Barnsdale’s Organic September Secrets

Barnsdale’s Organic September Secrets: Organic September is nearly here! A whole month dedicated to celebrating all things organic and shining a light on the greener, cleaner way to grow. Barnsdale Gardens’ very own founder, Geoff Hamilton, was a true trailblazer in organic gardening. He turned Barnsdale into his great “living experiment”, growing peat-free, chemical-free, and proudly organic before it was even cool!

Fast-forward over 40 years, and those same eco-friendly methods are still at the heart of Barnsdale, right here in the East Midlands. Today, the gardens continue to thrive as a living showcase of organic gardening at its best.

And because we love sharing the organic goodness, the Barnsdale team have put together some top tips for September below…

Staying Ahead with Cauliflowers

Cauliflowers, as rewarding as they are, tend to reach maturity all at once. To avoid a glut and the prospect of cauliflower cheese every day for a week, a gardener can lift a couple of plants with soil still clinging to their roots. Hung upside down on a north-facing fence or the sheltered side of a shed, and given a light daily misting, the plants will hold back from “blowing” and provide a steadier harvest stretched over several weeks.

Taking Cuttings of Summer Bedding

Late summer offers the final window for softwood cuttings before colder weather arrives. Non-flowering shoots are best; any forming buds can simply be pinched out. Even on a bright windowsill, cuttings of petunia, fuchsia, verbena, sanvitalia, or pelargonium will usually root within about four weeks, ensuring new, healthy plants for the following season.

Gathering Eryngium Seed

Eryngium signals seed readiness quite clearly. As the seedheads mature, the cones dry to a brown hue. Once the seeds begin to loosen, a gentle downward press of the thumb will release them. Collected seeds can be rubbed free and stored in a simple paper envelope until it’s time to sow again, carrying the plant’s natural resilience into the next cycle.

AND DON’T FORGET …There is plenty to do in September at Barnsdale!

Dahlia Festival

8th – 21st September

11:00am – 4:00pm

Celebrate the beauty of Dahlias this September! Discover these vibrant blooms at their peak and learn why they’re the perfect plant for adding colour and interest well into autumn.

Dahlia Day

14th September

12:00pm – 4:00pm

Join Karen Gimson for a series of inspiring talks and guided walks throughout the day. She’ll cover everything you need to know about Dahlias — from growing and storing, to cuttings, varieties, and creative flower arrangements.

Nursery Walk & Talk: Extending Seasonal Interest

26th September

11:30am – 11:50am

As autumn arrives, your garden doesn’t have to fade. Emma will share top tips and plant recommendations to keep your borders vibrant, showcasing the very best for a stunning late summer and autumn display.

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