This Month in Your Garden - September

"Autumn is the perfect time to take account of what we’ve done, what we didn’t do, and what we’d like to do next year." Unknown Author

Gertrude Jekyill also said: “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.”

Let’s consider if you’re new to gardening, both quotes are a meaningful start to a lifetime of gardening pleasure. If you are an ‘old gardener’ I’m sure you’ll agree with both sentiments. You might have inherited an ornamental garden when you moved house, or your own garden is well established.

The Lawn Care Guide - September

“My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him of course he could, so long as he didn't take it out of my garden.” Eric Morecambe

We have probably all known someone at one time or another who pops round and asks if they can borrow this tool or that. Never to return them unless pressed to do so and even then it’s as if they are parting with something that actually belongs to them and not you. Well, there’s a lot to be said for hiring some garden equipment when you need it.

Lawn Care: Questions and Answers

Q. My lawn has a lot of mossy areas. What’s best to get rid of it?

The Vegetable Plot - September

“I had this image of lots of marrows, squash and pumpkins all wearing sombreros and lazing around in the September sunshine.” 

No matter the size of your garden it’s likely you can grow at least some vegetables and if you have a sizeable plot you can either have dedicated beds or mix flowers and vegetables in the same border. A visit over Bank Holiday to Hidcote Manor kitchen garden showed this to great effect. Never worry about growing too many vegetables.

You can freeze what you don’t need now so you can have peas, beans, cauliflowers, broccoli, sweet corn and Brussels sprouts waiting for the pot. By now you will be lifting maincrop beetroot to eat when you’re ready, as well as carrots and potatoes for storing in hessian or thick paper sacks in a dark, frost-proof place.

The Big Glut Recipe - September

Roasted butternut squash with chilli, spinach & peanuts 

The recipe from House and Garden uses Gochujang paste from Korea which you can get in Waitrose and Asian food stores or order online. It’s an essential chilli hit for the dish.

• 2tbsp gochujang
• 2tbsp vegetable oil
• 1tbsp fish sauce (replace with soy sauce if veggie/vegan)
• 2 butternut squash, about 2kg, peeled, halved and seeded
• 300g baby spinach leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 50g roasted, salted peanuts, chopped