Pitchforks (and hydrant wrenches) aloft!

Flower Power! We are neighbors who are interested in bringing some botanical beauty to the bike-lane
tree pits so we have persuaded the city to allow us to garden there unimpeded. Anyone is welcome to
join at any level of involvement. There are no dues and no formal meetings; Just a desire to keep
Chelsea tree-lined and flower-filled. Join us!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

September Pit Maintenance


September Gardening Tips from the NY Botanical Garden


Planning
* Complete ordering spring-flowering bulbs and other plants for fall planting
* Continue to assess areas in the garden that may need additional planting
* Continue to take garden notes and/or photographs to plan future plantings

Chores and Maintenance

* Collect seed from perennials and annuals
* Remove and compost spent annuals and fallen leaves
* Continue to aerate and moisten compost pile to speed decomposition
* Continue to check for insect pests and treat accordingly
* Continue to remove any fallen leaves and debris that can harbor insect pests and disease organisms
* Continue to apply deer repellent (or maybe rat repellent in NYC)
* Begin to feed birds

Planting
* Continue to propagate herbs from new growth and transplant into pots for winter use
* Continue to divide and transplant early-blooming perennials
* Divide daylilies after flowering
* Plant lilies
* Sow hardy annuals in prepared planting beds
* Plant late-season annuals like ornamental kale and cabbage for fall color
* Sow parsley, radish, lettuce, carrot, and onion
* Complete planting out seedling biennials

Pruning/Fertilizing

* Prune rambler roses
* Prune to remove any diseased and dead rose canes
* Add organic matter such as manure, compost and/or leaf mold to improve soils
* Fertilize roses one last time

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