September marks the beginning of autumn, bringing a shift in focus for your herb garden. As temperatures start to cool and days become shorter, it’s a crucial time for harvesting, preserving, and preparing your herbs for the changing seasons. In this post, we’ll explore which herbs to care for in September, best practices for maintaining their health, and how to align your gardening activities with the moon phases for optimal planting and harvesting.

Front Yard (Shaded): Caring for Cool-Weather Herbs

In your front yard, the cooler, shaded conditions are perfect for nurturing herbs that thrive in these environments. September is a key month for harvesting and preparing these herbs for the autumn months.

Herbs to Care for in Shaded Areas:

• Chives: Continue to harvest your chives as needed, using both the leaves and flowers. This month, you can start to prepare them for the cooler weather by trimming back any overly tall growth.
• Parsley: Your parsley should still be lush. Harvest the outer leaves regularly, which will encourage new growth. As autumn approaches, you can consider drying some for winter use.
• Mint: Mint will likely still be thriving in September. Harvest generously and start drying leaves for use during the colder months.

Shaded Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, particularly as temperatures fluctuate. Shaded herbs may require less frequent watering, but do not let them dry out completely.
• Pruning: Lightly prune your herbs to maintain their shape and encourage bushy growth. For chives and mint, trimming back will promote new shoots and prevent legginess.

Back Yard (Sunny): Maintaining Mediterranean Herbs

In your back yard, the sunny conditions provide a great environment for Mediterranean herbs. September is an essential month for maintaining their health and preparing for the transition into autumn.

Herbs to Tend to in Sunny Areas:

• Basil: Your basil should be at its peak. Continue to harvest regularly, and consider making basil-infused oils or pesto to preserve its flavour. As the weather cools, monitor for signs of decline, as basil is sensitive to frost.
• Oregano: Oregano loves the summer sun and will still be productive. Continue to harvest leaves, snipping from the top to promote fuller growth. This month is great for drying oregano to use in winter cooking.
• Sage: Sage plants will be robust this month. Water them as needed and continue to harvest leaves for fresh use or to dry for later.

Sunny Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Ensure your sunny herbs are watered deeply and regularly, especially as temperatures begin to cool. Check the soil moisture frequently, as sunny herbs can still dry out quickly.
• Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds, benefiting your herbs as the season changes.

Harvesting and Using Your Herbs

September is a wonderful time for harvesting, as many of your herbs will be at their peak. Enjoy incorporating these fresh herbs into your autumn meals.

September Harvesting Tips:

• Chives: Continue to harvest chives, using the leaves and flowers in various dishes. If they begin to flower, you can save some for pollinators.
• Parsley: Keep harvesting parsley as needed. Snip the outer leaves to ensure steady growth, and consider drying some for winter.
• Mint: Use mint leaves in drinks, desserts, and savoury dishes. Drying some leaves now will allow you to enjoy their flavour during the colder months.

Moon Phase Tips: Aligning Gardening with Lunar Cycles

September’s moon phases can provide excellent guidance for your planting and harvesting activities. Aligning your tasks with the lunar cycle can enhance your gardening practices.

New Moon (early September): Time for New Plantings

The New Moon is a great time for sowing any late-season herbs or starting new seedlings. This lunar energy supports root development, so consider planting herbs like cilantro or thyme that can thrive into autumn.

Full Moon (late September): Perfect for Harvesting

As the Full Moon approaches, it’s an ideal time to harvest your abundant crops. This is an excellent opportunity to gather fresh chives, parsley, and mint, as the Full Moon enhances growth and flavour, making it perfect for enjoying the last of your summer herbs.

Conclusion: September is a Month of Transition and Preparation

September is a crucial month in your herb garden, filled with opportunities for harvesting, care, and preparation for autumn. By focusing on the needs of your shaded and sunny herbs, you can maximise their growth and yield. Aligning your gardening activities with the moon phases can further enhance your success, allowing you to fully embrace the richness of the season. Enjoy the flavours and aromas from your herb garden this September, and prepare for the transitions that lie ahead.

Blessed be!

Don’t forget to check out my Etsy Shop for spell & ritual kits