Northern California September Checklist: Planting, Bulbs, and Fire Safety

Plant Now

Blue Geraniums

Create a sea of blue from spring to fall with hardy true geraniums. Plant now so roots establish in cool weather. Robin Parer of Geraniaceae Nursery in Kentfield recommends Geranium 'Blue Cloud', G. 'Orion', G. 'Rozanne', and G. pratense 'Mrs. Kendall Clark' (415/461-4168).

Bulbs

Plant crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and other spring-flowering bulbs. Most prefer sun, but spring star flower (Ipheion uniflorum) tolerates partial shade. Brent Heath of Brent and Becky's Bulbs suggests 'Jessie' and 'Rolf Fiedler' (both blue) and 'White Star'—beautiful alone or as "wonderful shoes and socks" for tall tulips and narcissus (877/661-2852). How to plant bulbs.

Fall Flowers

Compost fading summer displays and replant with late-blooming annuals like cosmos and zinnias or perennials such as asters and salvias. Gary Ratway of Digging Dog Nursery in Albion recommends tall, architectural Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow', A. lateriflorus 'White Lovely' (big sprays that "appear like a cloud"), and low-growing A. pyrenaeus 'Lutetia' (707/937-1235).

Fava Beans

Zones 7–9, 14–17: Fava beans are an easy, rewarding cool-season crop, especially for beginners. Large seeds produce sturdy, frost-tolerant plants with fragrant blossoms and a superior spring harvest. Order seeds now; plant when daytime temperatures fall below 75°F (usually mid-September to November). Available from Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply (888/784-1722).

Tidy Up

Clear Fire Hazards

In fire-prone areas, remove dry brush, grass, leaves, and debris within 30 feet of your home. Cut dead and diseased wood from trees and shrubs; keep branches trimmed at least 15 feet from the house. Clean plant debris off the roof.

Refresh Lawns

Improve water absorption and reduce waste by raking out thatch. Aerate with a hollow-tine aerator. Replace lawn on banks and slopes with drought-tolerant ornamental grasses or perennials like prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and Russian sage (Perovskia). Recalibrate irrigation.

Tend Roses

Zones 7–9, 14–17: Water deeply during hot, dry weather. Deadhead by cutting stems just above a five-leaflet leaf to encourage fall blooms. Fertilize with organic or commercial rose food; water before and after. Grow beautiful roses.

Sow Now, Snip Later

Rich purple 'Cupani' sweet peas and electric orange California poppies create a mood-lifting combination. In mild-winter areas, sow both in full sun now for copious spring blooms. (In cold climates, start sweet peas indoors in February–March, then transplant when soil can be worked.) The first warm spring days bring a flurry of flowers perfect for spontaneous bouquets.

—Elizabeth Jardina

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