5 Things to Do in Your Northern Nevada Garden This September

September in Northern Nevada can still bring plenty of warm, sunny days, but cooler nights are a reminder that fall is right around the corner. It's a great time to tackle a few lawn and garden projects before freezing temperatures arrive.

Here are five things to put on your September garden checklist.

1. Give Your Lawn Some Attention

Continue mowing as your lawn actively grows, but pay attention to changing temperatures and growth rates rather than sticking to your midsummer routine.

Early fall can also be a good time to evaluate your lawn's overall health. Look for thin areas, weeds, irrigation problems, or signs of stress that may need attention before winter.

If you're planning to fertilize, choose a product appropriate for your turf type and follow the application instructions carefully.

2. Check Your Trees & Shrubs

Take a walk around the yard and look closely at your trees and shrubs. Watch for damaged branches, unusual leaf discoloration, pests, or other signs of stress.

Fall is also a good time to clean up dead or damaged growth, but avoid assuming every tree or shrub needs a major pruning. The best pruning time depends on the plant, so know what you're growing before you start cutting.

3. Add Some Cool-Season Color

Your garden doesn't have to stop being colorful when summer ends.

Pansies, violas, asters, chrysanthemums and ornamental kale are a few options that can bring fresh color to containers and garden beds as temperatures begin to cool.

Late-season flowering plants can also provide valuable food for pollinators when fewer plants are blooming.

4. Clean Up — But Don't Overdo It

Remove weeds, diseased plant material and heavy accumulations of debris from your landscape.

But a perfectly spotless garden isn't always necessary. Some healthy plant material and leaves can provide habitat for beneficial insects and contribute organic matter to the garden.

For lawns, avoid allowing a thick, wet layer of leaves to remain on the grass for long periods. Mulching leaves with your mower or removing excessive buildup can help keep turf healthy.

5. Start Preparing Your Irrigation for Cold Weather

September is a good time to inspect your irrigation system before freezing temperatures become a concern.

Check sprinklers and drip systems for leaks, broken components, clogged emitters and poor coverage. As temperatures cool and plants require less water, begin adjusting your watering schedule accordingly.

And don't wait until the first hard freeze to think about winterizing vulnerable irrigation components.

A Little Work Now Makes Spring Easier

Northern Nevada's fall weather can change quickly. Taking care of a few basic landscape tasks in September can help protect your plants, lawn and irrigation system while making next spring's garden work a little easier.

Need help choosing plants that can handle our high-desert climate? Stop by Bonsai Blue Garden Market and talk with our team about what's working well in Northern Nevada gardens this season.