September in Central Texas – Preparing Your Landscape for Fall

As summer stretches into September, it's prime time to transition your garden and landscape for the cooler months ahead. While the temperatures remain warm, there’s valuable groundwork you can lay now to support resilient, vibrant growth when fall arrives.

What to Do in September: Smart Tips for Central Texas Landscapes

1. Ease Into Fall with Planting & Transplants

• Divide and replant iris, daylilies, cannas, liriope, and amaryllis to rejuvenate blooms and strengthen roots. theseedsage.com+10Leaf Landscape Supply+10Central Texas Gardener+10Urban Programs Travis County

• Add fall perennials and ornamental grasses this month. Keep new roots moist until fall rains arrive. Urban Programs Travis County

2. Get Your Fall Vegetable Garden Ready

• Begin planting cool-season and warm-season crops like broccoli, spinach, southern peas, mustard, and carrots—especially in mid-September or earlier in warmer zones. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service+4Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service+4Texas Master Gardener Program+4

• Work compost or slow-release fertilizer into beds before planting. AgriLife Today

3. Mulch & Moisture Management

• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture in beds, around trees, and shrubs, and to suppress weeds. Pinterest+12Texas Master Gardener Program+12Urban Programs Travis County+12

• Continue watching soil moisture closely, especially during lingering heat—water deeply and early when needed. Urban Programs Travis CountyAgriLife Today

4. Tidy Up & Plant Prep

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a final flush of flowers before dormancy sets in. Urban Programs Travis County+1

• Prune lightly now to remove old or diseased growth, but avoid heavy pruning until winter to prevent new, frost-sensitive shoots from forming. AgriLife Today+1

• Divide leaves for composting to enrich your soil naturally for next season. Urban Programs Travis County

5. Monitor for Pests & Diseases

• Spray off spider mites and aphids with a hard blast of water, especially on trees and shrubs with honeydew or sooty mold. Central Texas Gardener

• Watch for fall webworms and caterpillars on edibles like brassicas—remove by hand or treat with Bt if necessary. Urban Programs Travis County

Why September Matters

September signals a critical transition—the oppressive summer heat begins to relent, creating an opportunity to reset your landscape. By taking action now—planting, mulching, cleaning up, and watering wisely—you’re setting the stage for a healthy, blooming fall garden and well‑prepared landscape going into winter.