When you’re tending to your southwest Utah landscape in September, wear a hat and sunscreen! The first day of fall, and the ensuing cooler temperatures is fast approaching. Highs, however, are still hovering in the 90-degree range.
,Our experts at Stonetree in St. George find September—that brief period between the summer’s scorching heat and the first frost—is a good time to plant and establish many plants. These include a number of landscaping-enhancing varieties of ground cover, grasses and shrubs.
If you’re blessed with a green thumb, you may want to roll up your sleeves to join in the greening of your home. Here are a few tips tailored for your September landscape.
1. Avoid Watering During Daytime Hours In September
Months of southwest Utah’s scorching heat may have left your landscape parched. When quenching your plants’ thirst, remember the city’s ban on daytime watering is still in effect.
The city of St. George has requested residents avoid watering during daylight hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. While there are no penalties for daytime watering, it’s best to bring out your hose or turn on your sprinklers in the early morning.
As for evening yard care, we recommend you water no later than an hour before sunset. This gives your lawn a chance to dry out, which can stave off fungal growth. For more detailed information, we’ve created a guide on watering your St. George lawn.
Avoiding daytime watering shows you’re keeping the greater good of the community in mind. It also prevents you from wasting an invaluable resource; if it’s too hot, much of the H2O you’re spraying on your foliage evaporates, making watering less effective.
Stonetree stands ready to help you save water, energy and utility bills. As your desert landscaping experts, we specialize in energy- and water-efficient sprinkler and irrigation systems.
2. You Can Extend Your Kitchen Garden’s Growing Season With Indoor Herbs
If you enjoy growing vegetables, there aren’t many varieties you want to put in the ground right now. This is because we’re gradually drawing near the first frost, which typically hits around mid- to late November. You can, however, plant garlic anytime between now and December; radishes and spinach up to November; and lettuce through the end of this month.
If you have an outdoor herb garden, you may want to bring them inside in the coming weeks. Herbs that thrive indoors, providing fresh-grown flavor to the food you prepare, include:
If you wish, place your indoor herbs near a humidifier. A humidifier can keep them from drying out and is also beneficial for the people living in your home. Plants that you grow inside can later be put in the ground outdoors beginning in spring.
3. September Is A Good Time To Assess Your Masonry Wants And Needs
You may have been considering adding some masonry features to your yard, like a fire pit surrounded by benches. If you have this done before the weather turns cool, you’ll extend your available outdoor time. There are few bonding experiences better than gathering around a bonfire to enjoy the stars and the company of family and friends!
4. Stonetree Can Light Up Your Life This Fall
More light can also extend your outdoor hours. Stonetree can help you illuminate your driveway and walkways or direct spotlight attention to your plants, trees and masonry features. We use low-voltage outdoor lighting that runs on only 12 volts, making it more energy-efficient and easier on the wallet.
The experts at Stonetree are experienced at beautifying landscapes in St. George, with its unique desert climate. We emphasize waterwise irrigation and foliage, native plants, and masonry complementing our red rock-dominated geography. Contact us for your free estimate!
