Buzz
A recent New York Times article featured Jenny Rose Carey, an experienced flower gardener, who declared that September has become the new May for blooming flowers. She travels across the country each year to observe September gardens, gathering inspiration to enhance her own garden.
Carey’s approach focuses on year-round, proactive garden care—extending beyond current seasonal plants to ensure future growth and vitality in her garden.
While most of us may not be as systematic, adopting some proactive maintenance could be highly beneficial. If you’re unsure where to start this month, here’s a handy September garden checklist to guide you.
Checklist for your September garden
Every garden is unique, so not all these tasks may be relevant to yours. However, here’s a general guide on what to focus on in your garden this September, organized by category:
Annuals and perennials
Keep deadheading to promote the growth of a few final blooms before the season ends.
If you haven’t already, divide or plant daylilies and peonies early in the month.
Begin planting spring-flowering bulbs (such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, crocus, or iris) toward the end of September or in October. Aim to do this about six weeks before the ground freezes, or when nighttime temperatures consistently range between 40 and 50 degrees. (Planting before the ground freezes ensures the roots have time to establish.)
Fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Keep harvesting fruits and vegetables as they reach maturity. Delay picking collards, kale, and Brussels sprouts until after the first frost for enhanced flavor.
Sow a fall cover crop (such as oats, winter rye, winter wheat, crimson clover, or hairy vetch) to safeguard and enrich your soil.
Preserve, ferment, dry, or freeze any excess produce.
Additionally, if you’ve been considering starting a compost pile, September is an ideal time—and this Mytour composting guide can assist you.
