If you’re wondering what plants you can plant in September, you’re in the right place. This month is a secret window for gardeners, offering perfect conditions for many plants to establish before winter.
The soil is still warm from summer, and cooler air reduces stress on new plants. Rain is often more reliable, meaning less watering for you. It’s a fantastic time to get a head start on next year’s garden.
What Plants Can You Plant In September
This list covers vegetables, flowers, and shrubs that thrive with a autumn start. You’ll be surprised by the variety.
Vegetables for Autumn Harvests
Many leafy greens and roots grow quickly in autumn’s mild weather. They often taste sweeter after a light frost.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce mixes are perfect. You can pick leaves for weeks.
- Root Vegetables: Plant radishes, turnips, and fast-growing beet varieties. They’ll be ready in just a few weeks.
- Overwintering Onions & Garlic: Plant sets now for an early summer harvest next year. They develop roots in the autumn.
- Broad Beans & Peas: Try sowing a hardy variety now. They’ll shoot up in early spring for the earliest crop.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
September is prime time for bulb planting. Getting them in the ground now ensures a colorful spring display.
- Tulips: Wait until later in September or even October if you’re in a mild area to avoid disease.
- Daffodils: Get these in early so their roots can develop well before the frosts.
- Crocus & Snowdrops: These early bloomers need a long chilling period, so plant them now.
- Alliums: These ornamental onions create stunning structure. Plant them deep for the best effect.
Hardy Annual Flowers
These flowers can be sown now to overwinter as small plants. They’ll bloom much earlier next summer.
- Cornflowers: They produce strong plants that flower from late spring.
- Calendula: Tough and cheerful, they often survive mild winters with no problem.
- Sweet Peas: Sow in pots now for early flowers. Pinch out the tips to encourage bushier growth.
- Poppies: Many varieties, like field poppy, germinate best in cool soil.
Perennials, Trees & Shrubs
The warm soil helps new roots grow quickly. This gives plants a major advantage over spring-planted ones.
- Herbaceous Perennials: Plants like hardy geraniums, sedum, and rudbeckia establish well.
- Container-Grown Trees & Shrubs: The are ideal for autumn planting. Keep them well-watered until dormant.
- Roses: Bare-root roses become available later, but container roses can go in now.
- Hedging: Beech, hornbeam, and hawthorn planted now will need less watering next summer.
Lawn Care from Seed
Early autumn is the best time to sow a new lawn or repair bare patches. The seeds germinate fast in warm, moist soil.
- Rake the soil to a fine tilth and remove any weeds.
- Scatter the grass seed evenly at the recommended rate.
- Lightly rake over the area so the seed is just covered.
- Keep the area consistently moist until the grass is well-established.
How to Plant Successfully in September
Follow these simple steps to give your new plants the best start.
1. Prepare the Soil
Good soil is the foundation. Remove weeds and add plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. This improves drainage and provides nutrients.
2. Planting Depths and Spacing
Always check the plant label or seed packet. Bulbs are usually planted at three times their height. Vegetables need space for light and air flow.
3. Watering Well
Even in cooler weather, new plants need consistent moisture to grow roots. Water thoroughly after planting and during dry spells.
4. Add a Protective Mulch
A layer of mulch around plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds. It also insulates roots from early frosts. Use compost or bark chips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A little care now prevents problems later. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Planting Too Late: Give plants at least 6 weeks before a hard frost to settle in.
- Ignoring Frost Dates: Know your local first frost date and plan backwards from it.
- Forgetting to Label: It’s easy to forget where you planted bulbs. Use markers to avoid digging them up later.
- Overwatering Established Shrubs: While new plants need water, don’t keep mature shrubs soggy as they go dormant.
FAQ: September Planting Questions
What can I plant in September for quick results?
Radishes, salad leaves, and spinach can give you a harvest in just 4-6 weeks. Pansies planted now will flower through mild winters.
Is September to late to plant perennials?
Not at all. Early September is excellent for perennial planting. Just ensure you get them in the ground with enough time for root growth.
Can you plant tomatoes in September?
In most climates, it’s to late for tomatoes from seed. However, you might plant a container-grown cherry tomato in a greenhouse for a final crop.
What shrubs are best for autumn planting?
Hardy shrubs like hydrangeas, hebes, and viburnums do very well. The soil temperature supports strong root development.
How do I protect my September plantings from frost?
Use horticultural fleece or cloches to cover tender vegetables on cold nights. A thick mulch around the base of perennials and shrubs offers good insulation.
September is a month of opportunity in the garden. By choosing the right plants and giving them simple care, you can enjoy extended harvests, earlier spring flowers, and a stronger garden overall. Your efforts now will be rewarded many times over in the seasons to come.