Tim Johnson

Cool-season lettuces, mesclun mixes, and other greens that were planted in early spring can be planted again this month. Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden Cool-season lettuces, mesclun mixes, and other greens that were planted in early spring can be planted again this month. If the weather is unusually hot, plant these greens in partial shade or wait a few days until the temperatures cool down.

Geranium cuttings Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden It is time to take cuttings of annuals such as geraniums and begonias that you want to keep over the winter. Cool nights in September will harden off the plants, which will make them more difficult to root. Take a 2- to 3-inch-long tip cutting and stick it in a well-drained potting medium for container gardening. Keep the cuttings in humidity and bright light. Cover them with a plastic bag and ventilate daily by opening and resealing the bag.

The gladiolus produces a large, showy flower spike that lasts for several days whether in the garden or in a vase. Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden I have fond memories of growing gladioli as a kid growing up in Nebraska — and at this point in summer I’m seeing them in bloom around the Chicago area. The gladiolus produces a large, showy flower spike that lasts for several days whether in the garden or in a vase.