Things to notice:
September is warm and dusty throughout much of the Southwest. Dusty leaves are a haven for mites and other insects. Hose down your plants to remove dust and dirt.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/xplant-apricot-icon-1.png.pagespeed.ic.gvo6P2pGhz.png)
Keep an eye on acid-loving plants like gardenias, blueberries and camellias. If young leaves appear yellow, add iron to boost their growth and color.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/desert-flower.png)
Garden nurseries should begin to carry cool-season annuals such as ornamental cabbage, pansies, primroses, snapdragons, and stock.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/orchid-icon.png)
Keep your eyes open for fall plant sales at local botanical gardens. These are your best opportunity to purchase desert plants like yuccas, creosote, and Mormon tea.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/grass-icon.png)
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/sept-pomegranate.jpg)
Pomegranate, Punica granatum
“I appreciate the misunderstanding I have had with Nature over my perennial border. I think it is a flower garden; she thinks it is a meadow lacking grass, and tries to correct the error.” –Sara Stein
Things to do:
Harvest pomegranates!
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/pomegranate-icon.png)
Fertilize citrus, fruit trees and roses on Labor Day. Remember to water deeply before and after feeding.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/citrus-icon.png)
September is a great month to plant most trees and shrubs.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/tree-shrub-icon.png)
Prune existing shrubs and plants.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/xplant-apricot-icon-1.png.pagespeed.ic.gvo6P2pGhz.png)
Plant tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, gourds and pumpkins. Transplant any cool season veggies you started indoors.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/xtomato-icon.png.pagespeed.ic.zfH34LAFUQ.png)
Divide and transplant irises.