September marks a pivotal transition in the gardening calendar, beckoning gardeners to embrace the cool air and prepare for a fruitful fall harvest. This month provides a wealth of opportunities to plant a variety of vegetables that thrive in the cooler temperatures of autumn.
Let’s dig into 35 fantastic vegetables you can plant in September, featuring detailed information about where and when to sow each variety.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are among the easiest and fastest vegetables to grow in September. Coming into their peak season, these nutrient-dense plants benefit from cooler weather.
Spinach
Where to Plant: Spinach flourishes in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. It is best sown directly in garden beds located in full sunlight.
When to Plant: Plant spinach seeds throughout September, especially in zones 3-7, where temperatures begin to cool. Aim for sowing when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 68°F for optimal germination.
Kale
Where to Plant: Kale does well in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. It is adaptable and can grow in various garden settings across zones 4-9.
When to Plant: Sow kale seeds in mid to late September. The cooler temperatures enhance kale’s flavor and texture, making it a fantastic autumn crop. You can also plant seedlings if you want a quicker harvest.
Lettuce
Where to Plant: Choose loamy soil for growing lettuce, which thrives in full to partial sun. Varieties like Butterhead and Romaine adapt well to different garden spaces.
When to Plant: Early September is ideal for sowing lettuce seeds. Continue planting throughout the month to ensure a staggered harvest, particularly in warmer regions where the temperatures can still support growth.
Swiss Chard
Where to Plant: Swiss chard prefers fertile, well-drained soil with full sunlight, thriving in garden beds across USDA zones 4-9.
When to Plant: Late September is perfect for sowing Swiss chard seeds, allowing for substantial leaf growth before the frost arrives.
Arugula
Where to Plant: Arugula grows well in various soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Suitable for all USDA zones, it is a hardy green that thrives in cooler weather.
When to Plant: Sow arugula seeds throughout September for a quick harvest. This leafy green germinates rapidly and typically reaches maturity in just 40-50 days.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables flourish in cooler conditions, making them ideal candidates for September planting. They provide substantial nutrients and store well for the winter months.
Carrots
Where to Plant: Carrots thrive in loose, sandy loam soil free of stones. They are well-suited for garden beds in zones 3-10.
When to Plant: Plant carrots from early to mid-September; they germinate best when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F. Thin seedlings as they grow to ensure proper spacing.
Beets
Where to Plant: Beets grow well in fertile, well-drained soil. They are adaptable and can be planted in various gardens, thriving across zones 2-10.
When to Plant: Beet seeds should be sown in early to mid-September, allowing them to mature in cooler weather, which enhances their sweetness.
Radishes
Where to Plant: Radishes prefer well-draining soil, making them suitable for almost any garden setting in zones 2-10.
When to Plant: Sow radish seeds throughout September for a quick turnaround. Many varieties mature in as little as 25 days, providing fresh, crisp radishes just weeks after planting.
Turnips
Where to Plant: Turnips thrive in rich, well-aerated soil. They’re adaptable and can grow effectively in zones 2-9.
When to Plant: Aim to plant turnips in mid-September. The cooler fall temperatures will enhance their flavor, and they can be harvested before the frost.
Garlic
Where to Plant: Garlic prefers well-draining, loose soil enriched with compost. Suitable for garden beds in zones 3-9, it requires adequate sunlight.
When to Plant: Plant garlic cloves from late September to early October, ensuring they establish roots before winter. Aim for about 4-6 weeks of growth before the ground freezes.
Legumes
Leguminous plants are not only productive but also help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen. They’ll offer nutritional benefits too!
Peas
Where to Plant: Peas do best in full sun with well-drained soil. They can be planted in most locations across zones 2-9.
When to Plant: Sow pea seeds from early to mid-September. In milder climates, consider using varieties that can be overwintered for an early spring harvest.
Fava Beans
Where to Plant: Fava beans are versatile and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. They’re well-suited for zones 5-9.
When to Plant: Plant fava bean seeds in mid to late September. They can handle early frosts, which makes them excellent for a fall planting.
Brassicas
Brassicas, known for their resilience, thrive in the cooler temperatures of early autumn and are ideal for planting in September.
Broccoli
Where to Plant: Broccoli flourishes in rich, moisture-retaining soil. It thrives in full sun and can be planted in various regions, particularly in zones 3-10.
When to Plant: Sow broccoli seeds in September, especially in regions with mild winters. You can also start seedlings indoors to transplant later in the month for quicker results.
Cabbage
Where to Plant: Cabbage prefers fertile, moist soil and grows well in zones 4-9. Full sun helps promote healthy leaves.
When to Plant: Plant cabbage seeds or transplants in mid to late September for a late fall harvest. Cabbage can tolerate light frost, which can enhance its flavor.
Cauliflower
Where to Plant: Cauliflower grows best in fertile soil that drains well. It is suitable for various climates but thrives particularly in zones 3-9.
When to Plant: Start cauliflower seeds in September, ensuring consistent moisture throughout the growing cycle. The cooler weather will help the plants develop properly.
Brussels Sprouts
Where to Plant: Brussels sprouts prefer rich, fertile soil in sunny locations. They thrive in zones 3-9 and do well in cooler weather.
When to Plant: Sow Brussels sprout seeds in mid-September for an optimal fall harvest. These plants will benefit from the colder temperatures, which help develop their flavor.
Kohlrabi
Where to Plant: Kohlrabi thrives in fertile, well-draining soil. It grows successfully in zones 3-9.
When to Plant: Plant kohlrabi seeds in September, ensuring adequate spacing and consistent moisture. The rapid growth will yield tender, flavorful bulbs by late fall.
Nightshades
While commonly grown in warmer months, some nightshades can still be planted in early fall, particularly in milder regions.
Tomato (Fall Varieties)
Where to Plant: Tomatoes need fertile, well-draining soil and full sun to flourish. They thrive particularly well in zones 8-10.
When to Plant: Fast-maturing tomato varieties can be planted in early September. In regions with shorter growing seasons, starting seeds indoors and transplanting them can provide an extra advantage.
Peppers
Where to Plant: Peppers thrive in warm, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. They’re best suited for zones 8-10.
When to Plant: Consider planting fast-maturing pepper varieties early in September, especially in protected areas of your garden or under row covers to maintain warmth.
Cucurbits
Cucurbits, including squashes and pumpkins, add unique flavors and colors to your fall garden.
Winter Squash
Where to Plant: Winter squash prefers fertile, well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine. It grows well across zones 6-10.
When to Plant: Sow winter squash seeds in late September, allowing for ample time to mature before frost. Give them enough space to sprawl and absorb sunlight.
Pumpkins
Where to Plant: Pumpkins thrive in nutrient-rich, loamy soil with full sun exposure. They do well in zones 5-10.
When to Plant: In warmer areas, you can plant smaller pumpkin varieties in early September. Ensure you are ready to protect them from colder temperatures as they develop.
Additional Annuals and Perennials
Herbs and unique plants can be excellent additions to your September garden.
Herbs
Many herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, and dill, thrive in well-drained soil with good exposure to sunlight. They perform well across zones 3-9.
When to Plant: From mid to late September, sow herb seeds directly into the garden for fresh flavors in your fall dishes. These herbs continue to grow and can be harvested through fall.
Chicory
Chicory adapts well and can be sown in moderately fertile soil across zones 3-9.
When to Plant: Directly sow chicory seeds in early to mid-September for a harvest of both leaves and roots throughout the fall.
Fennel
Fennel thrives in rich, well-drained soil and can adapt to various climates, doing particularly well in zones 5-9.
When to Plant: Sow seeds in September for a flavorful harvest. Fennel needs full sun, so position it in an open area of your garden.
Mustard Greens
Ideal for cooler conditions, mustard greens flourish in rich, moisture-retaining soil. They can adapt to different climates, thriving in zones 7-9.
When to Plant: Plant mustard greens from early to mid-September. They germinate quickly and will offer a fresh harvest in just a few weeks.
Asian Greens
Greens like tatsoi and mizuna are excellent for adding variety. They grow well in well-drained, fertile soil and thrive in zones 7-10.
When to Plant: Seed Asian greens in mid to late September for a quick turnaround. Their rapid maturation makes them an excellent option for fall salads.
