Jobs in the Garden: September 2025

Essential Gardening Jobs for September in the UK

September marks the transition from summer to autumn, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days. It’s a crucial time to prepare the garden for the months ahead while continuing to enjoy the last of the summer blooms and harvests. Here are the key gardening tasks for September:

1. Lawn Care

• Begin autumn lawn care by scarifying to remove moss and thatch.

• Aerate compacted areas to improve drainage and encourage root growth.

• Apply an autumn lawn feed to strengthen the grass before winter.

• Reseed bare patches to keep the lawn looking healthy.

2. Planting and Sowing

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

• Sow hardy annuals like cornflowers and calendula for an early display next year.

• Start planting perennials like asters and echinacea for late-season colour.

• Sow green manure crops in vegetable beds to improve soil quality over winter.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead late-flowering plants like dahlias and roses to extend their blooming period.

• Cut back perennials that have finished flowering but leave some seed heads for wildlife.

• Trim hedges before growth slows down in the colder months.

• Prune summer-fruiting raspberry canes to encourage strong growth for next year.

4. Harvesting and Feeding

• Continue harvesting apples, pears, plums, and late-season vegetables like pumpkins and courgettes.

• Pick tomatoes before the first frost and ripen them indoors if necessary.

• Collect seeds from flowers and vegetables for planting next year.

• Feed shrubs and trees with a potassium-rich fertiliser to strengthen roots.

5. Supporting Wildlife

• Leave some areas of the garden undisturbed to provide shelter for insects and small animals.

• Keep bird feeders topped up as natural food sources start to dwindle.

• Create log piles or bug hotels to support beneficial wildlife.

• Avoid cutting back all plants – some seed heads provide food for birds.

6. General Maintenance

• Clean and store garden tools before the wetter weather sets in.

• Check fences, trellises, and garden structures for any repairs needed.

• Clear fallen leaves from paths and lawns to prevent slipping hazards.

• Start preparing the greenhouse for winter by removing debris and disinfecting surfaces.

September is a time of change in the garden, offering the chance to enjoy the final days of summer while preparing for the cooler months ahead. By tackling these essential tasks, you'll keep your garden in great shape for the seasons to come. Happy gardening!