Monty Don’s urgent advice for gardeners to ensure they protect dahlias this month

September is a notoriously unpredictable month in the UK, with the weather often swinging wildly between sunshine and showers - but Monty Don is on hand to help

Monty Don, the gardening expert, has served up some sage advice for those looking to buff up their blooms next month as he navigates us through September's notoriously mercurial weather.

With the UK currently under the grip of thunderstorm warnings from Edinburgh down to Exmouth, gardeners might find it tough out there, especially since last year we sunned ourselves in what turned out to be the warmest September on record with an average temperature of 15.2C, says the Met Office.

No need for your green fingers to tremble though, because Monty's fresh off the press with tips for cradling your camellias, cosseting your azaleas and reviving your rhododendrons.

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The British gardening sensation has rightly pinpointed the significance of watering your plants correctly during this time, emphasizing they stand their best chance thriving in spring based on the care provided 'over the coming weeks. ' "Camellias, Azaleas and rhododendrons form their flower buds in late Summer and Autumn," declared the horticultural maestro in a recent blog post.

Further explaining the tricky situation of these blooms he pointed out: "If they are too dry the buds will not form properly and those that are made quite often subsequently drop off in the Spring before flowering as a result of dehydration the previous Autumn."

To sidestep such floral fiascos, Monty recommends a thorough drenching with rainwater every week over the next few months, endorsing the Royal Horticultural Society insights on the benefits of rainwater for its lower pH and nutrient-rich profile, which perks up plant growth, reports Devon Live.

Monty Don, the gardening expert, has dished out his golden nuggets of wisdom for dahlia fans, noting that these vibrant bloomers can keep dazzling us with flowers up until the inaugural autumn frost in October, or occasionally even November.

To spur them on, his tip is to keep on top of 'deadheading' that's gardeners speak for snipping off the wilted or deceased blooms. For dahlias, specifically, the ones past their prime tend to be 'cone-shaped' and 'pointed'.

This is in stark contrast to the youthful, rounder buds. He pointed out: "...Nothing else is so effective in keeping summer flowers from lasting as long as possible."