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Is September the Best Time to Plant?

Is September the Best Time to Plant? - Nature Hills Nursery

Whitney Laritson | February 14, 2026

You know you love to get your hands in the dirt come springtime. Even before the weather turns nice, avid gardeners are out there finding jobs to do: winter cleanup, pruning your dormant oak or fruit trees, mulching beds, and most importantly, planning for all the new plants you want to try this year. We totally get it!

Now, in fall after a wonderful growing season spent enjoying your garden, you may find yourself not quite ready for your long winter rest. So, what can you do now?

Take a close look at your garden. Are there any late-blooming perennials that could be divided to fill in bare spots?

Have you been thinking about adding a garden bed?

Or are you tempted by some of the fabulous new cultivars on the market? Would you like to add more spring color?

scarlet flowering quince small

Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince

forsythia

Lynwood Gold Forsythia

dolgo crabapple

Dolgo Crabapple Tree

September is a Great Time to Plant!

Why September? Well, the soil is warm, and the air is cool which is a great for encouraging new roots to grow for any newly planted plant. Many areas have been getting rainfall and September typically brings more opportunities for additional moisture.

More dew making it easier on you having to water less. As the plants prepare for fall, they will use less water too.

Take advantage of this excellent time of the year to establish new plants in your landscape. You’ll be ready for spring!

Be sure to keep an eye on the many specials that Nature Hills offers on your favorite plants at this time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is September the best month to plant perennials for strong roots before winter?

September is one of the best months to plant perennials because the combination of warm soil and cooling air temperatures creates ideal conditions for vigorous root development before the ground freezes. Plants also naturally require less water as they shift into fall mode, and increased rainfall and morning dew reduce the burden on you to irrigate. This timing gives roots several weeks to establish before winter dormancy, setting plants up for a strong spring emergence. Head to Nature Hills now to take advantage of fall specials and get your perennials in the ground while conditions are working in your favor.

When in September should I plant spring-flowering bulbs for the best blooms?

Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths should be planted in September through October once soil temperatures have dropped to around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which typically occurs earlier in northern zones and later in zones 7 and above. Planting too early while soils are still warm can cause bulbs to sprout prematurely, weakening their spring performance. A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of two to three times their diameter, in a well-draining location with full sun. Check your local soil temperatures using an inexpensive soil thermometer, and browse Nature Hills' bulb selection now to get your order in before the best varieties sell out.

Why is September a good time to plant shrubs and trees compared to spring?

September offers ideal planting conditions because the soil retains warmth from summer while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on newly planted trees and shrubs, encouraging strong root development before winter dormancy. Increased rainfall and morning dew also mean less supplemental watering compared to the heat of spring or summer. These conditions give plants several weeks to establish roots so they are well positioned to thrive come spring. Head to Nature Hills now to take advantage of fall sales and select the trees and shrubs you want to get in the ground this month.

How often should I water newly planted flowers, shrubs, and trees in September?

September's cooler temperatures and increased dew reduce watering demands compared to summer planting, but newly planted flowers, shrubs, and trees still need consistent moisture to establish roots. In most zones, plan to water deeply two to three times per week during the first few weeks, applying enough water to reach 6 to 8 inches into the soil. Monitor rainfall closely, as September often brings natural precipitation that can offset the need for supplemental watering. Check soil moisture an inch or two below the surface before watering, and let that guide your schedule rather than sticking to a rigid routine.

Should I mulch around plants after planting in September, and how much?

Yes, mulching after September planting is highly recommended and gives your new plants a significant advantage heading into winter. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch such as shredded bark or wood chips around the base of your new plants, keeping it a few inches away from the stems or trunk to prevent rot. This layer helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture, and protects roots as temperatures begin to drop. Spread your mulch out to the drip line of the plant for the best results and replenish it in spring as it begins to break down.

Can I still seed or overseed a lawn in September and expect good results?

September is actually one of the best times to seed or overseed a cool-season lawn, particularly for those in zones 3 through 7 growing fescue, bluegrass, or ryegrass. The same conditions that make September ideal for planting, warm soil temperatures combined with cooler air and increased moisture from rain and dew, create perfect germination conditions for grass seed. Aim to get seed down at least 45 days before your first expected frost to give new grass time to establish a strong root system before winter. Prepare your soil, spread your seed, keep the area consistently moist during germination, and you will head into spring with a thicker, healthier lawn.

Which annual flowers can I still transplant or sow outdoors in September?

September planting success with annuals depends heavily on your region and expected first frost date, which you can find using your zip code on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map. In warmer zones 8 through 11, you can still direct sow cool-season annuals like pansies, snapdragons, alyssum, and calendula directly into the ground, as these thrive in the cooler temperatures September brings. In zones 5 through 7, focus on transplanting already-established starts rather than sowing from seed, giving them the best chance to establish before temperatures drop below freezing. Check your local frost dates, count back 6 to 8 weeks, and shop Nature Hills for available cool-season annual transplants that can go straight into your prepared beds this month.

Is September the right time to dig up and divide overgrown perennials?

Yes, September is an excellent time to dig up and divide overgrown perennials, particularly late-blooming varieties. The combination of warm soil and cooling air temperatures creates ideal conditions for divided plants to establish new root systems before winter sets in. Dig up clumps, separate them into healthy sections with viable roots and shoots, and replant divisions promptly at the same depth they were growing before. Water divisions well after planting and keep them consistently moist through the fall to ensure strong establishment before the ground freezes.

Can I plant garlic and shallots in September for a successful harvest?

September is an ideal time to plant garlic and shallots in most growing zones, as the cool air and warm soil create perfect conditions for strong root development before winter sets in. In zones 5 through 9, planting in September through October gives bulbs enough time to establish roots while avoiding premature top growth. Plant cloves and shallot sets about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in well-draining soil amended with compost. Choose a sunny location, mulch with 3 to 4 inches of straw after planting, and look forward to a harvest the following June or July.

What should I prioritize planting in September if I live in a cold climate?

In cold climates, September is the ideal time to prioritize spring-blooming shrubs and trees like Forsythia, Flowering Quince, and Crabapple trees, as they need time to establish roots before the ground freezes. Gardeners in zones 4 and 5 should aim to get new plants in the ground at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost, giving roots time to anchor in while the soil is still warm. Dividing late-blooming perennials now is also a smart move to fill bare spots without the expense of new plants. Head to naturehills.com to browse fall-ready selections and take advantage of seasonal specials before your planting window closes.