Diary of a Gardener: Step into Fall: What to Do in Your Garden This September
As September rolls in, I get as giddy as I do around Christmas. While Florida may not have a traditional autumn, there’s a subtle shift in the air that signals better weather is on the way. Pumpkin spice, cooler nights, haunted houses, and the hope of slipping into a jacket—all of it feels like a welcome break after five long months of summer. But aside from the seasonal treats, my favorite part is that planting season is here.
Assuming no major storms, late September through early October is the perfect time to start new landscapes. The intense summer heat is finally easing, and plants have a much better chance of thriving. If you’re a vegetable gardener, now is the time to start seedlings. Flower gardeners can get new blooms going, and those planning color changes in their garden should start planting now. If you have a new landscape design ready for installation, this is the ideal window—transplanted plants have a higher survival rate during this transitional period.
September also signals a shift in our own rhythm. The long summer “nap” (that never really felt like a break) is coming to an end, and it’s time to come out of hibernation and dive back into life, growth, and beauty in the garden.
September Garden Checklist: What to Start Now
Planting & Transplanting: Install new landscapes, replace summer annuals with fall color, or transplant shrubs and trees.
Seedlings: Start vegetables and flowers indoors or in a protected area to get a head start on the growing season.
Container Updates: Swap out containers for fall colors and seasonal interest—pumpkins, mums, and colorful foliage work beautifully.
Soil Prep: Amend beds with compost, mulch, or fertilizer to improve soil health before planting.
Pruning & Cleanup: Remove dead or damaged foliage from summer, trim overgrown shrubs, and clean out garden beds.
Irrigation Check: Inspect irrigation systems, repair leaks, and adjust timers for the changing season.
Planning: Map out fall/winter plantings, color changes, or garden projects to tackle while the weather is cooler.
Pest Monitoring: Keep an eye out for lingering summer pests and treat proactively to prevent problems in fall.
With a few simple steps now, your garden will be poised to thrive and reward you with beauty, color, and bounty in the months ahead.
