The September To-Do List: Lawn Care, Cleanup & Fertilizing
September is the perfect month to get your lawn and garden back in shape after summer stress and prepare them for the cooler months ahead. A little effort now pays off with healthier plants, greener grass, and a more beautiful yard next spring. Here’s your September checklist:
Lawn Care
- Aerate the Lawn – Compacted soil keeps air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Fall is the best time to aerate and improve soil health.
- Seed & Overseed – If your lawn has thin patches, overseeding now helps new grass establish before winter. Choose high-quality grass seed for the best results.
- Feed Your Lawn – A fall feeding sets the stage for lush growth next year. Use Jonathan Green Fall Lawn Fertilizer to strengthen roots and encourage deep green color.
Garden Cleanup
- Remove Spent Annuals – Pull out plants that have finished blooming to make space for fall flowers and bulbs.
- Cut Back Perennials – Trim back plants that are yellowing or overgrown. This helps reduce disease and gives your garden a tidy look going into fall.
- Rake & Mulch – Collect fallen leaves for compost or use them as mulch to enrich garden beds.
Fall Bulb Planting
- Choose & Plant Spring Bulbs – Daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths go in the ground now for beautiful spring displays.
- Fertilize for Strong Roots – Mix Espoma Bulb-Tone into the soil at planting time to give bulbs the nutrients they need for a strong start.
- Acid-Loving Shrubs & Evergreens – Fall is also a great time to feed hollies, azaleas, and rhododendrons with Espoma Holly-Tone to keep them vibrant and healthy.
Extra Tasks for a Healthy Landscape
- Prune Lightly – Shape shrubs, but avoid heavy pruning, which can encourage new growth too late in the season.
- Refresh Containers – Swap tired summer plants for mums, ornamental kale, and pansies for fresh fall color.
- Check Tools & Supplies – Clean and store summer garden tools, and stock up on fertilizers and soil amendments for fall projects.
Ready, Set, Grow!
September sets the stage for a strong, healthy landscape through winter and into spring. With a little cleanup, the right fertilizer, and some fresh plantings, your lawn and garden will reward you with beauty for months to come.
