Скачать или смотреть WHAT JOBS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER / ALLOTMENT GARDENING UK FOR BEGINNERS

September is an important month for allotment holders in the UK as it marks the transition from summer to autumn. Here are some allotment jobs to consider for September:

1. Harvesting: Continue harvesting your crops, including summer vegetables like tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and sweetcorn. It's also a good time to start harvesting some autumn crops like squash and pumpkins.

2. Sowing and Planting:

Sow cool-season crops directly in the ground, such as winter lettuce, spinach, radishes, and hardy herbs like parsley and chives.
Plant out spring cabbage and overwintering varieties of onions and garlic.
Transplant young kale and broccoli plants into their final positions.
3. Green Manure: Consider sowing green manure crops in empty beds to protect the soil, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility over the winter. Examples include clover, field beans, and rye.

4. Clearing and Weeding:

Remove spent crops, weeds, and any debris from your allotment beds to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
Weed thoroughly to eliminate competition for nutrients and space.
5. Soil Preparation:

Prepare the soil for autumn and winter planting by adding compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve its structure.
Consider performing a soil test to determine if any specific soil amendments are needed.
6. Seed Saving: If you have any open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, save seeds from your best plants for next year's planting.

7. Pruning and Maintenance:

Prune back any spent or overgrown growth on fruit trees and bushes.
Check and repair any fencing, structures, or trellises around your allotment.
8. Composting:

Turn your compost pile to help with decomposition and prepare for adding organic matter to your soil.
9. Pest and Disease Control:

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take appropriate action, such as removing affected plants or using organic pest control methods.
10. Watering:
Continue to water your crops as needed, but be mindful of overwatering as the weather cools down.

11. Plan for Winter:
Plan for what you want to grow over the winter months. Consider crops like kale, Brussels sprouts, winter lettuce, and winter herbs.

12. Garden Cleanup:
Organize and clean your shed or storage area, making sure tools are properly cleaned and stored.
Collect fallen leaves for composting or leaf mold.

13. Enjoy the Harvest:
Enjoy the fruits of your labor by cooking and preserving the harvest. Make sauces, chutneys, pickles, and freeze excess produce.

14. Wildlife Considerations:
Set up bird feeders or insect hotels to encourage beneficial wildlife in your allotment.

September is a transitional month when you can still enjoy the late summer harvest while preparing your allotment for autumn and winter crops. Proper maintenance and planning now will set you up for success in the months ahead.