September Garden TO DOs for Zone 5

Julie Marinelli

September is the perfect time to prepare your garden for winter while setting the stage for a healthy growing season in 2025. Here in upstate New York’s Zone 5, frost can arrive any day, so starting early is essential. Here are some tips to help your garden thrive next year.

Key Garden Tasks for September:

• Pruning: Some perennials need attention now, while others can wait until after the frost or spring. Use clean, disinfected garden clippers to keep your plants healthy.

• Planting: September and October are the times to plant bulbs for spring blooms—more on this in the next blog.

• Fertilizing: Feed your garden beds with a balanced fertilizer like Garden Tone to enrich the soil for the next season.

  
  

Pruning Guide for Common Perennials:

            Plant                                           Pruning Time                                      Guidelines 

Bee Balm	Fall or Spring	Deadhead in fall or leave for birds; divide to avoid crowding.
Tall Phlox	After First Frost	Cut back 1-2 inches above ground; divide in spring if desired.
Rudbeckia	Spring	Prune at an angle just above soil level.
Lavender	Late Summer/Fall	Trim spent flowers, cutting only green stems.
Coneflower	Fall or Spring	Cut back after frost or leave for birds and prune in spring.
Catmint	Spring	Remove dead growth down to the ground.
Hydrangeas	Early Spring	Optional: Prune up to one-third of the plant.
Heliopsis	Early Spring	Cut back to 2 inches tall; divide if needed.
Sedum	Early Spring	Remove dead stalks to allow room for new growth.
Asters	Fall or Spring	Cut dead stems to the ground or leave seeds for wildlife.

  Bonus Tip:

While working, take a moment to enjoy the crisp autumn air—it’s the perfect time to connect with nature!

Stay tuned for our next blog on fall bulb planting and ensure your garden bursts with color next spring.