As summer fades and autumn arrives, September presents an excellent opportunity for gardeners to plant and prepare their plots for the coming months. This month offers the perfect conditions for planting a variety of autumn perennials and vegetables.
Understanding your USDA hardiness zone is crucial to making the best planting choices. This guide explores what to plant in September for different zones and offers tips for using VELCRO® Brand Garden Ties and VELCRO® Brand Tree Ties for effective plant and tree training.
Zone 3-4: Northern Regions
In Zones 3 and 4, fall gardening has several advantages. Cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight in autumn helps to slow down plant growth, which can reduce the stress on newly planted vegetables and perennials. This allows plants to establish their root systems without the strain of summer heat. The fall season also offers more consistent moisture levels, which supports strong root development.
In cooler climates such as Zones 3 and 4, September is an ideal time to plant hardy vegetables and perennials. Vegetables like spinach, kale, and radishes can continue to grow slowly through the fall, providing fresh harvests even as the weather cools. Consider planting zone 4 plants such as coral bells, sedum, and hellebore.
Choosing Long-Blooming Perennials
For long-blooming perennials such as Shasta daisies and coneflowers, planting in early fall is ideal in these zones. Shasta daisies, suitable for Zones 4-9, and coneflowers, which thrive in Zones 3-9, benefit from fall planting as it allows them to establish roots before winter.
Zone 5-6: Midwestern and Northern States
In Zones 5 and 6, fall gardening allows plants to take advantage of cooler temperatures, which can reduce diseases and pests that are more common in the warmer months. The moderate temperatures of fall provide an ideal environment for zone 6 plant roots to grow without the stress of summer heat, leading to stronger, healthier plants.
Vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and turnips thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and can be harvested well into the season.
Consider planting zone 6 perennials like Echinacea (coneflower), astilbe, and Russian sage.
Zone 7: Southern Regions
Zone 7 plants benefit from mild temperatures and consistent rainfall. This allows plants to establish strong root systems without the pressure of summer heat. Fall planting can also help plants avoid common pests and diseases, as many of these are less active in cooler weather. The moderate temperatures are ideal for root growth, preparing plants for a vigorous spring.
In milder climates such as Zone 7, September provides a range of planting opportunities. Vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and beets grow well in the cooler temperatures of fall.
Choose perennials suited to Zone 7, such as black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) and lamb’s ear. For full sun perennials in zone 7, consider coreopsis and daylilies.
Zone 9: Tropical and Subtropical Regions
In Zone 9, temperatures are relatively mild compared to colder regions, which allows for successful fall planting. This is particularly beneficial because it gives plants a chance to establish roots before the winter and prepares them for vigorous growth in the spring.
Vegetables such as arugula, Swiss chard, and carrots are suitable for planting now. Consider planting zone 9b plants like bougainvillea, lantana, and coreopsis.
Choosing Long-Blooming Perennials
For Zone 9, longest-blooming perennials like lantana and coreopsis can be planted in early fall to establish themselves before the cooler winter months. These plants provide continuous color and thrive well in the subtropical climate of Zone 9.
Plant and Tree Training
Whether it’s the spring or the fall, using VELCRO® Brand Garden Ties can assist in training and supporting your plants as they grow, ensuring they remain healthy and well-structured. For trees, VELCRO® Brand Tree Ties provide an effective way to secure and stabilize young trees, promoting proper growth and preventing damage from wind.
Plant Protection
Mulch around newly planted perennials to protect their roots and ensure they establish well before winter. Consistent watering and mulching are essential to protect new plantings from the cold. It does get cold in some areas of the United States so be sure to use frost cover for plants to help shield your plants from unexpected cold snaps and help them establish before winter.
This month is also a great time to organize the shed. Check out our top tips here.
September offers a wealth of opportunities for planting and preparing your garden. By selecting appropriate plants for your hardiness zone and following these tips, you can enjoy a thriving garden throughout the year.
