As the days start to get shorter and the temperatures cool down, September is a pivotal month in the garden. It's time to tidy up after summer’s growth and start preparing for the beautiful fall and winter months ahead. To help you stay on top of things, I’ve put together a comprehensive September Gardening Checklist to ensure your garden remains healthy, productive, and ready for the upcoming seasons.

1. Deadhead Spent Flowers and Prune Perennials

• Deadhead any spent flowers on your summer-blooming perennials to encourage a final burst of blooms and tidy up your garden beds.
• Prune perennials that are finished blooming. Cutting back can help rejuvenate plants and maintain garden aesthetics.
• Remove any dead or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

2. Divide and Transplant Perennials

• Now is the perfect time to divide and transplant perennials like daylilies, hostas, and irises. This not only prevents overcrowding but also promotes healthier plants and more vibrant blooms next year.
• Water your transplants well and consider adding a layer of mulch to help them settle in and reduce transplant shock.

3. Plant Fall Bulbs for Spring Color

• September is the time to start planting spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. These bulbs need to be in the ground before the first hard frost to establish roots over the winter.
• Tip: Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant bulbs at a depth of 2-3 times their height. Remember to water them in well after planting.

HyacinthPhoto byRobin Phelps/Sow Many Plants

4. Mulch to Protect and Nourish Your Soil

• Adding a fresh layer of mulch is essential in September. Mulching not only helps retain moisture but also protects the soil and plant roots as temperatures begin to fluctuate.
• Opt for organic mulch materials like shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips to enrich the soil as they break down.

5. Harvest Late-Season Crops

• Keep harvesting those late-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, beans, and zucchini to keep the plants productive until the first frost.
• Don’t forget to start picking cool-weather crops like kale, spinach, and radishes as they come into their prime!

6. Plan and Prepare for Fall Planting

• Fall is a great time to plant cool-weather crops such as lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and beets. Prepare your garden beds by removing summer crops, amending the soil with compost, and planting seeds or seedlings.
• Consider planting a cover crop like clover or rye to protect and enrich your soil over the winter months.

LettucePhoto byRobin Phelps/Sow Many Plants

7. Check Soil Moisture Levels and Adjust Watering

• September can still have warm and dry spells, so it’s important to check soil moisture levels regularly. Plants can still dry out quickly, especially newly planted perennials or fall vegetables.
• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes.

8. Clean Up and Compost Garden Debris

• Clear out any dead or diseased plants and spent crops from your garden to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden beds.
• Add healthy plant material to your compost pile to create nutrient-rich compost for next spring.

9. Start Planning for Next Year’s Garden

• As you clean up your garden beds, start thinking about what worked and what didn’t this year. Make notes on plant performance, soil health, and any improvements you’d like to make.
• Start browsing seed catalogs and garden centers for inspiration for next year’s garden plans.

10. Take Care of Your Tools and Equipment

• Don’t forget about your garden tools and equipment! Clean, sharpen, and oil tools to keep them in top condition. Consider repairing or replacing anything that’s worn out to ensure you’re ready for next season.

Garden ToolsPhoto byRobin Phelps/Sow Many Plants

Stay Ahead with a Little Fall Preparation!

September is a month of transition, and with the right preparation, you can set your garden up for a beautiful, healthy, and productive fall and winter season. Use this checklist to guide your tasks and keep your garden flourishing as we move toward cooler days.

Barbara Damrosch, The Garden Primer, Workman Publishing, 2008