September Garden Checklist: Regional Tasks for the Turning Season

Most gardeners agree: September is among the best months outdoors. Summer’s oppressive heat loosens; changing seasons energize gardens and gardeners alike. It’s planting time again — cool-season edibles, broadleaf evergreens, native grasses. Start a wildflower garden from seed. Welcome winged visitors with berry-producing shrubs and by leaving skeletal seed heads for winter. The first-frost countdown may have begun, but there’s so much left to enjoy. Here’s your regional September to-do list.

Find Your Regional Checklist

California | Central Plains | Great Lakes | Mid-Atlantic | Northeast | Pacific Northwest | Rocky Mountains | Southeast | Southwest | Texas

Northwest

Edibles: “Kale, cabbage, spinach, Swiss chard — all fall favorites,” says designer Karen Chapman. “Radishes and lettuce have plenty of time before cold.” Plant onions and garlic now; cover with bird netting raised on blocks/pots (birds love emerging tips). Remove netting once roots establish.

California

“Fall is the best time to start a lawn — consider less-thirsty types, including native grasses,” writes Bill Marken. ‘Native Mow Free’ (mix of fescues) takes shade or sun; mow for turf look or leave shaggy; mow at least twice yearly; works on slopes; not a play lawn. Key step: ground prep — whether seed (cheaper, more weed control) or sod (watering trickier).

Southwest

“Give citrus their last fertilizer application for the year,” advises Noelle Johnson. “Citrus need three feedings: late winter, early summer, late summer.”

Rocky Mountains

“Broadleaf evergreens should be a fall planting priority,” writes Jocelyn Chilvers. “They bring winter color and texture but suffer from low humidity, intense sun, drying winds.”

Texas

“Start a wildflower garden. Plant until Thanksgiving, but early Sept–early Oct is best,” writes Jenny Peterson. “Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja), Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) need full sun, well-drained soil. Buy seed mixes locally or call county extension.”

Central Plains

“Bee balm (Monarda spp.) looks scraggly by late summer; deadheading doesn’t always revive blooms,” writes Benjamin Vogt. “Leave unique seed heads — delicately topped by winter snow, they make the garden pleasing on the coldest days.”

Great Lakes

“September is perfect for planting perennials and woody plants,” writes Barbara Pintozzi. “Spring used to be best, but unreliable moisture and brutal summer heat make autumn better. September planting guarantees establishment before winter.”

Northeast

“Bird activity increases at my mixed border — viburnum and redtwig dogwood screen the street,” writes Charlotte Albers. “Viburnum ‘Mohican’ is especially showy: fruits red to black, leaves red with shortening days.”

Mid-Atlantic

“Succulents need a close eye. Some overwinter outdoors; tropicals come in at first frost hint,” says Amy Renea. “Light frost may survive, but cold kills top growth. Wilted aloe isn’t pretty — get them inside if temps drop.”

Southeast

“Hummingbird feeders aren’t necessary if you have enough plants, but they ensure consistent food,” says Helen Yoest. “Place feeder where visible from your favorite chair, inside or out.”

Embrace the season — your garden (and you) will thank you.