Five End of Summer Container Gardening Tips

Margaret Roach has a list of September gardening chores for people with traditional gardens, but what about those of use with mere balconies or patios to work with? Is there anything that we need to do this time of year?

Photo by cattycamehome

Of course there is work to be done! As long as you have something that is still alive–and even when a plant has died–there is always something to do…

1. Margaret starts with a little reflection, and thats a good place to start for us micro gardeners too. Update your gardening journal with what worked and what didn’t, combinations of plants that really wowed you, etc. If you haven’t already, check out a site like MyFolia, which really helps you keep on top of how your garden is doing.
2. Prune off any dead branches on perennials and pull out any dead or dying annuals. Bring perennial herb pots inside and place near a sunny window. Parsley, chives, rosemary, etc will all be okay inside until next Spring so long as they have a bright spot.
3. Clean any now empty pots to get them ready for fall flowers, grasses, or whatever else you’re planning for a bit of fall color. I have a cheap brush I bought at Ikea that I use with a little dish detergent and water.
4. Order fall bulbs now. You’ll get the best selection (and have the most time for forcing) the earlier you place your order. In addition to flowers, consider ordering garlic bulbs and shallots too. Irises are a great place to start if you’re new to growing bulbs in containers.
5. Start thinking about (and buying) plants for fall color and to fill in the dead spots in your containers. Also plan your fall vegetables.

What are you up to this time of year?

Related Posts:

• The Week of Lists
• Five Easy Flowers to Grow in a Container

You Might Also Like:

1. The Thing About September – Fall To Do List
2. Not Your Grandma’s Bulbs
3. More on Bulbs