Things to Do in September in The Vegetable Garden
Onions and Shallots
Sow seed of salad and bulb type over wintering onions to mature next spring.
Over wintering onion sets should be planted in late September.
Onions and shallots should be lifted as soon as foliage has started to die back. Succumbing to temptation and bending over the tops by hand can reduce their storage time. If the weather is dry allow them to dry on the soil face, alternatively dry them in a well ventilated shed.
Whichever method you use store them in a moisture free place and check over at frequent intervals to check for any rot which may spread to other stored onions. Thick necked onions should be used rather than stored as they may be more prone to rot.
Cabbage
If you sowed Spring Cabbages in August they are probably ready to plant out. Pigeons can devastate a crop in no time so it is best to take the precaution of covering them with horticultural fleece or netting.
Sweetcorn
As Sweetcorn becomes ripe harvest it, as if you need any encouragement. Push a fingernail into the kernel when the tassels at the end of the cob start to shrivel and brown, if the liquid looks milky they are ready.
Green Manures
Sow green manures, such as mustard and Italian ryegrass which will prevent autumn weeds establishing. When dug in during winter and spring this will also act as a soil improver.
