September 8, 2026 – With no measurable rain in the past 55 days, September, 2026 isn’t an easy month to be gardening. Still, there are plants that can be planted, and as always, garden chores to do. The benefits of fall gardening include already warm soil, cooler temperatures, rain (?), and time for perennials and trees to become established before winter. With careful attention to watering, Hopkins County gardeners can be successful in having a fall garden filled with beautiful flowers and veggies.
Fall vegetable gardens need to be planted with an eye on the average first frost date, which is in mid- November. Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, turnips, and greens (collard and mustard) should be planted around 60 days before the average 1st frost, making mid-September ideal. This year, when planting seeds, the tender sprouts may need protection from the direct sunlight, at least in the hottest part of the day. If planting transplants, place them in well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Keeping the young plants adequately watered and moist is a must. Mulch is always recommended!
Flowerbed gardeners have marigolds, zinnias, asters, begonias, lantanas, sage, and salvias that enjoy the sun and heat. When the temps cool and become more fall-like, pansies, hostas, caladiums, and cosmos do well. Of course, with a little protective care, container gardeners can grow them all (and many more) even after frost arrives!
Container grown trees should be planted 6 weeks before 1st frost. Redbud, oaks, figs, and crape myrtles are all good choices for fall planting. Planting trees now gives the root system time to establish itself before winter, along with a head start on spring growth. Wait until January to plant bare root trees.
There is always something to do in your garden, and September is no different. Depending on rainfall, gardeners may have to continue watering their landscape. In general, aim for 1” per week, although some plants will have different requirements. Don’t forget to deadhead all spent flowers, and remove dead plants and debris from the garden area. Continue to mow the lawn at the usual level, and fertilize the lawn one last time this year, using a 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer. Pre-emergents for winter weeds can also be applied now.
Compost can always be added to all garden areas. Using a garden fork, put the tines in the soil 6” deep and wiggle the tines around to make small, deep holes. Repeat every 6 inches. Add 1-2 inches of compost to the top of the soil, rake smooth, and water in. This method allows compost to get into the soil where it will quickly do the most good.
From 80 degree weather in February, 90s in March, 6 weeks of rain and clouds in April and May, and then 2 months with no rain, 2026 has been a challenge for Hopkins County gardeners. Hopefully, the best gardening is coming this fall!
