Warm afternoons, golden evenings, but with autumn waiting in the wings. Welcome to September in the garden, and Adam Kirtland’s to-do list of five key jobs for the month ahead

September is a month of gentle transition in the garden. Summer is reluctant to leave completely, often treating us to warm afternoons and golden evenings, yet there is no escaping the subtle signs that autumn is waiting in the wings. The pace begins to slow, harvests continue in abundance and there is a welcome sense of satisfaction as the season starts to reward all those months of careful tending. September gardening is about making the most of what is still growing while quietly preparing for what comes next. Here are five timely September jobs to help your garden glide gracefully into autumn.

Keep Harvesting the Good Stuff

September is one of the most generous months in the kitchen garden with tomatoes, beans, courgettes, apples and late summer crops all ready for picking. Harvest little and often to keep plants productive, and do not let oversized vegetables linger for too long unless you fancy a marrow the size of a small canoe. There is something wonderfully rewarding about gathering fresh produce on a crisp morning, especially when dinner has travelled no further than the bottom of the garden.

Plant Spring Bulbs

It may feel slightly unfair to be thinking about next spring while summer flowers are still putting on a show, but September is the perfect time to plant daffodils, crocuses and other spring flowering bulbs. Choose sunny spots, plant at the correct depth and imagine the welcome burst of colour they will bring after winter. Gardening has always rewarded those who think ahead, even if it sometimes requires more patience than we would ideally like. Don’t forget, wait until at least the end of October/start of November to get your tulips in – planting too early, in warm soil can run the risk of them getting a fungal disease called tulip fire.

Refresh Tired Pots and Baskets

By now, containers and hanging baskets may be looking as though they have enjoyed one garden party too many. Remove faded summer bedding, trim back anything still performing well and consider introducing autumn colour with hardy plants that will carry displays through the cooler months. A little refresh keeps the garden looking cheerful long after the peak of summer has passed.

Give the Lawn Some Attention

After the stresses of summer, September is one of the best months to help your lawn recover. Scarify if needed, aerate compacted areas and overseed any bare patches while the soil is still warm enough for good germination. Regular mowing can continue, although growth will begin to slow as the weeks pass. A little care now helps ensure a greener, healthier lawn next year, with rather less muttering every time you spot another patch of moss.

Take Cuttings for Free Plants

September is an excellent month for taking cuttings from favourites such as penstemons, salvias and fuchsias. It is an easy way to create new plants for next year, replace anything that struggles through winter or simply share with friends who conveniently admire your garden. There is a particular satisfaction in growing something for free, especially when it feels like you’ve quietly outsmarted the garden centre.

September has a quieter confidence than the lively months before it. By harvesting generously, planting thoughtfully and preparing for the changing season, you give your garden the best possible start for the months ahead while still enjoying everything it has to offer today. After all, gardening is never really about one season at a time, but about looking ahead while appreciating exactly where you are.