The Ultimate September Planting Guide 🍂 | Welcoming Fall at Maple Leaf Farms
- Maple Leaf Farms
- 51 minutes ago
- 4 min read
September is here, and with it comes crisp mornings, shorter days, and the subtle shift of color in our landscapes. For gardeners, homeowners, and plant lovers, September is not an ending — it’s a new beginning.
Fall is one of the best times of year to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and cool-season annuals. Soil is still warm, roots establish quickly, and the air is cooler — meaning less stress on plants. At Maple Leaf Farms, September is one of our busiest and most exciting months, not just for planting, but for celebrating the season with our Fall Fun Fest opening September 20th 🎃.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about September planting: what to plant, how to water, how to prepare your garden for fall, and what Maple Leaf Farms is offering this season.
🌱 Why Plant in September?
Warm soil, cool air. Roots grow actively until the ground freezes, giving plants a head start for spring.
Less transplant shock. Cooler weather means reduced stress and water demand.
More reliable rainfall. Fall rains help ease establishment.
Time to settle in. Plants spend fall and winter rooting in, so they explode with growth come spring.
🌳 Best Trees to Plant in September
Trees anchor landscapes, and fall planting sets them up for strong spring growth. At Maple Leaf Farms, our fall tree lineup includes:
Maples (Red, Sugar, Japanese) – brilliant fall color.
Dogwoods (Native and Kousa) – graceful structure, wildlife-friendly.
Eastern Redbud – early spring pink blooms.
Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' – unmatched golden fall foliage.
Spruce & Arborvitae – evergreens for privacy and year-round screening.
Crape Myrtle – long summer bloomers that hold color into fall.
Tip: Stake young trees if they’re top-heavy. Mulch around the base, but keep mulch away from the trunk flare.
🌺 Shrubs for Fall Interest
Shrubs add structure and color to gardens as perennials fade. Great choices for September include:
Hydrangeas (‘Endless Summer,’ ‘Pinky Winky,’ ‘Little Limelight’) – many still bloom into fall.
Viburnum – fall berries feed birds, leaves turn rich colors.
Rhododendron & Azalea – set buds now for spring bloom.
Boxwoods & Hollies – evergreen backbone for year-round structure.
Rose of Sharon – still blooming in September with bold flowers.
🌿 Perennials to Plant in September
September is perfect for refreshing perennial beds:
Hostas – durable foliage plants for shade.
Daylilies – dependable blooms, easy to grow.
Coneflowers & Black Eyed Susans – pollinator magnets.
Lavender & Catmint – fragrant, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant.
Peonies – fall planting ensures strong spring flowers.
Pro Tip: Plant perennials in groups of 3, 5, or 7 for natural-looking clusters.
🌾 Ornamental Grasses
Grasses are at their peak in September, waving in the breeze with plumes and texture:
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus) – elegant and tall.
Karl Foerster Grass – upright, architectural habit.
Pampas Grass – bold plumes that scream fall.
Fountain Grass – compact and soft.
Grasses add instant “fall vibes” to landscapes and containers.
🍂 Fall Annuals for Color
Summer annuals fade fast once nights cool. Replace tired petunias and geraniums with September color:
Mums – classic fall choice with every shade imaginable.
Pansies & Violas – bloom through frost and bounce back in spring.
Ornamental Cabbage & Kale – bold texture and color.
Celosia & Ornamental Peppers – vibrant accents.
Design Idea: Mix mums, kale, and pansies in planters with pumpkins and corn stalks for a festive entryway.
🌱 Fall Vegetables & Edibles
September is prime for cool-season edibles:
Leafy greens – spinach, kale, lettuce.
Root crops – carrots, beets, radishes.
Garlic & onions – plant now for a spring harvest.
Fruit trees & berries – apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries.
Edibles planted in fall establish roots quickly and deliver earlier, stronger crops next season.
💧 Watering & Care Tips for September
Deep watering. Water trees and shrubs deeply once or twice a week. Avoid light daily watering.
Adjust for rainfall. If we get steady fall rain, scale back. If dry, water longer.
Mulch. Apply 2–3” of mulch to insulate roots. Keep mulch 3” away from trunks/stems.
Fertilizing. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer in fall. Focus on root development, not top growth.
Pruning. Avoid heavy pruning now (except for dead/damaged branches). Wait until plants go dormant.
🎃 Fall Fun Fest Opens September 20th
Nothing says fall like pumpkins, hayrides, and cider donuts!
Mark your calendars:
🍁 Fall Fun Fest at Maple Leaf Farms
📆 Opens: September 20th
🎟️ Attractions: Hayrides, corn cannon, mining station, farm train rides, pumpkin picking, food & treats, and more.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly fun with over 30+ attractions.
This is one of our most anticipated events of the year — come shop for your fall plants, then stay for a full day of seasonal fun!
🌿 How Maple Leaf Farms Helps You
We don’t just sell plants. We:
Offer one of the largest plant selections on the East Coast.
Provide guidance for choosing the right plants for your conditions.
Deliver within 135 miles of Manalapan, NJ.
Offer local planting services for trees and shrubs.
Keep all stock in top shape — watered, pruned, fertilized, and maintained year-round.
For even more personalized help — from consultations to custom 2D rendered landscape designs — reach out to Horticulture Specialists, LLC.
FAQ:
Maples, dogwoods, ginkgo, redbuds, arborvitae, spruce, and crape myrtles.
Can I plant perennials in September?
Yes. hostas, daylilies, coneflowers, lavender, and peonies thrive when fall-planted.
Do you offer planting services?
Yes, Maple Leaf Farms provides local planting services for trees and shrubs.
When does your Fall Fun Fest open?
Saturday, September 20th — featuring our Professional Bull Riding Competition Show, Live Pig Races, Train Rides, Hayrides, Pumpkins, Food, and other Fun Family Activities!
