FAQs
September is a wonderful time to add new perennial plants to your garden. The weather is typically cooling down, and there will be plenty of time for the plants to establish themselves before the cold winter arrives.
When to plant perennials in Connecticut? ›
rhododendrons, junipers, or most perennials can be planted in early spring without any problems; in contrast, semi-tropicals or tropicals such as dahlias and canna should not be planted until the air and soil temperatures warm by late spring, after the danger of hard frost has passed.
Is it okay to plant perennials now? ›
Perennial bulbs should be planted based on when they bloom. If you're looking ahead to springtime varieties, then be sure to put them in the ground in early fall. For perennial bulbs that bloom in summer, aim to plant them in early spring, once all chances of frost have passed.
How late in the fall can you plant perennials? ›
It's recommended to plant between September and October. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around newly planted perennials will help insulate them for the winter and ensure they return healthy and ready to grow in the spring. Water your newly planted beauties thoroughly until hard freezes.
What month is best to plant perennials? ›
Technically, you can plant perennials any time your soil is workable. Practically, the best times to plant perennials are spring or fall. These seasons allow plants to get settled and grow new roots before summer's hot, dry weather arrives. Planting in summer is okay, but you'll need to water frequently.
What is the best thing to plant in September? ›
Sow winter-hardy spring onions, such as 'White Lisbon' and 'Performer' for crops next spring. Make your last direct sowing of summer radish 'Rainbow Mixed' this month for autumn cropping. Sow turnip seeds into well-prepared beds for small roots. Sow winter lettuce, such as 'Arctic King', directly into the ground now.
What to plant in September in CT? ›
September
- Harvest: beans, beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, kale, leek, lettuce, melon, okra, onion, peas, pepper, potatoes, pumpkin, radish, spinach, squash, sweet potato, swiss chard, tomato, turnip, and watermelon.
- Sow outdoors: lettuce, radish, and spinach.
But planting year-round without any restrictions just isn't feasible due to Connecticut's cold and snowy winters. The best time to plant is during the frost-free growing season that starts some time around early-May and ends around mid-October.
When can I put my plants outside in CT? ›
Houseplants may enjoy a short afternoon in the outdoor sunlight on these warmer days but resist the urge to put them outside full time until night temperatures consistently reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature is too cold for perennials? ›
If temperatures are cold enough, especially below 26°F to 28°F, then damage could occur. Freezing temperatures may damage or destroy the newly emerged foliage of perennials, however, their roots and crowns should be unharmed. The damaged perennials should send up a second flush of growth in a few weeks.
A couple of drawbacks to perennials are their longer yield times, with some taking years to bear a full bloom or crop. Furthermore, they can also be more susceptible to disease and are known to require more space than annuals.
Is September too late to plant? ›
Although September marks the beginning of fall, there are still a few fast growing vegetables that can be planted this month and be harvested before the first frost in most gardening zones. Remember to keep your soil warm by removing all mulch and maybe try using a plastic sheet to trap heat into the soil.
Should I cut down all my perennials in fall? ›
Some perennials, like hostas, peonies and daylilies, need to be pruned in fall to avoid winter damage. Plants like these should be pruned after the first few frosts in late fall or early winter. Other perennials like mums and coneflowers are better off being pruned in spring just before new growth comes in.
Can perennials be planted in October? ›
Perennials love the fall soil and cooler temperatures, ensuring they're established and able to grow for the remainder of the gardening season. This means even in spring you'll be able to start seeing the benefits of your fall planting.
Is September too late to plant a fall garden? ›
Although September marks the beginning of fall, there are still a few fast growing vegetables that can be planted this month and be harvested before the first frost in most gardening zones. Remember to keep your soil warm by removing all mulch and maybe try using a plastic sheet to trap heat into the soil.
Is it too late to plant flowers in September? ›
Late summer or early fall is an excellent time to plant mums, one of the symbolic flowers of the season. Practically any time in September that strikes your fancy is a good bet, so long as it's at least six weeks before the year's first frost.
Can you transplant perennials in September? ›
The recommended time for planting or transplanting perennials is late August or early September. This gives adequate time for roots to establish before winter comes. However, like most gardeners, I don't usually think about it in late August and besides, this year was too hot to take on this task anyways.
