UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County

Sweltering in September

Here are your September Gardening Tips

September can be sweltering, as temperatures prove this week. Cooler days are ahead, and now is the time to prepare as the weather turns to fall.


  • Continue harvesting, and feed that compost and vermicompost pile as summer crops are removed (unless crops are diseased- see blog below) If you are new to vermicomposting, check on one of the "worm" talks we have in Livermore and Freemont.
  • As summer crops are removed, cover crops (also called green manure or compost crops) can be planted. 
  • Continue to plant cool-season plants.
  • Set out cool-season annuals (pansies, primrose, stock, etc.) but wait until the temperatures go down.
  • Check to be sure that your irrigation system is working and meets the needs of your garden with the calculator for estimating water needs.
  • Don't forget sun hats and sunscreen when working in your garden!



Gardening Resources and Information

New on the Blog

DIY Planting Doctoring: Resources to diagnose summer garden problems


While fall is around the corner, the heat this week confirms that summer still holds us! And, summer pests are still enjoying the warm weather too as they picnic on the plants in your garden. 


Our new blog demonstrates how to find UC resources you can use as do-it-yourself plant doctor to identify and manage garden pests.


Be warned,plant-doctoring in your own garden can be an interesting and addictive activity to do in the comfort of a shaded patio or air-conditioned room, but it can also be the first step to knowing when you might need a “lifeline” to solve your plant pest problem. 


The Master Gardeners can be that lifeline.



Read Our Blog


Upcoming Talks

Garden Talk Vermicomposting: Worm Composting


September 10, 2022

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Livermore Demonstration Garden



MGs will discuss and demonstrate the best practices for setting up a worm bin and transforming those kitchen cuttings into food for all your plants.

Learn More

Beginner Vegetable Gardening at the Newark Library


September 17, 2022

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Newark Library



Come and join us in-person at the Newark Library to hear and see demonstrations on beginner vegetable gardening.


The Talk will be on soil preparation, mulching, seed starting, fertilizers and pest control. There will be an after-event activity to pot your own seed starts.


Learn More


Garden Talk- Composting With Worms


October 1, 2022

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Quarry Lakes Demonstration Garden



What is Vermicomposting and how does it work? Join us for this fun and interesting talk on how to turn food waste into worm castings (garden gold!) that promote plant growth.

Learn More

About our Program

The UC Master Gardener Program is a statewide program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Our mission is to empower people with knowledge and skills to grow food and garden sustainably, protecting California’s natural resources. By customizing local gardening outreach to account for unique local landscapes and the diversity of California's residents, we strive to meet the needs of all the communities we serve.

Learn more at https://acmg.ucanr.edu/ and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.



Got gardening questions?

We have gardening answers! Our friendly experts are here to help. Submit your questions online or by emailing us: acmg@ucanr.edu

When submitting be sure to include your name, city, phone number, detailed problem description and a photo of the problem, if possible.
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