September is a lovely in-between month in the garden. There is still plenty of colour around, but cooler mornings and shorter days are a reminder that autumn is on its way.
If you’re wondering what to do in the garden in September, here are a few useful jobs to get on with this month.
Keep Deadheading
Dahlias, roses, penstemons and plenty of other summer flowers can keep going well into September.
Keep removing faded flowers to encourage more blooms and tidy plants as they start to slow down. A good pair of Japanese garden snips makes light work of regular deadheading and helps keep plants looking their best for a little longer.
Divide Perennials
September is a good time to divide established perennials that have become overcrowded.
Plants such as hardy geraniums and hostas can benefit from being lifted, split into smaller sections and replanted while the soil is still warm.
It is also a useful way of filling gaps elsewhere in the garden without having to buy more plants.
Collect Seeds
If favourite plants have gone to seed, now is a good time to collect a few for next year.
Wait until seed heads are dry, then collect them on a dry day and store them somewhere cool and dry until you are ready to sow.
You don’t need to remove every seed head either. Leaving some in place can add structure to the garden and provide food for wildlife.
Start Planting Spring Bulbs
It may feel early to think about spring, but September is the perfect time to start planting many spring-flowering bulbs.
Daffodils, crocus and hyacinths can begin going into pots and borders now, while tulips are generally better left until later in autumn.
For container planting, our hand-thrown terracotta bulb bowls are ideal for creating spring bulb displays.
Keep Harvesting
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees can still be incredibly productive at this time of year.
Keep picking beans, courgettes, apples, pears and anything else that is ready before the weather changes.
Regular harvesting can also encourage some crops to keep producing for a little longer.
Check Your Pots
As wetter weather arrives, it is worth giving containers a quick once-over.
Make sure drainage holes are clear and pots are not sitting permanently in water, as this can become more of a problem as rainfall increases.
Raising containers slightly from the ground with terracotta pot feet can help water drain away more freely through autumn and winter.
Give Tools a Clean
After a busy summer, garden tools are usually ready for a little attention.
Clean off soil and plant debris, sharpen anything that has become blunt and give secateurs and snips a quick check before the autumn jobs begin.
A little maintenance now can make a big difference to how well your tools perform later in the year.
Take Stock
September is also a great time to look around the garden and see what has worked this year. Take a few photographs, make some notes and think about where you might want more colour, structure or planting next season.
It is much easier to spot gaps now, while the garden is still fresh in your mind.
There is still plenty to enjoy in the September garden, so make the most of it before autumn really settles in.
If you’re starting to think about the change of season, take a look at our guide to embracing the transition from summer to autumn for more ideas on refreshing pots, improving drainage and getting the garden ready for the months ahead.
Or, if you’re ready to get stuck into a few September jobs, explore our terracotta pots and garden tools.
