September Gardening Tips: 10 Garden Jobs for Autumn

 

As summer draws to a close and signs of autumn appear, September is one of the most rewarding months to be out in the garden. The soil is still warm, rain more frequent, and cooler days make garden jobs less arduous. It’s also a crucial transitional period, when the work you do now pays off handsomely come spring. From sowing and planting to tidying and repairing, here are ten September gardening tips to keep your outdoor area looking good and working hard through autumn and beyond.

1) Spring Bulb Planting in September

There’s no better time to plant spring bulbs than September. The soil still holds summer warmth, giving daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths a head start before winter sets in. Planting now allows roots to establish while the ground is workable, setting the stage for strong, vibrant blooms in early spring.

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot, and plant the bulbs at a depth roughly three times their size with the pointed end facing upwards. Once in, water well to settle the soil. By spring, you’ll be rewarded with one of the first bursts of colour in the garden and provide an invaluable food source for pollinators emerging from hibernation.

2) Divide Perennials: September Garden Care for Healthier Plants

Perennials such as primroses, achilleas and irises often become overcrowded after a few years, leading to weaker growth and fewer flowers. September is the ideal month to divide them. The soil is still warm, yet plants are slowing their growth, which minimises stress during lifting and replanting.

Lift the clumps carefully with a fork, tease them apart into smaller sections, and replant them straight away in enriched soil. This not only revitalises older plants but also gives you more specimens to spread around the garden or share with friends. Dividing perennials keeps borders fresh, healthy and bursting with blooms.

3) September Lawn Care: Repair, Seed and Strengthen

Your lawn has endured a lot this summer, so September is the perfect time to give it some TLC. Conditions are ideal for autumn lawn care, with cooler days and more reliable rainfall helping new seed to germinate and existing grass to recover.

Start by scarifying to remove thatch and aerate compacted areas for improved drainage. Overseed bare patches to encourage a thicker sward and apply an autumn lawn feed rich in potassium and phosphorus. This strengthens the roots, improves hardiness and sets your lawn up for a lush start next spring.

4) Fruit and Vegetable Harvesting in September

September is harvest season, and there’s nothing more satisfying than gathering the fruits of your labour. Apples, pears, plums, and courgettes are all ready to pick. Collecting produce promptly prevents waste, discourages pests and ensures crops taste their very best.

It’s also the time to lift maincrop potatoes and cure pumpkins for storage. Regular harvesting of late raspberries or tomatoes encourages more fruit to develop before the season ends. And don’t forget to preserve any glut—whether through freezing, pickling or making chutneys—so you can enjoy your garden’s bounty well into winter.

5) Collecting Seeds in Autumn for Next Year’s Garden

Many annuals and perennials are setting seed in September, offering a free way to increase your plant collection. Collect seedheads from hardy favourites like nigella and foxgloves once they’ve dried on the plant.

Dry the seeds thoroughly, then store them in labelled paper envelopes in a cool, dry place. Not only does this save money, but it also ensures you have seed adapted to your garden’s conditions. Sharing with fellow gardeners spreads the joy further still. Collecting and sowing your own seed is one of the most rewarding parts of the gardening cycle.

6) Pond and Water Feature Maintenance in September

With leaves starting to fall, now is the time to protect ponds from debris. Stretching netting across the surface prevents leaves from sinking and decomposing, which would otherwise lead to poor water quality.

It’s also a good month to clear duckweed and algae, and to clean out water butts so they’re ready for the autumn rains. If you have fountains or small water features, give them a thorough scrub and check the pumps. Clean, healthy water not only looks better but also helps fish and wildlife thrive.

7) Support Wildlife with Autumn Garden Preparation

As food and shelter become scarcer, September is the month to make your garden wildlife-friendly. Leave some seedheads on perennials for birds, create log piles for hedgehogs and insects, and put out energy-rich bird food such as fat balls or sunflower seeds.

A small wildlife corner—whether a pile of leaves, a bug hotel or a patch of long grass—provides invaluable protection for overwintering species. By encouraging biodiversity now, you’ll help ensure your garden remains full of life when spring returns.

8) Garden Maintenance in September: Fences and Sheds

Autumn and winter weather can take a toll on fences, sheds and other garden structures, so September is a sensible time to make repairs. Walk around your garden and check fence panels, posts, gates and trellis for damage or looseness. Replace broken fixings and give wooden structures a protective coat of preservative to guard against the wet months ahead.

Also check that tree ties and plant supports are secure but not too tight, as autumn winds can stress plants. Preparing your garden structures now saves you from costly damage in winter and keeps everything standing strong into next year.

9) Mulch and Improve Soil Before Winter

Mulching in September brings multiple benefits. It insulates soil, protects it from erosion, and suppresses weeds, as well as helping retain moisture during dry spells. It also feeds the soil as it decomposes, improving fertility for the following growing season.

Apply a generous layer of compost, well-rotted manure or bark chippings, particularly around perennials. This not only improves plant health but also gives beds a neat, finished appearance. If you have spare fallen leaves, start a leaf-mould heap, which will provide an excellent free mulch in a year or two.

10) Store Garden Furniture and Tidy Outdoor Spaces

With evenings drawing in and wetter weather on the way, it’s wise to start packing away outdoor furniture. Clean tables, chairs and barbecues thoroughly before storing them in a shed, garage or under waterproof covers.

Doing this now prolongs the life of your garden furniture and ensures it’s ready to use next spring. While you’re at it, give greenhouses and cold frames a good clear-out, removing old plant material and disinfecting the glass. A clean and tidy garden at the end of September is easier to manage through the winter months.

September Gardening Made Simple

September is a month of balance—between the last flourish of summer and the preparations for winter. By planting bulbs, dividing perennials, tending lawns, harvesting crops, caring for wildlife and maintaining garden structures, you’ll set your outdoor space up for a thriving year ahead.

And when it comes to tackling these jobs, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Here, at Ron Smith & Co, we’re proud to offer Britain’s best range of garden tools and machinery, backed by unrivalled expertise and customer care. From lawnmowers and hedge trimmers to scarifiers and leaf blowers, you’ll find everything you need to keep your garden at its best. Be sure to make us your first port of call for outdoor equipment, to help get the most from your garden this September and beyond.