Labor Day may signal the unofficial end of summer, but it definitely doesn’t mean the end of gardening season! September is one of the best months to plant in New York. Cooler temperatures make working outdoors more comfortable, while warm soil gives new plants an excellent opportunity to establish strong roots before winter.
Instead of putting the garden to bed, think of September as the beginning of a whole new planting season.
Cooler Weather Makes Planting Easier
September brings cooler days and nights, reducing heat stress on both plants and gardeners.
Fall planting offers several advantages:
- Cooler air reduces stress on new plants
- Warm soil encourages continued root growth
- Plants generally require less frequent watering than during peak summer heat
- Newly planted perennials, trees, and shrubs have time to establish before winter
While you may not see much new growth above ground, plenty can be happening beneath the soil.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
September is an excellent time to add trees and shrubs to your landscape.
Consider planting:
- Shade trees
- Ornamental trees
- Evergreens
- Flowering shrubs
- Native shrubs
Getting them into the ground now allows roots to begin establishing before winter dormancy, giving plants a head start when spring arrives.
Add Perennials for Years of Color
Don’t wait until spring to plant perennials. Fall is a wonderful time to add them to garden beds and borders.
Look for:
- Asters
- Sedum
- Coneflowers
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Ornamental grasses
- Native perennials
Late-blooming varieties also provide valuable nectar for bees and butterflies as other food sources begin to disappear.
Bring on the Fall Color
September is the perfect time to refresh containers, porches, and garden beds with seasonal color.
Mix and match:
- Mums
- Asters
- Ornamental kale and cabbage
- Pansies
- Ornamental grasses
- Colorful foliage plants
Add pumpkins and gourds as the season progresses for an easy fall transformation.
Don’t Forget Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Want beautiful flowers next spring? The planning starts in fall.
Spring-flowering bulbs include:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Crocus
- Hyacinths
- Alliums
Choose your favorites now and plant them as soil temperatures cool for a colorful spring surprise.
Keep Watering New Plantings
Cooler weather doesn’t mean newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials can be forgotten.
Continue to:
- Check soil moisture regularly
- Water deeply rather than lightly
- Focus water around the root zone
- Add mulch to help retain moisture
New plantings need consistent moisture while establishing roots, especially during stretches of dry fall weather.
September Isn’t the End. It’s a Fresh Start.
There’s still plenty of gardening left to enjoy after Labor Day. September offers comfortable temperatures, warm soil, beautiful fall color, and excellent planting opportunities.
A little work now can mean stronger plants this fall and an even more beautiful landscape next spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September too late to plant?
Not at all. September is an excellent planting month for many trees, shrubs, perennials, and other landscape plants in New York.
Why is fall good for planting?
Cooler air reduces plant stress while soil remains warm enough to encourage root development.
Do I still need to water in fall?
Yes. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent moisture until they become established.
Can I plant perennials in September?
Absolutely. Many perennials establish beautifully when planted in early fall.
What can I plant for immediate fall color?
Mums, asters, ornamental grasses, pansies, ornamental kale, cabbage, and colorful foliage plants are great choices.
Visit Us
Don’t put away those gardening gloves just yet! Whether you’re planting trees and shrubs, adding perennials, refreshing containers, or bringing home beautiful fall color, Copia Home & Garden is ready to help you make the most of the season.
Copia Home & Garden
475 Smith Ridge Rd South
Salem, NY 10590
Phone: (914) 533-7242
Fall Hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Stop in and discover everything you need to keep planting, growing, and enjoying your garden well beyond Labor Day.
