Your Vegetable Garden This Autumn: The Zucchini

September can be a question mark when making landscape and gardening plans. In Southern California, summer can easily extend into September or the month can bring cooler temperatures. Still, there is much to do and plant in the garden during early fall, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products.

Lawn Care: In September and October, lawns are still growing.. Mow weekly. For cool season grass such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, now is the time to fertilize as they grow rapidly in fall. Also, consider aerification (coring) with an aerator that can be rented at equipment rental shops. Coring allows for better water and nutrition penetration.

Plant Trees: The best time to plant trees is when they are dormant–in fall or early spring. To reduce transplant shock, dig a hole for planting at least three times the size of the plant’s root ball is wide, but only as deep as its roots. Don’t plant the tree too low in the ground to allow for some settling. Firmly pack the soil around the tree to eliminate air pockets. To keep in moisture, Cover the soil with mulch and help moderate extreme soil temperatures. The mulch should be one to two inches away from the tree trunk.

Flowers for Fall: Warm Septembers allow gardeners to plant flowers for fall blooms. These include snap dragons, chrysanthemums, sweet peas and asters. Also, plant bulbs such as crocuses and autumn daffodils.

Add to Your Vegetable Garden: Some vegetables can still be planted in fall for a winter or early spring harvest. These vegetables include fava beans, peas, kale, leeks, beets, broccoli, radish, carrots, brussel sprouts, celery and winter Zucchini.

For more planting and gardening tips, go to http://blog.godfreys-gardens.co.uk