September brings cooler weather and marks the start of fall gardening season. This guide outlines 12 key tasks to maintain a healthy garden and prepare for next year’s growing season.
Why September Garden Work Matters
September gardening involves three main activities:
- Finishing summer tasks
- Starting fall preparations
- Setting up for spring success
The work you do now creates better gardens for next year.
Task 1: Plant Spring Bulbs
When to Plant
Plant bulbs in September to give them time to root before winter. This creates vibrant spring displays as other plants emerge from winter.
Best Bulb Choices
Choose different bulbs for more extended bloom periods:
- Tulips: Many colors and shapes available
- Daffodils: Bright yellow flowers, deer resistant
- Hyacinths: Strong scent and bold colors
Planting Steps
- Pick sunny spots with good drainage
- Plant bulbs 3 times deeper than their height
- Space bulbs in groups for better visual impact
- Water after planting
Task 2: Sow Hardy Annuals
Best Plants for Fall Sowing
These annuals grow well from September plantings:
- Poppies: Bright colors, easy to grow
- Sweet Peas: Fragrant flowers in many colors
- Calendula: Edible flowers with medicinal uses
- Bachelor’s Buttons: Handle cold weather well
- Larkspur: Tall spikes of colorful flowers
Sowing Tips
- Clear soil of weeds and debris
- Create fine, smooth soil surface
- Spread seeds with proper spacing
- Cover lightly with soil
- Water gently but thoroughly
- Protect from pests if needed
Task 3: Plant Perennials and Herbs
Benefits of Fall Planting
- Plants establish roots before winter
- Less stress than spring planting
- Some herbs provide fresh leaves all winter
Timing Guidelines
Plant perennials and herbs 6 weeks before the first hard frost in your area.
Best Fall Plantings
Perennial Flowers:
- Chrysanthemums
- Asters
- Russian Sage
Leafy Greens:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collards
Herbs:
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Planting Steps
- Dig holes broader and deeper than root balls
- Mix compost into planting holes
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Keep the soil moist until winter
Task 4: Maintain Soil Health
Why Soil Care Matters
Healthy soil provides nutrients and proper growing conditions for all plants.
Add Organic Matter
Improve soil with these materials:
- Compost: Adds nutrients and improves soil structure
- Aged manure: High in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
- Leaf mold: Provides vitamins and minerals
Soil Aeration Methods
Manual Method:
- Use a garden fork to pierce the soil
- Push tines 4-6 inches deep
- Rock fork back slightly to open the soil
- Repeat every 6 inches
Machine Method: Use a lawn aerator for large areas to save time and effort.
Task 5: Prune Shrubs and Trees
When to Prune
Prune most shrubs and trees in early fall after flowering ends. Wait until late fall for maple and birch trees to prevent sap bleeding.
What to Remove
Target these branches for removal:
- Dead, dying, or diseased wood
- Branches that rub against each other
- Weak or crossing branches
Pruning Tools
- Hand pruners: Branches up to 3/4 inch thick
- Loppers: Branches up to 1.5 inches thick
- Pruning saw: Branches over 1.5 inches thick
Pruning Rules
- Cut just above growth buds
- Make angled cuts
- Remove no more than 1/3 of plant at once
- Clean tools between plants
Task 6: Manage Diseases, Pests, and Weeds
Disease Management
Common Diseases:
- Mildew
- Root rot
- Rust
Treatment Steps:
- Use approved fungicides
- Water plants properly (not too much)
- Space plants for good air flow
- Remove infected plant parts
Pest Control
Common Pests:
- Aphids
- Slugs
- Whiteflies
- Scale insects
Treatment Options:
- Apply insecticidal soap
- Use neem oil spray
- Introduce beneficial insects
- Install physical barriers
Weed Management
- Pull weeds regularly
- Apply mulch to block light
- Use approved weed killers when needed
Task 7: Tidy Up the Garden
Clean-Up Tasks
Remove Debris:
- Rake fallen leaves
- Clear dead plant material
- Compost healthy material only
Deadhead Plants:
- Cut off spent flowers
- Remove dead stems
- Research which plants to cut back now
Disease Prevention:
- Dispose of diseased plants (don’t compost)
- Clean up completely to prevent pest overwintering
Essential Tools
- Sturdy rake
- Sharp pruning shears
- Good work gloves
- Collection bags or wheelbarrow
Task 8: Harvest Fall Crops
September Harvest List
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes: Pick when fully colored and slightly soft
- Beans: Harvest while pods are young and tender
- Pumpkins: Ready when skin is hard and deep orange
Fruits:
- Apples: Should be firm and come off easily when twisted
- Late berries: Pick regularly to prevent overripening
Harvesting Tips
- Pick in early morning for best flavor
- Use sharp, clean tools
- Check plants every few days
- Handle produce gently
Storage Methods
- Refrigerate: Apples, berries, leafy greens
- Room temperature: Pumpkins, winter squash
- Process quickly: Soft fruits and vegetables
Task 9: Handle Green Tomatoes
Ripening Methods
Indoor Ripening:
- Place on a sunny windowsill
- Put in a paper bag to speed up the process
- Check daily for ripeness
Preservation Options
- Freeze: Wash, core, chop, and freeze in bags
- Pickle: Use vinegar-based recipes
- Can: Follow tested canning methods
Cooking Ideas
- Fried green tomatoes
- Green tomato relish
- Green tomato chutney
Task 10: Harvest and Preserve Raspberries
Harvesting Guidelines
Best Timing:
- Pick when berries come off easily
- Harvest in morning after dew dries
- Use shallow containers to prevent bruising
- Pick every 2-3 days
Preservation Methods
Freezing:
- Spread berries on baking sheet
- Freeze until solid
- Transfer to airtight containers
- Store up to one year
Other Methods:
- Make jam or jelly
- Can in syrup or juice
- Dehydrate for snacks
Task 11: Start Composting
Fall Composting Benefits
September provides lots of material for starting compost piles. Finished compost improves soil for next year’s garden.
Compost Materials
Green Materials (Nitrogen):
- Kitchen fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Fresh grass clippings
- Green leaves
Brown Materials (Carbon):
- Dried leaves
- Paper
- Twigs
- Straw
Avoid These Items
- Meat and dairy
- Pet waste
- Diseased plants
- Treated wood
Composting Steps
- Mix equal parts green and brown materials
- Turn pile every few weeks
- Keep pile moist but not soggy
- Add thin layers of soil occasionally
Task 12: Prepare for Next Year
Fall Preparation Tasks
Garden Clean-Up:
- Remove all plant debris
- Clear weeds completely
- Rake and dispose of diseased leaves
Soil Improvement:
- Add mulch layer
- Work in compost
- Test and adjust soil pH
Plant Protection:
- Cover tender plants
- Wrap vulnerable trees
- Mulch around plant bases
Planning Ahead:
- Order spring bulbs
- Plan new garden beds
- Save seeds from this year’s plants
Why Fall Prep Matters
Work done in fall makes spring gardening easier and more successful. Plants establish better, soil improves over winter, and you start the growing season ahead.
Conclusion
September garden tasks set the foundation for next year’s success. These 12 jobs may seem like work now, but they create better gardens with less effort later.
Focus on these key areas:
- Plant for spring color
- Maintain soil health
- Harvest and preserve food
- Clean up for winter
- Prepare plants for cold weather
Each task contributes to a healthier, more productive garden. Start with the most urgent tasks for your area and climate. What September task will you tackle first in your garden?