As summer comes to an end and fall approaches, you can take this time to prepare your garden for the coming seasons. Different types of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and shrubs can not only survive but also thrive in the fall. Whether you’re looking to add some color to your flower beds or start next year’s vegetable garden, September is a great time to start.
Flowers
September is the perfect time to plant some colorful fall flowers or get those spring flowers planted for an early bloom.
1. Peonies
Peonies are beautiful perennials that come in a variety of colors. These flowers are best planted in the fall, so they can bloom next spring. The second half of September is the best time to plant these beautiful flowers. They need full sun for about 6-8 hours a day and should be planted about 2 inches below the soil surface. Use peony cages to help support the growth of this small shrub. Water thoroughly once planted and then again when the foliage starts to grow in the spring.
2. Zinnias
These fast-growing flowers are perfect for brightening up a fall flower bed. Zinnias can bloom just one month after planting and are best planted once the summer heat starts to wane. They thrive in early fall weather, but they will die out after the first frost. In areas that have mild winter, zinnias can last for much longer. Zinnias should be planted in areas that receive full sun, about 9-12 inches apart. If you plan to leave your zinnias on the plant, be sure to remove old flowers that may cause disease or prevent new growth. Watering is best done at the base of the plant every five days, but be sure not to overwater.
3. Asters
While most flowers tend to die out towards the end of summer and early fall, aster flowers thrive during this time. They are important late-season nectar sources for pollinators and are the perfect addition to any fall garden. Early September is the best time to plant these beauties. When planting asters, be sure to space them 1-3 feet apart. They prefer areas with partial to full sun in areas with cool summer nights. In warmer areas, be sure to protect them from the midday sun. Water thoroughly after planting and then regularly twice a week until rainfall is consistent in your area.
4. Chrysanthemums
Any time during September is an excellent time to plant chrysanthemums. They are naturally hardy, and with the right winter, protection can continue to come back year after year. These vibrant flowers are perfect additions to fall gardens and one of the symbolic flowers of autumn. Chrysanthemums should typically be planted in spring but can be planted as late as six weeks before the first frost in your region. They prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Be sure to water these flowers frequently because they get thirsty fast.
5. Cosmos
Early September is the latest you can plant cosmos in places that remain warm through early autumn. They thrive in the warmth, so if your area gets cold in early fall, these might not be the best flowers to plant. Cosmos are hardy and can grow in most soils that aren’t too rich. When growing cosmos from seeds, remember that it takes about 2 months to bloom, so you may only get a few weeks to enjoy this colorful flower. After the first bloom, the cosmos will continue to come back every year from summer until the first frost. Make sure to plant seeds no more than ¼ inch deep, about 12 inches apart. Water regularly until the foliage starts to emerge, but make sure not to overwater.
Vegetables
September is the optimal time for most areas to plant cold-weather vegetables. These are the best ones to plant in September for almost any region.
1. Spinach
Spinach is one of the best vegetables to plant in September. This plant grows best in rich soil that has been enhanced with compost. In areas where winter is mild, spinach will grow and thrive through the season. It should be planted at the end of September when soil temperatures begin to cool. Most spinach take about six weeks to mature, but baby leaves can be cut off and eaten before then. When planting spinach, be sure to plant seeds ½ an inch deep about 12 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Spinach can easily be grown in a bed or a trough. Be sure to protect the young sprouts with mulch before the weather gets too cold. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and replace mulch to keep in moisture.
2. Turnips
Turnips are cool-weather vegetables that can be planted in either spring or fall. When turnips are planted in late summer rather than spring, they typically turn out sweeter and more tender than if planted in spring. These vegetables can be seeded directly into the ground. The green foliage is edible and takes about a month to be ready to harvest, while their edible roots take about two months. When getting ready to plant, mix a low organic fertilizer into the soil about 12 inches deep, but avoid over-fertilizing. Plant the seeds ¼ to ½ an inch deep and 1 inch apart in an area they will get full sun. Water thoroughly and regularly, once or twice a week. Use plenty of mulch to retain moisture.
3. Garlic
Garlic is pretty easy to grow if you time it correctly. Between late September and November is the perfect time to plant this vegetable. Garlic will grow best if it experiences a dormancy period during winter, so it can sprout foliage and then bulbs in the spring. To plant garlic, use large, healthy cloves with the papery husk still intact. Plant the garlic cloves 4-8 inches apart and 2 inches deep, with the wide end facing down. When temperatures start to drop, heavily mulch the garlic beds for proper overwintering. Remove mulch once the threat of frost has passed. Water bulbs every 3 to 5 days during spring once frost has completely passed.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is best when planted in either early spring or mid to late summer, depending on the region. In warmer climates, it’s best to plant in early September to give the plant enough time to fully mature before the first frost. While broccoli seeds are capable of germinating in low-temperature soil, warmer soil speeds up development greatly. To plant broccoli seeds outdoors, sow seeds about ½ an inch deep, 3 inches apart. Plant in an area that receives full sun. Fertilize the broccoli three weeks after planting. Mulch the broccoli beds to keep soil temperatures consistent. Water generously when first planting, then regularly once a week.
5. Carrots
Carrots are known for being hard to grow, but with the right preparation and care, they can be enjoyed in just a few months. Anytime during September is great for planting carrots, but the earlier, the better. These root vegetables need free-draining soil in order to grow; the sandier the soil, the better! When planting, carrot seeds should be sown about 10 weeks before your region’s first fall frost. Prepare your grow site by tilling the soil (if you’re not using raised beds) about 10 inches deep, making sure there are no rocks or clumps of soil. Mix compost and sandy topsoil into the first 6 inches. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, about 3 inches apart in rows approximately 1 foot apart. Cover your carrot bed with a layer of either fine sand or compost to keep moisture in. Keep the soil moist with regular shallow watering.
6. Kale
Kale is perfect for planting in September and is one of the few plants that can survive the frosty winter. This vegetable is best planted around six weeks before the first frost. Kale grows slowly in September, and as the weather cools, the flavor of the kale begins to flourish. Kale should be planted around 2 feet apart from each other and buried 5 mm deep. Full sun is recommended, with well-drained soil. The plant should receive around 1.5 to 1 inch of water weekly. Neutral soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5 is what brings the greatest yield of kale.
Herbs
Fall herbs are a wonderful way to add some green to your garden and flavor to your kitchen. You can plant fall herbs in existing flower beds or pots you can keep in the kitchen window! These are the best fall herbs to plant in September.
1. Sage
Sage is a perennial that can be planted in either spring or fall. Planting sage in fall will provide a woodier base for your plant, making it easier to take cuttings and propagate them into new sage plants. When growing sage from seed, be sure to start at the end of September when temperatures start to cool. Whether you’re growing sage in a pot or straight into a garden bed, be sure to use nutrient-rich, well-drained soil mixed with compost. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, 18 to 24 inches apart, in an area that gets plenty of sun. Water every few days or once the top inch of soil becomes dry. For the first year after planting, don’t harvest excessively.
2. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro and coriander are perfect for planting at the end of September when the weather starts to cool. While cilantro and coriander are part of the same plant, they refer to different parts. Cilantro is the green leaves and stems that are used as a herb. Coriander refers to the seed which is typically ground up and used as a spice. Cilantro leaves can grow to be bitter if grown in the summer heat, so it’s best to wait until the weather starts to cool. Plant seeds in an area that receives full sun, about 2 inches apart. Keep seeds moist during germination. Seedlings require about 1 inch of water weekly. Once plants are established, water less frequently.
3. Mint
Mint is a very fragrant herb that is used in food, drinks, and herbal remedies. It is very easy to grow and can thrive in most areas. It spreads very quickly, so be careful where you plant it. Most types of mint will grow in sun or partial shade but may require protection from the midday sun. Whether growing this plant indoors or in a garden bed, it’s certain to thrive. Because mint spreads so vigorously, it is best to plant in a pot to contain the roots, either above ground or below. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep about 2 feet apart in moist, well-drained soil. For outdoor plants, slightly cover the mint bed with mulch to help keep the soil moist. Harvest frequently to keep the plant healthy.
4. Rosemary
In warm areas with fair humidity, rosemary will thrive outdoors, but in other areas, it should be kept as an indoor plant during the fall and winter. Rosemary is best grown from cuttings due to its low germination rate and slow-growing seedlings. Early September is the best time to plant seeds or cuttings due to warm soil temperatures. Plant rosemary seeds or cuttings in moist, well-drained soil in areas that get full sun. Keep soil moist while roots develop. Water and prune rosemary plants regularly, but be sure not to overwater.
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