Page 28 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 152

28 Issue #152 September 2025 www.sportsenergynews.com

Let it Grow – Summers End

a lengthy season of corn on the
By Marion Dalley
cob, tomatoes are available in
abundance, and garden stands seem
s the blistering hot weather of
to have many healthy vegetables
Athis summer gives way to the
ready for purchase.
milder, gentler days of September,
we have to make an assessment of The days are still warm, but
our gardens. This summer, with the cooler nights and shorter daylight
severe lack of rain, eastern Ontario hours signal that fall is near. This
was classified as “abnormally dry is the perfect time to prepare your
Photo Submitted
to moderate drought.” To us it felt garden for the changing season and
like severe drought, but in truth, ensure a healthy, vibrant landscape warm soil. grasses and coral bells.
most of our plants did fairly well. next spring. Early fall is ideal for Peonies can be a ‘trouble Be sure that each transplant
The perennials seemed to tolerate dividing crowded perennials like child’, but use a gentle hand, and has a healthy root system, water
the lack of rain quite well; gardens hosta, daylilies, and irises. As a avoid burying your peony eyes transplants well and mulch to
have been in beautiful bloom. matter of fact, most perennials too deeply. Dividing peonies will protect them from temperature
should be divided from time to
There are the classic symptoms rejuvenate old clumps as long swings.
of lack of water such as the crisp time, to keep them growing well as they are healthy and free of Start planting spring-blooming
brown lawns, lack of production for decades on end. The soil is still unwanted disease. bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and
with some vegetables and fruits, warm, giving roots time to establish Daylilies should be divided after crocuses later in the month. Choose
and plenty of pest and disease- before winter. Fall provides a blooming begins to slow down, or
perfect mix between gradually well-drained spots and plant at the
ridden plants. But we have enjoyed the clumps become too crowded.
cooling temperatures, and workable recommended depth. Squirrels are
Coneflowers can often grow very notorious for digging up bulbs—
dense and crowded, so dividing consider using bulb cages or
them ensures proper airflow sprinkling blood meal as a deterrent.
and opportunity for blooming. Some plants that should NOT be
Consider crowded, woody centers divided in the fall would be bleeding
in coneflowers as a sign that
hearts, oriental poppies, lavender,
division is needed.
black eyed susan, baptista, sage.
Shasta Daisies have a tendency These plants are better divided in
to thin out or flop in the center, and early spring.
that is your sign to divide them.
September is prime time for lawn
This should be done consistently maintenance. Aerate compacted
every 2-3 years.
soil, overseed bare patches, and
Bee Balm grows super fast and apply a slow-release fall fertilizer.
tend to overcrowd very quickly. The cooler temperatures and
Divide them to limit chances of increased rainfall help new grass
overcrowding and prevent fungal establish strong roots before winter.
disease like powdery mildew.
September is a time of both
Hostas tend to need dividing winding down and preparing for
every few years, as they can renewal. With a little effort now,
become ever so large. They are a your garden will be healthier, more
most forgiving plant, and are very productive, and better prepared for
easy to dig up, divide, and replant.
Photo by Robert Lefebvre, icelevel photography winter—and ready to burst to life

are iris, asters, coreopsis, tickseed, again next spring.
Other plants that could be divided

garden phlox, sedum, ornamental Happy clean up; enjoy that cooler
weather.