As summer fades and the golden tones of autumn begin to appear, September is a key transitional month in the UK garden. With cooler evenings and shorter days, there’s plenty to do to prepare for the months ahead, while still enjoying the tail end of the growing season. Whether you’re tending to borders, harvesting veg, or getting a head start on spring, here are the top gardening jobs to tackle this September.

1. Deadhead and Prune

• Deadhead spent flowers on perennials and bedding plants to prolong flowering.

• Cut back perennials that are past their best, but leave some seed heads for wildlife and winter interest.

• Trim hedges such as box, beech, and hornbeam before growth slows down.

• Prune climbing and rambling roses once flowering has finished.

  
  

2. Harvest Your Crops

• Pick apples and pears as they ripen — they should come away easily when lifted and twisted.

• Harvest root vegetables like carrots, beetroot, and potatoes.

• Cut back and lift onions, shallots, and garlic to dry before storing.

• Collect seeds from flowers and veg if you’d like to sow your own next year.

  
  

3. Plant for Spring

• Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths.

• Hold off on tulips until late October or November to reduce the risk of tulip fire.

• Sow hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflower, and larkspur to overwinter and bloom early next year.

• Divide herbaceous perennials like hostas and daylilies to rejuvenate them and create more plants for free!

  
  

4. Lawn Care

• Scarify the lawn to remove thatch and moss.

• Aerate with a garden fork or hollow-tine aerator to relieve compaction.

• Top-dress with a mix of compost and sand to improve soil quality.

• Overseed bare patches to encourage a lush lawn next spring.

  
  

5. Prepare for Wet and Windy Weather

• Check staking and supports on tall or top-heavy plants.

• Clear gutters and water butts of leaves and debris.

• Raise containers off the ground with pot feet to improve drainage.

• Clean and store garden furniture if you’re done using it for the season.

  
  

6. Encourage Wildlife

• Leave seed heads and ornamental grasses for birds and sheltering insects.

• Clean out bird feeders and top them up with autumn-appropriate feed.

• Build or buy a bug hotel — perfect for overwintering beneficial insects.

• Create a leaf pile or log stack in a quiet corner to provide shelter for hedgehogs and amphibians.

  
  

7. Tidy Up… But Not Too Much!

September is a great time to tidy the garden, but don’t go too wild. Leaving some natural mess creates vital habitats for insects and small animals. A balance of neatness and nature is key.

Final Thoughts

September may mark the end of summer, but it’s also the beginning of a new gardening chapter. With the soil still warm and the air turning crisp, it’s the perfect time to plant, prune, and plan ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a weekend potterer, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden this month.

Happy gardening!

If you need a hand with anything in the garden, for a free no obligation quote please contact Craig on 07832 139653 or via the contact form on this site.   We cover Eastbourne and surrounding areas including Hailsham, East Dean, Polegate, Little Common etc.