September marks the beginning of spring in Melbourne, Australia, and it’s a crucial time for gardeners to prepare their gardens for the upcoming growing season. With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, there’s plenty to do to ensure your garden thrives throughout the spring and summer months.
Typical Weather of September in Melbourne (Naarm)
In Melbourne, for September we typically experience mild temperatures and increasing sunshine. Daytime temperatures typically range from 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F), while night-time temperatures can still be quite chilly. Rainfall is moderate, which helps to keep the soil moist and conducive for planting. It’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as late frosts can still occur, potentially affecting young plants and seedlings.
Tasks that we typically do in September
September is a busy month in the garden, as it’s an ideal time to get a head start on planting and preparing for the growing season. Here are some essential tasks to consider:
- Weeding and Tidying Up: Begin by removing weeds and clearing any debris that accumulated over the winter months. This helps to make room for new growth and reduces competition for nutrients.
- Soil Preparation: Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. This provides a nutrient-rich environment for your plants. This is a great opportunity to set up a compost if you currently don’t have a system.
- Sowing Seeds and Planting: Start sowing seeds in your garden this September for both edible and ornamental plants. We generally plant vegetables like tomatoes, capsicum, and beans indoors or in a greenhouse to get a head start before transferring them outside. For flowers, consider sowing seeds for marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos.
- Pruning and Trimming: Prune any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. This encourages healthy new growth and improves the overall appearance of your garden.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature though you should be careful not to smother your trees.
List of Plants:
September is a prime time for planting a variety of plants in your Melbourne garden. Here’s a list of some popular choices:
- Native Plants: Consider incorporating native Australian plants like kangaroo paw and grevillea, which are well-suited to Melbourne’s climate and attract local wildlife.Vegetables:
- Carrots – Direct sow seeds in well-drained soil, whilst carrots can be a little bit harder to grow they are an excellent space efficient addition to your veggie patch.
- Beetroot – Sow directly into the soil; great for juicing and salads.
- Lettuce – A quick-growing leafy green; varieties like Cos and Butterhead do well.
- Silverbeet – Easy to grow, very hardy in addition to being an abundant perennial addition to your kitchen.
- Spinach – Plant in a spot with partial shade to avoid bolting this is actually perfect for utilising understory areas of your garden.
- Radish – A fast-growing vegetable that’s easy to harvest in just a few weeks.
- Peas – Snap peas and snow peas can be planted now in your garden this September for an early harvest whilst also fixing nitrogen in your garden.
- Potatoes – Early varieties can be planted for a spring harvest.
- Asparagus – Plant crowns or seeds, though crowns will yield faster.
- Chives – Perennial herb that can be planted around vegetable beds.
- Parsley – Hardy and versatile, perfect for garnishing and seasoning.
- Coriander – Prefers cooler weather and can bolt in heat.
- Thyme – A perennial herb that will thrive year-round whilst also being a perfect gift in the kitchen.
- Oregano – Great for pizzas and Mediterranean dishes.
- Mint – Prefers moist soils and can spread easily, so plant in pots.
- Fruit:
- Strawberries – Plant runners or seedlings for fruit in the coming months.
- Blueberries – Great for pots or acidic soil in garden beds. Plant in your garden in September before it gets too hot.
- Raspberries – you can plant these from canes; enjoy in late spring and summer.
- Lemons – Citrus trees are great to be planted, especially in a sunny position.
- Apple (dwarf varieties) – Ideal to plant now in pots or small spaces.
- Feijoa (a personal favourite of mine – We would generally plant now for fruit in autumn.
- Turnips – Great for cooler months and can be direct-sown.
- Parsnips – Similar to carrots but require a longer growing season.
- Swedes – A hardy root vegetable that prefers cooler climates.
- Garlic – Best planted in early spring for harvesting in summer.
- Beans (after frost risk):
- Bush Beans – We try to plant these once the last frost has passed.
- Climbing Beans – Ideal for vertical spaces like trellising
By taking advantage of the favourable conditions in September, you can set your garden up for a successful and productive growing season whilst also not having to wonder if you have missed something. Remember to stay on top of tasks and monitor the weather to protect your plants from any unexpected changes. Happy gardening!