September Chores for Your Desert Garden

Mulching, pruning, fertilizing, and adjusting your watering schedule are some things you need to do during September for your desert garden.

Fall is coming and there are some things you need to do to prepare your desert garden for colder weather.

Mulch plants now. Mulching has many benefits. In the fall and winter, mulch helps to modify soil temperatures, and insulate plant roots.

You might also want to apply fertilizer to your roses at this time. If you have container plants that are susceptible to cold weather, and you live in higher desert regions start making plans to bring them indoors.

Deadhead annuals now also. This will allow them to keep blooming a little longer.

If you live in areas which receive desert monsoons, they should be tapering off soon, if they have not already. You'll want to start adjusting your watering schedule.

September is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. Stay away from planting any plants that are frost sensitive. Planting in September will allow the plants to build root systems through the winter.

You can also divide and plant irises and day lilies now.

If you live in warmer desert regions, now is the time to prune palms, as well.

It's still a little early to plant bulbs for spring bloom (daffodils, tulips), but you could be thinking about what bulbs you want to plant and where you want to put them. Daffodils are great plants for desert gardens. Plant them in drifts for a dramatic look in the spring.