What To Plant in September: 5 Garden Tasks Worth Doing Right Now
Written by Maria Depenweiller
September in Canada marks the transition from summer to fall, but the garden is far from finished. Cooler temperatures, warm soil, and shorter days create the perfect conditions for planting, refreshing, and preparing your garden for the months ahead.
Here are our favourite gardening tasks to do in September:
Plant garlic
Grow fall greens
Divide perennials
Plant spring bulbs
Prepare garden beds
Want to know our favourite?
Plant garlic.
September is the ideal time to plant garlic in many parts of Canada. The cloves are planted in the fall, allowing them to develop roots before winter and produce larger, healthier bulbs the following summer. It is one of the easiest crops to grow and requires very little maintenance once planted.
When to Plant
Peak season: September through October in most Canadian regions.
Plant garlic before the ground freezes, ideally about 4–6 weeks before the first hard frost.
Choose large, healthy garlic cloves from a local garden centre or seed supplier.
Hardneck varieties are especially well suited for colder Canadian climates.
How to Plant Garlic
Separate garlic bulbs into individual cloves.
Plant cloves pointed end up, about 5–8 cm deep.
Space cloves about 10–15 cm apart.
Cover with soil and add a layer of mulch or straw for winter protection.
Remove mulch in spring when new growth appears.
Recipe Idea: Roasted Garlic with Cherry Tomatoes and Rosemary
This simple fall recipe highlights the sweet, mellow flavour of freshly harvested garlic. The roasted garlic becomes creamy and rich, while cherry tomatoes add freshness and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
1 whole garlic bulb, cloves separated and peeled
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3–4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place garlic cloves and cherry tomatoes in a small baking dish.
3. Add rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
4. Roast for 30–40 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden and the tomatoes begin to burst.
5. Remove rosemary stems and gently mash the roasted garlic and tomatoes together.
Serve warm:
· Tossed with fresh pasta and a drizzle of olive oil.
· Spoon over toasted bread for a simple bruschetta.
· Finished with fresh basil, parmesan, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Other September Garden Tasks
Grow fall greens
Plant spinach, kale, arugula, and lettuce for a late-season harvest. Many leafy greens actually taste sweeter after a light frost.
Divide perennials
Early fall is a great time to divide crowded plants such as hostas, peonies, and daylilies while the soil is still warm.
Plant spring bulbs
Add tulips, daffodils, and crocuses now so they can establish roots before winter arrives.
Prepare garden beds
Remove spent plants, add compost, and cover bare soil to protect nutrients for next spring.
Quick Tip
Don’t put your garden tools away too early.
September is a great month to collect seeds, clean garden beds, plant fall crops, and prepare your garden for a strong start next year.
A little work now can mean healthier plants and an earlier harvest in spring.
Happy gardening!