daffodils in bloom
Image by Sandy Repp

September is a good time to buy and plant flowering spring bulbs.

September


Houseplants must be brought in before the end of the month. Check the plants for insects before bringing them in. Treat only if mites or insects are present. For more information, see our fact sheet on this topic.


Harvest mature winter squash and pumpkins before night temperatures drop into the 30s.


Visit local fairs and flower shows.


Pot up plants of chives, parsley and rosemary. Grow them in a sunny window or set them in a cold frame to over-winter.


Pull weeds before they can set seeds.


Clean the bird feeders. If you have continued to feed the birds over the summer, make sure the feeders are thoroughly cleaned so there is no danger of mold or mildew which can be damaging to our feathered friends.


If crickets get inside the house, vacuum them up and throw the bag away. For more information, see our fact sheet on this topic.


Monitor your evergreens for mite damage. For more information, see our fact sheet on this topic.


Re-seed and renovate your lawn. For more information on lawn renovation, see our fact sheet on this topic. Form more information on lawn rebuilding, see our fact sheet on this topic.


Fertilize your lawn around Labor Day, but no later than the third week in Sept. The next time to fertilize will be right around Thanksgiving. For more information, fact sheet.


Start buying and planting spring flowering bulbs now. For a planting depth chart, see our fact sheet on this topic. For more information on spring flowering bulbs, see our fact sheet on this topic.


This is the best time to have you soil tested for pH levels. For more information, see our fact sheet on this topic.


Shrubs can be transplanted and planted new this month. For a list of recommended trees and shrubs for Long Island, see our fact sheet on this topic. For more information on suggested practices for planting trees and shrubs, see our fact sheet on this topic.


Core-aerate your lawn now, only if you didn't re-seed it.


Plant pansies for the fall, winter and early spring color.


Clean the bird feeders. If you have continued to feed the birds over the summer, make sure the feeders are thoroughly cleaned so there is no danger of mold or mildew, which can be damaging to our feathered friends.


Reduce water and fertilizer for houseplants. The decreasing day length and the less intense light slows down the growth of houseplants and reduces the need for water and fertilizer. For more information, see our fact sheet on this topic.

Last updated August 29, 2016