SEPTEMBER, THE MONTH OF THE RETURN TO THE ROUTINE … OR NOT?

September is the month of the end of summer and the routines start anew. Without the intention of being cliché with the sensations that this month brings us, the garden does not understand routines (or at least our routines) and can be a good way to lighten the mind, get going and start moving after the hard and “scorching” summer. Tips for the vegetable garden in September.

ORCHARD TIME IN SEPTEMBER

How the months go by! It seems like yesterday we were protecting our crops from the hot flashes of summer. There are still days of pleasant temperatures but it is beginning to notice that autumn is looming. September is a month of climatic instability. This month is equated with March, months in which day and night share the same hours between the 21st and the 23rd of the month, announcing the equinox. A month in which the sun can tear beads of sweat from you or make you stiff as an iceberg. Storms, cold drops and sudden changes waiting for the summer of San Miguel: the trigger for so much change.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO HIGHLIGHT DURING THIS MONTH

SEEDS : If we have decided to make a selection of seeds from many of the products that we have been collecting this summer, September is still a month in which to do this activity. You must remember that the germination viability of the seeds has limits depending on the type of seed. Low temperatures and low humidity maintain that viability for longer. In our germination viability table you can see how long the seeds of the main crops remain viable.

PREPARE PROTECTIONS: In cold climates there is not much left for low temperatures to begin to make an appearance. The orchard in September still enjoys pleasant days. It may be a good time to prepare the plastic tunnels or small greenhouses if we have them.

ACUSED DECREASE OF IRRIGATION : We are going to notice that the perspiration of the plants is less and less and the frequencies of irrigation are greatly reduced. We also have to control the irrigation taking into account the rains this month. Summer automatic watering programs must be canceled. Otherwise, excess water (irrigation and rain) can cause fungal diseases.

GREEN FERTILIZERS:  The demanding crops of the following spring (cucurbits and nightshades) require a soil rich in nutrients that can be prepared from this moment. The planting of green manures in September allows a proper decomposition of these fertilizers, gradually incorporating them as soil nutrients until the time of sowing next spring. If you have questions about green manures, here is a complete article

PLANTING THE ORCHARD IN SEPTEMBER

We are all clear that except for the warm areas of the east and south of Spain, in other places, sooner or later, the cold will arrive and we must be prepared for it. The plantings that can be done during this month are variable as always depending on the weather. In climates where temperatures are becoming cool and even cold, this month’s plantings should be focused on crops that resist colder temperatures such as lettuce (all year), spinach, chard, collard greens, endives, radishes, leeks … In areas warm we can still plant late tomatoes without fear of their full development.

ORCHARD HARVESTS IN SEPTEMBER

The blows of what was sown in spring and summer can continue to be obtained. Aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, cabbages, lettuces and the occasional melon and watermelon in the southern area are products that we should still be picking if everything has gone well. Of course we cannot forget the crops that we can have all or most of the year such as lettuce, chard, carrots or radishes and turnips.

As always, we leave you links of interest for the garden:

• Sowing calendar
• Horticultural crop sheets
• Aromatic plants cultivation sheets

Until next month we will already be in the middle of autumn!