This Month in Your Garden - September

‘As Summer into Autumn slips and yet we sooner say “the Summer” than “the Autumn,” lest we turn the sun away…’ – Emily Dickinson

Autumn officially begins on the 1st of September in meteorological terms. You would think we should be glad after heatwaves, drought and hosepipe bans. Yet isn’t there a hankering to hold on to the last of the summer sun before the nights draw in? 

The Lawncare Guide - September

When in drought…

Many a mature lawn will be suffering badly from the drought, especially the ornamental lawn comprising fine, bent grasses. Those containing fescue are likely to have more resistance but even so, once the top 10cm (4 in) of soil has dried out, the grass can stop growing and turns brown. Usually, if you have kept your lawn well maintained, it will quickly recover with the autumn rains. But the not so well maintained lawn will suffer root deterioration and become weak, allowing the weeds and moss to become established as soon as rain is frequent. 

Lawn Care: Questions & Answers

Q. When is the best time to create a new lawn?

The Vegetable Plot - September

Let the good thymes roll

September, the month of plenty in the vegetable garden if you have been prolific with your seeding. The bounty includes tomatoes, sweetcorn, courgettes, marrows, runner beans, cabbages and cauliflowers, lettuces, cucumber, beetroot, potatoes, carrots and turnips. 

The Big Glut - September

Aubergine parmigiana lasagne 

From BBC Good Food

Ingredients

• 3 large aubergines, trimmed and thinly sliced lengthways
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 250g vegetarian mozzarella, drained and coarsely grated
• 50g vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, grated
• 1 bunch of basil, leaves picked and roughly chopped, plus extra to serve
• 8 dried lasagne sheets (egg lasagne sheets are best for this)