September

The leaves of rhododendron sometimes go paler, which is often an indication of iron deficiency in many sites. This damage can be quickly and easily remedied through a foliar application of a ferrous fertiliser. It is also worth checking the acidity of the soil using a pH soil testing kit, since a pH value that is too high is often the cause of a poor supply of iron.

From September, you should check your spruce for any infestation with the Sitka spruce aphid as the damage caused by this louse can be significant. The easiest way to check for an infestation is through the so-called “ tap test”. Hold a sheet of white paper underneath a spruce branch inside the tree. Then vigorously tap on the branch several times. If lice fall on the paper, then thoroughly treat the entire tree with BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer Concentrate⁺. Be sure to spray the inside of the tree until it is dripping wet.

September is a good time to plant conifers and evergreen plants such as rhododendrons.

Now also take cuttings of evergreens and coniferous plants. Semi-hardwood cuttings are best for this. Water with Super Strength Seaweed Extract after planting to promote rooting. A good substrate for cuttings is a peat-free soil specially designed for sowing and growing young plants and cuttings.

Plant biennial summer flowers in their final spot by the end of September at the latest. You can also plant or divide summer-flowering perennials now. Add some Organic Multipurpose Plant Food to the planting hole. It contains nutrients and root-promoting Mycorrhiza fungi to ensure rapid growth.

You can give your plants a particularly good start by watering with the biological growth stimulator Super Strength Seaweed Extract, which is a brown seaweed extract that contains many essential trace elements, vitamins, enzymes and proteins.

Cut the leaves from gladioli in good time when storing, particularly if the plants were infested by gladiolus thrips. By cutting these off in good time, you can prevent the gladiolus thrips from moving onto the corms and overwintering.

Start thinking about next spring now because spring-flowering plants such as snowdrops and crocuses can be put into the ground in September. For optimal root growth and an adequate supply of nutrients add Organic Multipurpose Plant Food to the planting hole.

Newly planted trees and bulbs are particularly vulnerable to severe damage from voles. Lay a vole trap now to tackle this. Once in position make sure to carefully close the tunnel again. Carrot, celery, beetroot and pieces of apple all make suitable bait.

Many beneficial garden insects are now on the lookout for suitable winter quarters. An insect hotel offers various beneficial insects and butterflies shelter during the cold season. The insect hotel stays in the garden or hanging on the balcony all year round.

Rhododendrons, cherry laurel, etc. now grow faster and more assuredly in the still warm ground. All moor plants (such as rhododendrons, heathers, camellia, skimmia, etc.) need an acidic soil for healthy growth. A peat-free soil specially designed to meet the needs of rhododendrons offers a low pH value. Dig a very generous planting hole for rhododendrons. In loamy soils, first add a layer of gravel to the planting hole and then add the peat-free special soil. Carefully place the plant into the prepared planting hole – it should never be planted deeper than it was previously. Water well with Super Strength Seaweed Extract and then only water sparingly in order to promote rooting.