September Gardening Guide — Preparing for Spring Growth
September’s here!!! 😁
the official kickoff to spring, when the garden starts shaking off winter’s chill and getting ready for the big growing show.
The soil’s warming up (slowly, like a Sunday morning), and the days are stretching out, giving your plants more sunshine hours to soak up.
It’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves, get stuck into some planting, tidy up what’s left from winter, and keep a sharp eye out for those pesky early-season risks like sneaky frosts or hungry bugs.
So grab your gumboots and a cuppa — your garden’s about to go into full kiwi-grower mode!
Don’t forget to spring forward! ⏰
This September 28th 2025, set your clocks forward one hour — more daylight means more time to get out in the garden and enjoy the sunshine!
🧪 Bonus:
Soil Preparation with Lazerhume
Applying DCT Lazerhume in September can enhance soil structure and biological activity, preparing your garden for optimal growth during spring. This treatment supports nutrient availability and overall soil health.
Healthy soil = happy plants.
Vegetables
🥕 Vegetable Gardening in September
In September, focus on planting veggies that enjoy the cooler soil before the real heat arrives. Here’s what you can get started with:
Peas (snap peas and snow peas)
Potatoes (start chitting early-season varieties)
Onions and shallots
Lettuce and spinach
Silverbeet and kale
If you’re eager to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and capsicums, hold off a little longer until the soil is warmer and frost risk has passed.
🧺 What Vegetables Are Ready to Harvest?
Some early crops will be ready to pick this month, including:
Garlic (planted last autumn)
Radishes
Early herbs like chives and parsley
Harvest these regularly to keep your garden productive and create space for new plantings.
Don’t forget to feed your soil after harvesting — give it a restorative dose of DCT Lazerhume to refresh microbial activity and build the soil’s strength before the spring rush.
⚠️ What to Look Out for in September
Late frosts that can damage tender plants — keep frost cloth handy
Pests such as aphids and caterpillars starting to appear
Waterlogged soil — improve drainage to protect roots from rotting
🌿 Great Tips for Gardening in September
Spring can be unpredictable — chilly mornings, then sunny afternoons — so it’s important to:
Mulch your beds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Rotate your crops to avoid pests and keep the soil healthy
Boost your soil with a treatment of DCT Lazerhume — it helps improve soil structure and supports beneficial microbes preparing your soil for spring growth
Flowers
🌸 Flower Gardening in September
Spring bulbs and bedding plants are ready to bring colour back to your garden.
🌱 Flowers to Plant in September
Daffodils and tulips
Pansies and violas
Sweet peas
Petunias and begonias
🌷 Great Tips for Flower Gardening in September
Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage longer blooming
Feed plants with DCT Garden to promote strong growth and vibrant colour
Provide support for climbing plants like sweet peas
⚠️ Flower Gardening Precautions
Slugs and snails: These critters love tender new growth and can cause significant damage. Keep an eye out and consider barriers or safe treatments to protect your plants.
Aphids: These tiny pests often appear early in spring, feeding on sap and potentially spreading diseases. Regularly inspect your plants and remove infestations promptly.
Fungal diseases: With spring’s moisture and fluctuating temperatures, watch for signs of mildew or rust. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent problems.
Frost damage: Although spring is arriving, late frosts can still nip young shoots and buds. Use frost cloths or covers on cold nights if frost is forecast.
Overwatering: New plants can be sensitive to too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. Make sure your soil drains well and adjust watering accordingly.
Lawn
🌱 Lawn Guide for September
Lawn Care Tips
Rake off dead grass and moss to allow new growth
Apply DCT Lawn to strengthen and green up your turf
Aerate compacted areas to improve soil oxygenation and root health
⚠️ Common Lawn Problems in September
Patchy spots from winter damage
Moss growth in damp or shaded areas
Weed intrusion
🎉 Fun Lawn Activities in September
Try a “worm hunt” with family or friends — a great way to engage everyone and learn more about your soil life!
Recipe
🥣 September Springtime Kumara & Silverbeet Fritters with Lemon Cream
A delicious, vibrant take on fritters featuring two classic NZ garden heroes — kumara and silverbeet. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish with your spring BBQ.
🥔 Ingredients:
2 medium kumara, peeled and grated
1 cup silverbeet leaves, chopped finely (no tough stalks)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil or butter, for frying
For the Lemon Cream:
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yoghurt
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
A handful of chopped fresh chives or parsley
🍳 Method:
In a large bowl, combine grated kumara, chopped silverbeet, onion, and garlic.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, then stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture into the veges and mix until well combined.
Heat oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
Spoon heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the pan, flattening slightly to form fritters. Cook for 3-4 minutes each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Meanwhile, mix the sour cream, lemon zest and juice, and herbs to make the lemon cream.
Serve fritters warm with a dollop of lemon cream and a crisp green salad or your favourite chutney.