See You in September

Sweet Alyssum For September

While the temps are still high in September  (75 degree mornings, low 100’s in the afternoons), we can still occupy our green thumbs with a few neat projects.                                                              September is a good time to plant agave, cactus, and yuccas in full sun.  Also herbs such as cilantro, parsley, dill, fennel and chives (either seeds or transplants) and sprouts of oregano, mint, thyme, rosemary in areas that don’t receive direct afternoon sun.  

Zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, and sunflowers seeds can be started in any location during this time, too. Use shade cloth to protect young seedlings from the sun, especially during the first few weeks.
Prior to planting or potting, amend the soil with compost and mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Water the ground around new plantings gently and regularly as they establish their roots.
You’ll have to monitor plants for thirsty pests and diseases and take appropriate action. 

A personal favorite of mine is the Alyssum; also known as just Sweet Alyssum. Plantable during Autumn, Alyssum is anaccessory to any pot or garden. Being white in color this little delicate plant is always noticed.

It’s hard to go wrong with this plant. Use it as a reliable filler in any pot or to fill in any gaps between plants in the ground.  It grows not high but spreads from Fall until Mid-May. It is not aggressive and won’t choke out other plants. Alyssum doesn’t LOVE the heat but it can tolerate 100 degrees with adequate water and shade. It’s pretty simple to keep healthy and Alyssum is not overly popular with plant eating pests.

Found all over the valley at any nursery and usually the Walmart garden center, Alyssum isn’t an expensive plant and other than water, it doesn’t need much care.  You can tell if it is getting too much sun as it will wilt and become dry. Those sunburned parts can be trimmed away and then the plant can survive if moved to a shadier place and the soil is kept moist. Alyssum does need covering when temps reach below 32 degrees.       Only a month more to go and we’ll enter our prime planting season here in the Valley of the Sun.