There is a lot to get on with in the garden as summer comes to an end – and one expert shared what you should be doing outdoors this month to make your plants thrive
Lucy Marshall Lifestyle Reporter
15:18, 18 Sep 2025
There are plenty of jobs to get done in the garden this month as the seasons change(Image: Tom Werner via Getty Images)
While sun-drenched days in the garden are drawing to a close, there are numerous gardening tasks we need to tackle before autumn and the colder months arrive. Making the transition from summer to autumn in your garden requires several strategic measures to ensure your outdoor space stays lively and thriving throughout the year.
One individual who is cracking on with his seasonal gardening tasks goes by the name of the Grumpy Gardener. Throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns, he started posting his finest gardening advice and techniques online in an effort to help people become “less grumpy through gardening” – and he assisted many in developing a positive outlook towards the often laborious outdoor chores.
Recently on TikTok, he revealed what you should have scheduled next on your gardening agenda. He said: “So summer has been and gone and everyone has had a successful growing year, but it doesn’t mean you need to stop in September; there’s still plenty to do.”
He added: “Just because summer has gone doesn’t mean the gardening has to stop.”
Gathering vegetables and plant seeds
The Grumpy Gardener explained: “Things like tomatoes should be harvested at this point before they go over. They’re now ready for eating and they will have ripened so pick them before it’s too late.
“If you collected seeds from your alliums and get them straight in the ground, don’t delay. There’s no need to wait until spring, get them in the ground, get them building a root system and you’ll have lovely plumes next season.”
One TikTok user commented on the post, saying: “I still have so many green tomatoes, not sure they’ll ripe now.”
The Grumpy Gardener replied: “Saying that, this year I’ve a couple I’ve neglected and they’re green. You could try the banana skin trick to help them ripen. Failing that, make some chutney so they don’t go to waste.”
He also advised those growing chillies to harvest them now. He added: “As chillies start to ripen and change colour, harvest them again. Find the ones that are ready, chop them off and enjoy.”
Content cannot be displayed without consentGarlic prep
The Grumpy Gardener suggested garlic as a great option for those wondering what to plant this month. He said: “You can get your garlic in the ground. Garlics like to be overwintered so make sure you get it in that ground because the frosts and the cold can help create a bigger bulb.”
He explained that planting garlic now means it would be ready next season.
Prepare ahead of Christmas
The gardener also recommended preparing for Christmas by getting vegetables in the ground now, including turnips.
He explained: “You can get your turnips in the ground. You should do turnips now, especially if you’re wanting to harvest for Christmas. You can harvest around Christmas time and they’ll be small, golf ball/baseball size and they’ll make a lovely Christmas dinner.”
Do you enjoy gardening at this time of year? Let us know in the comments below.
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