September Gardening Tips: Preparing Your Garden for Autumn

As we transition from summer to autumn, September is a month of preparation and care in the garden. It’s a crucial time for planting, tidying up, and getting ready for the colder months. Here are some essential gardening tasks to tackle this September to ensure your garden thrives throughout autumn and into the next growing season.

Harvest Your Autumn Fruit

Early autumn is a rewarding time for gardeners harvesting apples, pears, plums, and other autumn fruits. Pick your fruit as it ripens to avoid wastage and to encourage more growth next season. Make sure to store your harvest properly—cool, dark places work best for most fruits to keep them fresh for longer.

Net Your Pond

As the leaves begin to fall from overhanging trees, it’s a good idea to net your pond. This will help keep the water clear and reduce the amount of decaying organic matter that could otherwise build up and harm the pond’s ecosystem. Simply stretch a fine mesh net across your pond and secure it to prevent leaves from falling in.

Clean Your Greenhouse

A clean and tidy greenhouse is essential for healthy plants as we move into the cooler months. Remove any remaining summer crops and give the greenhouse a thorough clean—wash the glass to maximize light, disinfect pots and surfaces to remove pests and diseases, and clear out any debris. This helps to reduce overwintering pests and diseases and prepares the space for new plants.

Cover Your Crops with Netting

Protect your late-season crops, such as brassicas, from hungry birds by covering them with netting. Not only does this help to keep your vegetables safe, but it also reduces damage from other pests and encourages a more bountiful harvest. Ensure the netting is secured tightly to prevent birds from getting trapped.

Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs and Bare-Root Wallflowers

Now is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, as well as bare-root wallflowers. Planting now allows the bulbs to establish while the soil is still warm, setting the stage for a vibrant display next spring. Be sure to plant bulbs at the appropriate depth and spacing for the best results.

Plant Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, and Hedging

With the ground still warm and moist, September is a great time to plant perennials, shrubs, trees, and hedging. This allows them to settle in and develop strong root systems over the winter, ready to establish and thrive next season. Make sure to water them well after planting and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Continue Deadheading Bedding Plants and Perennials

Keep deadheading your summer bedding plants and perennials to prolong their flowering period. This not only keeps your garden looking vibrant for longer but also encourages more blooms and reduces the chance of diseases overwintering in seed heads.

Mow Your Lawn Less Frequently and Apply an Autumn Feed

As the weather cools, your lawn’s growth will slow down. Mow less frequently, raising the cutting height to allow the grass to retain more moisture and strength before winter. Applying an autumn feed rich in potassium will help strengthen the grass roots, making your lawn more resilient through the winter months.

Final Thoughts

September is a time to savour the fruits of your summer labour while preparing your garden for the colder months ahead. By following these tips, you'll keep your garden in top condition and set the stage for a beautiful spring.

Happy gardening!