Veggies to Plant in September: A Productive Fall Garden Guide
As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, many gardeners mistakenly think the growing season is coming to an end. But September is actually a fantastic time to plant a wide range of vegetables—especially in temperate and mild climates. Whether you’re aiming to extend your harvest into the cooler months or get a head start on overwintering crops, September offers the perfect conditions for certain cool-weather vegetables to thrive.
Here are the best veggies to plant in September:
1. Peas
Peas love the cool, moist conditions that come with early fall. In regions with mild winters, planting peas in September allows them to establish before winter dormancy and bounce back in early spring. Choose fast-maturing varieties if your first frost date is near. Sugar snap and snow peas are great choices.
Tips:
- Sow directly in well-drained soil.
- Provide support like trellises or netting.
- In cold climates, use row covers to extend the growing season.
2. Brassicas
Brassicas—like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—thrive in cooler weather. In fact, a light frost can improve their flavor, especially in kale and Brussels sprouts.
Tips:
- Start seedlings indoors or buy young transplants.
- Space adequately to prevent overcrowding and encourage air circulation.
- Watch for pests like cabbage worms; use floating row covers as protection.
3. Root Vegetables
September is ideal for sowing root crops that prefer cooler soil, such as:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Rutabagas
These veggies develop better flavor and texture in cool weather and can often be harvested well into winter with some protection.
Tips:
- Direct sow seeds in loose, stone-free soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist for even germination.
- Mulch to protect roots from early frosts.
4. Alliums
Alliums like onions, garlic, and shallots are classic fall plantings, especially garlic, which is often planted in late September to early October for a summer harvest the following year.
Tips:
- Choose hardneck garlic varieties in colder climates and softneck for milder regions.
- Plant cloves 2 inches deep with the pointed end up.
- Mulch heavily to protect against frost heave.
5. Winter-Sown Lettuce and Spinach
Cold-hardy greens like lettuce and spinach are perfect for sowing in September. In warmer areas, they can grow through the winter; in colder regions, they’ll go dormant and resume growth in early spring.
Tips:
- Sow directly or start in trays.
- Provide some shade during hot September days to aid germination.
- Use row covers or cold frames to extend the season.
6. Annual Herbs
Some fast-growing herbs like cilantro, parsley, and dill can be planted in early fall. These herbs tolerate cool weather and can be harvested before the first hard frost, or even overwinter in milder climates.
Tips:
- Sow seeds directly into the garden or containers.
- Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Provide light protection during cold snaps.
7. Chicories
Varieties like radicchio, endive, and escarole are often overlooked but offer fantastic cold-season flavor and crunch. Chicories are hardy and develop deeper flavor in chilly weather.
Tips:
- Sow seeds directly or transplant starts.
- Bitter flavors mellow with light frosts.
- Great for salads and braising.
8. Arugula (Rocket)
Fast-growing and frost-tolerant, arugula thrives in the cool days of autumn. Its peppery flavor becomes more pronounced as temperatures drop, making it a perfect salad green for the fall table.
Tips:
- Sow every two weeks for a continual harvest.
- Thin seedlings to encourage robust growth.
- Harvest leaves when they are young and tender.
Final Thoughts
September is not the end of the gardening season—it’s a new beginning for cool-season crops. With the right selection of vegetables and a bit of planning, your fall garden can be just as productive and flavorful as your summer one. Whether you’re aiming to fill your table with fresh greens or stock your pantry with root vegetables and alliums, now’s the time to get your hands back in the soil and enjoy one of the most rewarding times of year to grow food.
Happy planting!
