What to do in the garden this September

September is a time of renewal, growth, and preparation and there’s plenty to do in the garden this weekend to make the most of it.

What to plant now

September is ideal for planting a wide range of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. 

Vegetables

Beans, beetroot, capsicum, carrots, celery, cucumber, lettuce, radish, rosella, silverbeet, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes, and yams.

Herbs

Basil, coriander, dill, chives, rocket, lemon balm, peppermint, and sage.

Flowers

Marigolds, nasturtiums, cosmos, sunflowers, snapdragons, and alyssum to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Perennials

Zucchini, asparagus, eggplant, ginger, turmeric, and certified seed potatoes.

If you missed planting cool-season crops, it’s time to pivot. Try bush snow peas in pots for a quick harvest or grow pea microgreens for a nutritious alternative.

Soil, water and weather prep

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Add compost, worm castings, and mulch to retain moisture and boost nutrients. Refresh old potting mix and consider making your own blends to save money and improve plant health.

With warmer days and the possibility of higher-than-average rainfall, water management is key. Use mulch to lock in moisture and prepare windbreaks or crop covers to protect against drying winds and storms.

Support pollinators and pest control

Pollinators are essential for fruit set, so create a welcoming environment with flowering plants and shallow bee baths. Add pebbles for safe landings and position bird baths in shaded areas to support local wildlife.

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, fruit flies, and citrus leaf miners. Use exclusion netting, traps, and companion planting to keep them in check. Tomatoes, capsicum, and eggplants are especially vulnerable right now.

Moon phase gardening

For those who follow moon gardening, update your perpetual Moon Calendar with the new moon on 1st September. Align your planting, fertilising, and pruning with lunar phases to boost germination and harvest success.

Further reading

Each month Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener shares gardening tips for our Sunshine Coast climate on Council's Living Smart website. Head over to the site to read the full article, and for info, events and guides to help you on your sustainability journey.