As we slide into September, our garden activity is changing. At our home here in Baker, we’ll dig our potatoes around the first of September, but not before. Many of us in our tri-county area have basements, or even cool rooms, which are the perfect locations for storing potatoes. No matter where you store yours, they will keep better if kept in the dark, and as cool and dry as possible.

A source of excellent information regarding seed saving tips and articles can be found at the Oregon State University Extension website. Both Baker County and Union County Extension Service offices will print select garden articles if anyone needs or wants them and you do not have access to a printer. Be sure to have the name of the article in hand before asking for a copy.

One key tip to remember is that seeds must be dry before storing in airtight containers. I use empty pharmacy pill bottles for winter storage. And even if you think you’ll remember what seeds belong to which plant, just dedicate a felt tip for marking on your containers. It’s surprising how many seeds look alike from late summer to spring!

I usually notice things like this but at times, I have to admit my gardening senses aren’t keen. Other coffee shops may also use gardeners as a very good source for lightening their load of used coffee grounds. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see a small, decorated garbage container at Starbucks in Albertsons offer bags of used coffee “grounds for gardeners” at their store, for free. I asked how frequently they had bags available and was told they usually have one bag per day. Bags weigh approximately 10 to 15 pounds. Plenty to add a little acidity to your garden if that’s what your soil type needs.

My indoor plants have had a good summer, and I’ll fertilize them about the first of September with a solution of just half the normal amount. Daylight hours change so dramatically in the next 30 days, and although my plants are still growing, they most certainly are not putting on growth at the rate the previous four months has given.

The accompanying photo shows what might happen if seeds are not properly labeled. Both of these containers hold Kniphofia, or red-hot pokers. The seeds were collected at different times, and as soon as I am done writing this, it’s off to my garden room with my felt tip! Far be it from me not to follow my own suggestions!