joy, September also brings plenty of tasks to keep you busy:

• Clear spent crops to make space for autumn and winter planting.

• Sow overwintering crops like onions, garlic, spinach, broad beans, and winter lettuces.

• Plant spring cabbages now so they can establish before the cold sets in.

• Protect tender plants as nights begin to cool - fleece or cloches can help prolong the season.

• Weeding and tidying: don’t let weeds set seed, and clear away debris to reduce pests and disease.

Flowers and Pollinators

September is also the time to enjoy late blooms like dahlias, asters, and sunflowers. These not only brighten the garden but provide vital food for pollinators stocking up before winter.

You can also:

• Collect seeds from annuals and perennials for sowing next year.

• Plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses for a vibrant display after winter.

Looking Ahead

As the season shifts, it’s wise to prepare for the colder months:

• Composting: add spent plants and fallen leaves to your compost heap.

• Green manures: sowing fast-growing cover crops helps enrich soil and prevents weeds over winter.

• Plan your plot: take note of what worked well this year, and start sketching ideas for crop rotation next spring.

Final Thought

September is a month of plenty, baskets full of produce, trees heavy with fruit, and gardens glowing with late colour. But it’s also a reminder that the year is turning. By balancing harvest and preparation, you can enjoy the rewards of summer while setting the foundation for a thriving garden next year.

Here’s to a fruitful September in the garden!