September in Wisconsin gardens marks a beautiful transition as summer fades into fall. This pivotal month requires gardeners to balance final summer harvests with preparations for the colder months ahead.
Wildlife also begins shifting their patterns – some birds prepare for migration while others gather food for winter storage. In my own Wisconsin garden, September always feels like a month of opportunity, where the right tasks now create a healthier ecosystem for the seasons ahead.
1. Plant Native Bulbs For Spring Pollinators
Fall bulb planting gives Wisconsin gardens a head start on spring beauty. Native options like wild hyacinth and nodding onion provide early nectar sources for emerging bees when few other flowers bloom.
Dig holes about three times as deep as the bulb’s height, typically 4-6 inches for most varieties. Add a sprinkle of bone meal to encourage strong root development during winter’s dormancy period.
Group bulbs in clusters of 7-12 rather than single rows for natural-looking drifts that create bigger nectar stations for hungry spring pollinators.
2. Create Brush Piles For Winter Wildlife Shelter
Yard cleanup doesn’t mean everything must go! Instead of hauling away all those fallen branches and twigs, gather them into loose piles in quiet corners of your Wisconsin garden.
These brush piles become vital winter sanctuaries for birds, rabbits, and beneficial insects when temperatures plummet. Stack larger branches at the bottom and gradually add smaller twigs toward the top for the best shelter structure.
My garden’s brush pile near the oak trees became home to a family of chickadees last winter, providing endless entertainment during snowy days.
3. Leave Seed Heads Standing For Hungry Birds
Hold off on deadheading those coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sunflowers! Their seed heads provide natural bird feeders throughout fall and winter when food becomes scarce in Wisconsin’s harsh climate.
Goldfinches particularly love coneflower seeds, while chickadees and nuthatches perform acrobatic feats to reach sunflower seeds. The sturdy stems also provide perching spots during light snow.
For tidier gardens, compromise by cutting back only some plants while leaving others standing. This approach maintains winter interest while still providing vital bird nutrition during Wisconsin’s long winter months.
4. Divide Overgrown Perennials For Free Plants
September’s cooler temperatures create perfect conditions for dividing crowded perennials like hostas, daylilies, and Wisconsin-native asters. Plants divided now have time to establish roots before winter dormancy.
Gently dig around the plant’s drip line, lift the entire clump, and divide with a sharp spade or knife. Look for natural separation points with distinct growth buds or “eyes” to guide your cuts.
Share extras with neighbors or transplant to fill garden gaps. I’ve transformed my Madison garden from three initial hostas to fifteen stunning specimens over five years through simple fall division.
5. Add Water Sources For Migrating Birds
September brings waves of migrating birds through Wisconsin, all needing reliable water for their long journeys. Even simple birdbaths provide crucial hydration stations for these weary travelers.
Keep water fresh by changing it every 2-3 days to prevent mosquito breeding. Adding a small solar fountain creates moving water that attracts more birds while deterring mosquitoes – a win-win for your garden ecosystem.
Place water features near shrubs where birds can quickly retreat if predators approach. My garden’s shallow dish under the crabapple tree became a popular stopover for warblers and thrushes last fall.
6. Collect Seeds From Native Wildflowers
Fall marks the perfect moment to gather seeds from your native Wisconsin wildflowers. Purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and prairie blazing star produce seeds that can be saved for spring planting or scattered in bare garden spots now.
Gather seeds on a dry day after morning dew has evaporated. Look for seed heads that have turned brown but haven’t yet opened to release their bounty. Snip the heads with clean scissors and place them in paper bags labeled with the plant name and collection date.
Some seeds need cold stratification to germinate properly, which happens naturally when planted in fall. By collecting and sharing native seeds, you’re preserving Wisconsin’s botanical heritage while providing food sources for birds and small mammals.
7. Establish Late-Season Pollinator Patches
Many Wisconsin pollinators remain active well into autumn, desperately searching for nectar sources before winter arrives. New England asters, goldenrod, and autumn sedum offer crucial late-season food when planted in sunny garden spots.
Even small pollinator patches make a significant difference! Choose a location receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. Remove existing vegetation, loosen the soil, and plant these late-bloomers about 12-18 inches apart, depending on their mature size.
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a light layer of leaf mulch to retain moisture. These flowers not only provide vital resources for bees and butterflies preparing for winter but add beautiful purple, yellow and pink colors to your fall garden landscape.
8. Start A Compost Pile With Fall Leaves
September’s falling leaves aren’t yard waste—they’re garden gold! Starting a compost pile now provides rich soil amendment by spring while creating winter habitat for beneficial insects like native bees and butterflies.
Begin with a 3×3 foot area in a partly shaded spot. Layer brown materials (fallen leaves, small twigs) with green materials (grass clippings, vegetable scraps) in roughly equal amounts. Moisten each layer like a wrung-out sponge and turn the pile monthly with a garden fork.
Leave one section of collected leaves uncomposted as shelter for overwintering creatures. By spring, most materials will transform into dark, crumbly compost perfect for nourishing Wisconsin’s native plants and vegetable gardens while reducing landfill waste.