If you’re wondering what to plant in September, the better question is what can’t you plant this month?
September is an ideal time for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and even some annuals. There are a few plants that will grow better when planted in spring, such as fall-blooming and heat-loving plants. You may want to avoid planting evergreen trees, too, because their needles can lose too much moisture during the winter causing problems when trees start regrowing in spring.
Here are some planting ideas to make the most of your September garden:
Buy spring-blooming bulbs now for planting through fall. For a long-lasting display next spring, buy bulbs with a range of bloom times. Crocuses and snowdrops usually appear first, followed by early varieties of daffodils and tulips, and then hyacinths. If you want to feel especially springy next year, plant mid-season and late-season bulbs, too.
Plant perennials while the weather is cooler. Black-eyed Susans and coneflowers are just two of the many perennials that can add a bit of color to gardens now and then return next season.
Add something new to the garden, like hops, a vining perennial. Plant along a sturdy trellis and water by hand to help the plant get established. Vines can grow quite long over time, and start flowering in the second or third year.
Improve the landscape for fall with colorful mums, violas and pansies. Look for hardy pansies in a range of colors to carry you through fall and then wait for them to reappear next spring.
Buy fall vegetable transplants to fill droopy annual containers or to fill in empty spots in the garden. There are plenty of good options for the fall harvest including beets, spinach, lettuce, mesclun mixes, mustard greens, chard, arugula, and much more.
Sprinkle grass seed to fill in bare spots in the lawn. September is a good time to either start a new lawn or add grass seed to help thicken areas in a tired lawn.
Look for a new shade tree to add to the landscape. Be sure to read the tree’s specifications to make sure there’s enough space for the tree when it reaches maturity.
Add a shrub or two to enhance the front or backyards. Take your time to find shrubs that offer more than one attractive feature. For example, look for shrubs that bloom in spring, offer fruit for wildlife and provide a blast of color in fall.
Revive container plantings by removing tired annuals and replacing them with new plants for a more seasonal look with mums, ornamental kale, and orange and black pansies.
Plant onions for overwintering in your garden. Fall-planted onions can start to grow while the ground is still warm, spend the winter in the garden, and then start growing again in spring. For the best results, buy onions that are known for overwintering in our area, plant autumn planting onion sets or look for multiplier onions. Add winter protection, like a low tunnel or thick layer of mulch.