September has arrived with a mix of Oklahoma gardening temperatures and what some deem the most important event of the year, OU and OSU football! As Oklahoma gardeners however, we also recognize the importance of September.
Watch for Oklahoma’s oldest symbol, adopted in 1893, 14 years before statehood. The dark green leaves and white berries will become visible particularly in southern Oklahoma as trees begin to loose their leaves.
PLANT
Finish Oklahoma warm-lawn plantings by mid month, Bermuda.
Transplant any spring blooming bulbs like iris, daylilies, peonies, daises.
Fall blooming perennials like asters, pansies and mums.
Cool weather vegetables like beets, lettuce, turnips, spinach, broccoli, radishes and English peas.
FERTILIZE
Third and final Bermuda application of the year. Quick and easy Oklahoma lawn fertilization calculator. Oklahoma Red Dirt Gardener’s easy to follow lawn fertilization schedule.
Pre-emergent need to be applied before September 15th if you use chemicals. To insure that this chemical gets to the seeds that have laid dormant and are preparing to germinate this Oklahoma Red Dirt Gardener suggests you mow your lawn. Also, water in the granules in if it has not rained with 24/48 hours after the application.
PRUNE
Ornamental trees and shade trees if needed. Do not flush cut or use tree paint.
Deadhead your summer flowering perennials for another flush of blooms.
Wisterias that failed to bloom can also have their roots trimmed.
WATER
Continuing watering deeply when needed.
Do Not Forget To Feed And Water The Birds
The heart shaped face of the barn owl makes it easy to recognize. It would not be unusual to see these guys in your neighborhood or out in the country at dusk searching for moles, mice, other rodents and small birds.
In school I remember collecting odorless “owl pellets” and pulling them apart to determine what the owl had eaten. The owl is unable to digest bone, fur or feathers. So, they cough up the undigested parts, owl pellets.
The “Original” Red Dirt Gardener