Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Highlighted by Monty for September
As the leaves begin to change colour and the days grow shorter, gardeners can rejoice in the bounty of their fruit and vegetable gardens. Monty Don, renowned British gardener, shares his expert tips on harvesting pumpkins, squashes, herbs, and apples to ensure a successful harvest and good preservation for the colder months.
**Harvesting Pumpkins and Squashes**
Monty advises harvesting pumpkins and winter squashes when they reach full colour and the rind is hard. The stem should be dry and starting to shrivel. Delaying harvest risks frost damage and rot. To promote healthier fruits, elevate pumpkins off the ground using straw or fabric while they grow. Regularly monitor plants for pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids, and encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs to help control pests naturally. For squashes, pinching off flowers from young plants can increase the harvest size exponentially by encouraging more fruit development.
**Protecting Herbs Over Winter**
To protect herbs over winter, Monty suggests mulching herb beds heavily with straw, leaves, or compost to insulate roots against freezing. For potted herbs, moving them indoors or to a frost-free location if hardy outdoor protection isn't feasible is recommended. Pruning perennials lightly and avoiding overwatering in late fall keeps roots healthy.
**Picking the Best Apples for Storage**
When it comes to apples, Monty recommends selecting those that are fully mature but not overripe — they should be firm, free of bruises or blemishes. Harvest on a dry day and handle apples gently to avoid damaging the skin. Choose apple varieties known for long storage life, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith. Store apples in a cool, humid place to prolong freshness.
**Autumn Harvest and Storage Tips**
Crops to harvest in September include pumpkins, squashes, and possibly apples. Monty harvests pumpkins and squashes in September, gathering windfalls from the orchard. For those with a herb garden, autumn is the time to maximize the harvest for winter. Monty shares information on creating a herb garden and offers advice for picking apples. He demonstrates the best way to test when apples are ready to pick and offers suggestions for using windfall apples for juicing.
By following these practices, gardeners can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout September and preserve their crops for use throughout the colder months. Happy gardening!
[1] RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). (2021). Growing Pumpkins. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=284 [2] RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). (2021). Growing Squashes. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=390
- To ensure a bountiful home-and-garden through the cold months, Monty Don advises elevating pumpkins off the ground for healthier growth, pinching off squash flowers to increase harvest size, and mulching herb beds to protect against freezing.
- For gardeners, September offers the opportunity to enjoy a continuous lifestyle of harvesting pumpkins, squashes, and apples and the challenge of preserving them for the days when the outdoor gardening season ends.
