September.
September can actually be a bit of a hard month for those wanting to eat all year round from the garden. You are coming to the end of the winter stores of root crops and about to sow and plant the new season’s crops. Mind you I still have plenty of preserved blackboy peaches and jams etc, but the promise of spring makes us think of delicious tender new season produce – and we have had enough of those hearty soups, baked or mashed potatoes and casseroles that got us through winter. We want something a little lighter (including our hips) and fresher but perhaps are not quite ready for full on salads. Risottos and pastas sound good. Asparagus if you are growing it or lucky enough to have a grower nearby is the star and we look forward to our first taste. Young broad beans and peas also go well in risottos.
Hopefully you will have got a head start on the sowing in August but you can start or keep sowing many veges from now. This does not include beans though – still too cold. Same with curcubits such ascourgette/zucchini, pumpkins and cucumbers at least in the south. If it is warm or you have a hothouse then by all means start sowing seed. Planting in pots or trays gives you a bit more control over direct sowing but some seeds are better sown direct. Carrots, parsnips, beetroot can all go in direct. Remember to harden off your indoor sown plants well though before putting them out into the garden. Start by putting outside during the day in a sheltered spot and bringing back inside at night.
Now that you are feeling more like being out in the garden – so will the weeds. If you can keep on top of them now, they won’t get on top of you later. Old sayings like “prevention is better than a cure” or “a stitch in time save nine” have real meaning in the garden. A weekly going over the beds with a hoe or by hand will not take long and will also be very satisfying. If you leave the weeds however, and they take hold then the fun goes out if of it all and growing becomes a chore. This applies especially if you are a young gardener – keep the joy going by keeping up the weeding and hoeing! I just made that up but I think it works!
