A Gardening Checklist for September
In September, our peppers ripen to their fullest flavor, pumpkins and winter squash grow fat, and tomatoes slowly produce fewer fruits. Dahlias, Tithonia, and Morning Glory come into their prime just as other flowers like Cosmos set seed. Soon we will be harvesting our fall crops, tidying up spent plants and freeing up space for fast-growing root vegetables and leafy greens. Although we are transitioning away from the main planting season, September still has lots of potential: read on for some gardening tips.
Sow for Fall Harvests
Plant Next Year's Crops
Give Back to Your Soil
Protect Your Plants
More Garden Activities for September:
- Divide spring and summer blooming perennials–like daylilies and peonies–and replant. Water in well.
- Cultivate a section of the garden for fall-sown wildflowers.
- Browse local nurseries to shop for fall-planted trees and shrubs.
- Fertilize roses; remove diseased leaves and dead canes.
- Pot up decorative kale and mums for late season color.
- Dig up herbs like Parsley and Chives to bring indoors as potted plants for a sunny windowsill.
- Dry flowers like Strawflower, Gomphrena, and Love in a Mist to create a pretty fall centerpiece.
- Read this poem about "September Tomatoes" by Karina Borowicz.