Summer is slowly coming to an end in September, but biodiversity is still going strong and continues to amaze us. There are several ways we can take care of it, whether we have a garden around our house or a balcony in our apartment.
Keep plants in bloom
Many pollinators are still at work, such as red admiral butterflies, wild bees, peacock butterflies, and wasps. These insects feast on the nectar of blackberries, figs, and ivy flowers, among others. It is important not to cut these flowers, as they are among the few plants still in bloom at this time of year, along with goldenrod.
Harvesting seeds
September is also a good time to harvest seeds from the pods or fruits of various plants growing around your home. Harvesting in dry weather reduces the risk of rot. Then store your seeds in paper in a cool, dry place. Feel free to exchange seeds with friends to diversify your plantings, which will attract a variety of pollinators. Here are some ideas for seeds that are easy to harvest: wild teasel, borage, purple foxglove, primrose, poppy, cornflower, burdock, oregano, wild chicory, wild thyme, mullein, milk thistle, white companion plant, wild marshmallow.
Tip for balconies: Create a planter with different species of flowers for pollinators on your balcony.
Wait to mow tall grass
There are still many insects in September, especially orthoptera, so delaying mowing tall grass for a few weeks will protect them. When mowing, if possible, use a manual tool such as a scythe, shears, or sickle, as these avoid crushing the grass and eliminating microfauna. You can reuse the cut grass as mulch at the base of young plants or throw it in the compost.
Tip for balconies: This is the perfect time to remove dry stems and leaves from planters.
Create shelters
Grass clippings piled up in a heap can serve as winter shelter for species such as slow worms and common toads. You can also pile up branches and dead leaves to provide a base for hedgehogs to build their nests.
Tip for balconies: Install bird feeders.
What to plant or sow?
In the garden, September still offers several possibilities, whether in a field or a planter, to prolong summer or prepare for winter. You can still repot herbs such as basil and dill if the temperatures are still a little warm. For root vegetables, you can sow pink radishes, winter radishes, and certain varieties of turnips and carrots. For leafy vegetables, you can sow arugula, lamb’s lettuce, and winter spinach. Finally, to have some edible flowers close at hand, you can sow or transplant pansies.
Wildlife monitoring and observation: September's biodiversity is abundant!
In September, it is possible to observe a wide variety of animals, including reptiles and insects. During this period, moths, large numbers of orthoptera, and very active bats will be visible.
Enjoy the joys of September’s biodiversity!