Experienced gardeners know that gardening doesn’t just happen in spring and summer; it’s an annual rise and fall of seasons where you enjoy being in tune with nature, soaking up your current season, and dreaming about the beauty of the next one.
September can be one of the most productive months for your garden as cooler temperatures and higher moisture content in the soil create optimal conditions for root growth and seed germination. Planting perennials in September gives your plants months to establish a strong root system before being exposed to the harsh heat of summer. There are also many cold-weather crops that thrive this time of year and will keep your fridge and vases full of the fruits of your labor.
Wondering where to get started with fall gardening? Follow this fall gardening checklist to reset your garden for the fall season and get the most out of that gardening life!
#1 – Wrap up summer gardening
Prepping your garden is the beginning of every season, to give your garden a reset from the spring and summer crops:
- Remove dead plants and debris from your annual beds
Remove spring and summer plants that have completed their lifecycle and are using your bed space. Take the to time to dig all the roots up to make sure you aren’t leaving any debris behind.
- Replenish the soil for fall planting
Soil is full of living, organic matter; it needs to be fed and cared for like any other living thing. Replenish it by adding a layer of compost on top, then gently turning the soil over with a gardening fork. This enriches the soil without killing earthworms or destroying the soil structure.
- Cover to avoid soil erosion
For gardening beds that will remain unused during fall and winter, cold-weather covering is the best way to ensure the soil maintains its nutrients and avoids erosion. Cover with a layer of compost or manure. This will seal in the nutrients, warmth, and protect the earthworms.
Another fall planting tip is to plant a fall cover crop (at least six weeks before your first predicted frost). Cover crops add nutrients, protect the soil from erosion, and will grow until spring when you can till them under.
#2 – Plant cold-weather crops and fall flowers
There are numerous cold-weather crops and flowers to enjoy during the cooler months. Before purchasing seeds or making plans, check your growing zone to learn which crops will grow best in your region.
Fall planting must be done before the first frost, ideally six to eight weeks beforehand. You can consult the long-range weather forecast from the 2025 Farmer’s Almanac to get an idea of when your first frost will be.
Once you’ve replenished your soil, sow your seeds or baby plants, and use row covers to protect them on chilly nights. You can apply mulch to seal in moisture and block weed growth.
Cold-weather crops include:
- Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, Asian greens)
- Radishes
- Carrots (fall-planted carrots tend to have a sweeter flavor than summer ones)
- Beets
- Turnips
- Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts)
- Some herbs (perennials such as thyme, oregano, sage)
- Garlic
Fall flowers are also popular among gardeners, and include favorites like:
- Camellias
- Mums
- Sunflowers
- Azaleas
- Hydrangeas
#3 – Plant spring-blooming bulbs for next year
To ensure a colorful explosion next year, you have to start planting bulbs for spring now so they can root before the ground freezes.
Look for bulbs that are large, firm, and undamaged. To get a rich bed of color, plant ten-20 bulbs in a wide hole (the effect in springtime will be breathtaking!). Select bulbs with staggered blooming times to create a spring garden that constantly surprise and delight with new blooms every few weeks.
Some of the top choices for spring bulbs include:
- Tulips (an international favorite)
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Hyacinths
- Alliums
- Foxtail lilies
- Peonies
Gardening does not have to be over and done in just a few months; if you learn how to work within your region’s seasons and cycles, you can enjoy gardening year-round.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on this September gardening checklist—fall gardening awaits!
