Monty Don shares vital gardening jobs for September, including the trick to get your lawn looking lush all autumn

THERE’S plenty to be getting on with in your garden this September, from planting bulbs to pruning shrubs.

But according to Monty Don the thing on the top of everyone’s list should be sorting out your lawn – and there’s a vital step people always forget about.

Every month Monty lists the jobs that should be ticked off, and this month getting your lawn looking spick is the first thing to do.

This is an ideal time of year to either sow or turf new grass or to repair patches and worn areas on your lawn.

The gardening guru explained that this is the perfect time of year to repair damaged or worn spots on your lawn.

“If it is just a worn area of thin grass, rake away all thatch and moss and remove all weeds and thinly scatter grass seed, watering well and keeping it damp. The seed should germinate and grow in days,” he wrote.

You should also avoid mowing for roughly one month, and if it does need a tidy up use shears to give it a trim instead.

For larger areas, the pro suggested a sharp spade or fork to clean up messy new growth.

And if you do sow any new seeds or lay new turf make sure you avoid walking on it, as well as mowing, until it’s “growing vigorously” as this is a sign of established roots.

The lawn jobs don’t end there though.

Monty also suggested gardeners aerate their lawns this month, even if your grass is still looking good.

“You can use a fork by working the tines into the ground at 12 inch intervals or, for a larger lawn, hire a rolling hollow-tine or slitter,” he explained.

“Ideally this is followed by working sand into the holes they create with a stiff brush,” the pro added.

After this, grab a wire rake to clear away the thatch and moss to help your lawn thrive next spring.

As well as getting on top of your lawn, there are some other gardening jobs to add to your to-do list.

Move Perennials

Monty suggested moving perennials when they are “in full flower” so you can ensure the roots establish themselves by the time winter rolls around.

Also use this time to give cut them back, he added.

Cut Hedges

Although you should avoid cutting hedges during the summer months due to the risk of harming nesting birds, they will have likely fledged now, meaning it’s safe to give your hedges a quick tidy up.

“Start with the sides, making sure that you have a slight ’batter’ or outward slope from the top to the bottom.

“This ensures that the lower section is not shaded by the top growth – which is always more bushy as it gets more light – and the hedge remains  fully ‘furnished’ right down to the ground,” Monty said.

Once this is done, cut the top – you can use two canes and a piece of string to get a level top.

Plant Bulbs

It’s the perfect time to add spring bulbs to pots, Monty revealed.

The gardening pro explained that he usually starts with blooms like daffodils.

“Choose an attractive pot which need not be deep – a terracotta pan is ideal –  and can be very small – a few crocus in a small pot can cheer the darkest February day,” he said.

That said, make sure to mix in some grit with your compost for good drainage, as the bulbs could risk becoming waterlogged over the colder months.