We are in summer and looking at the temperatures, the weather is now unpredictable.

In other years, the weather approximates perfection, while in some, the heat of August drags on through September; then again, it can bring rains anytime.

That unpredictability is even worse in the Southern African region.

Some have said that September’s silent song drives people to do things fast, before the rains fall.

Here are some September gardening tips:

Select your trees and shrubs

Are you thinking about planting shrubs or trees?

Wherever you live, wait until the temperatures are moderate to cool because it is easier on the plants so there is less chance for the trees to be stressed by extreme heat.

When the air temperatures are cooler than the soil, new root growth is encouraged without new top growth.

The result is a stronger, better developed root system for the next spring when the plant begins to grow.

Mulching with wood chips helps retain the soil’s required moisture.

Trees that can be successfully planted during this period include alder, ash, buckeye, catalpa, crabapple, hackberry, hawthorn, honey locust, elm, linden, maple, sycamore, pines, and spruces.

Most deciduous shrubs can easily be planted during rainy season.

Here are a few tree-planting factors to consider:

Identify the right tree: do you want shade, quick growth, colour, screening or fragrance?

Determine what type of soil you have.

Wet or dry areas are better for different species.

Find the right place for the tree: look at how much sunlight the site receives.

Most trees like full sunlight, but many need shade. Make sure the tree is away from above ground hazards like electrical wires, underground hazards like sewer pipes and far enough away from the permanent structures. Make sure the tree will have plenty of space to grow ten, 20 or even 30 years from now.

Proper planting methods: dig a hole four to five times the width of the root ball.

Plant so the tree trunk is ½ inch higher than the ground around it to prevent water from collecting next to the base of the trunk, which causes rot.

Water is important, though.

Newly planted trees, unless it rains, need to be watered 20 to 30 minutes a day until the ground freezes.

This helps the tree establish a root system in a short time. After planting, mulch with one to three inches of shredded hardwood or leaves.

Keep mulch an inch or two away from the tree trunk to avoid rot.

House-plant savvy

When cooler nights start to approach, remember that house plants need to move inside.  A general rule is to move them when temperatures shift below 60 degrees F.

Only the healthiest of plants will survive inside so look over your pots carefully.

Also, make sure you clean the pots and check for insects.

One trick is to soak the pot for 15 minutes in a tub of lukewarm water. If there are unwanted pests hiding in the soil, they will come to the surface.

If you see an entire any colony emerge, it’s time to re-pot! It’s also prudent to spray the foliage with insecticidal soap a few days before you bring the plant inside.

You do not want spider mites or other pests in your home.

Remember that the winter home is often a shock.

Heating make our indoor air drier, warmer, and less humid.

It is often best to group plants together to increase humidity.

When you bring plants inside, avoid drafty areas.

Plants that need full sun should be placed near south-facing windows.

Plants that prefer partial sun should be placed in an east- or west-facing window.

Keep in mind that some plants will lose leaves when first moved indoors due to stress; they will generally recover and replace their dropped leaves.

Just avoid over watering once indoors; wait until the soil is dry to the touch.

Now is the time to look for house plants at garden centres. If you want plants with benefits like English ivy which drastically reduces mold indoors.

It is a good plant for your desk at work and near your bedroom window.

Other beneficial plants that clean the air most efficiently and produce large amounts of oxygen are peace lilies, dieffenbachia, ferns, palms and philodendrons. All are easy-care plants, too.

Of course, September is time to start thinking about garden clean-up, too, to prepare for a better start to spring. – https://www.almanac.com/news/gardening/life