We’re all aware that spring is a natural planting season, but so, too is fall. Often overlooked, due to either being too busy or simply uninformed, there is actually a lot you can plant in September.
What to plant in September: For backyard gardeners, September is a busy month. Just as you are clearing out your summer crops, you are getting ready for bonus fall crops. There are some plants that take a long time to grow, such as garlic and onions, so you can give them a head start by planting in September. Then there are plants that love cold weather like spinach and lettuce, so you can plant both in the spring and the fall. Certain plants, such as summer squash, will only grow in hot fall temperatures while others, like broccoli, will only grow in cold fall temperatures.
13 Seeds to Plant in September
Onions
While you can certainly plant onions in the spring if you’re out there digging, why not plant some onions and make it easier for you? Find autumn varieties that you can plant in September and have ready for harvest the following summer.
Shell beans
We often forget about beans but with a bit of preparation, you can have a hardy crop next year. Plant your beans in September and they will be ready for harvest in spring.
If you live in a colder climate, you will want to cover your beans for protection. Use burlap or fleece to give them some insulation.
Cabbage
A cold-weather favorite, you can definitely plant cabbage in the fall. It will overwinter very well and be ready for harvest in the spring.
Spinach
Super easy to grow, this crop loves cold weather so you can have a spring harvest and a fall harvest. Plant your spinach in early to mid-September, once the temperatures have started to fall.
In just six weeks you’ll have an abundance of spinach ready. If you are worried about a sudden cold frost, simply harvest it all and freeze it.
There are also certain varieties of spinach that you can plant in September or October that will survive colder temperatures and even pop back up again in the spring.
Radishes
Unfortunately, radishes aren’t the most popular garden crop but we’d like to see that change. They are easy to grow and add a nice, peppery taste to dishes.
Radishes can be ready in less than 20 days, so you can plant them in September and have them ready in October.
You can also plant winter radishes. These take much longer to grow so you will plant them in late September or early October and have them ready in early spring.
Lettuce
Lettuce, either romaine or leaf varieties, is quick to grow. It is a cold-weather crop so you can plant it both in the spring and in September for year-round enjoyment.
Try to sew your seeds in early September so that you can enjoy your lettuce before frost sets in. Once it gets too cold or there is too much snow on the ground, the lettuce won’t grow anymore.
Summer squash
Those that live in regions with really warm fall weather can plant summer squash. These varieties are ready in just 50 days, so you can take advantage of their short growing season for a bonus crop.
Be sure to plant in late August or early September and remember that your fall temperatures need to be between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for this crop to thrive.
Swiss chard
Those that have mild winters can try their hand at swiss chard. While you normally plant this vegetable in the spring, you can certainly try for a fall crop.
Plant in early September and pay attention to the weather. As long as the fall is cool and the winter is mild, you can enjoy your swiss chard in November.
Sweet potatoes
Even though sweet potatoes crave sunshine and warmth, you can get a head start and plant them in the fall. When you plant sweet potatoes in September, they will begin to grow slowly and will really develop in the spring so they are ready for a summer harvest.
Carrots
While you can plant carrots in the fall you need to live in a warmer climate. Once the ground freezes, your carrots will no longer grow, so you need to take this into account.
Those wanting a fall crop need to plant their carrot seeds in early September. If your summer is mild, you can even go ahead and plant in late August.
Carrots will then be ready in October or November. Just note that if a frost is coming you will want to harvest them, no matter their size.
Garlic
One of the most iconic plants to sow in September, garlic needs a long time to grow. Plant in late September if you live in a warmer climate or early September if you live in a colder climate.
Garlic won’t be ready for harvest until the following summer, so this is a crop that needs to get in the ground in September, or else you may miss the season altogether.
Shallots
Part of the garlic family, shallots need some time to grow. Planting them in September ensures you will have a crop to harvest in the spring. Just make sure it’s an autumn variety.
Broccoli
Another cold-weather crop, you just might manage a second harvest of broccoli if you plant it in September. The only issue is that broccoli can take quite a while to be ready from seed to harvest.
Plant in early September, once the nighttime temperatures have started to go down. This way you’ll be able to harvest in late October or early November before the ground really starts to freeze.
Conclusion
September is a busy month for gardeners. As summer crops are over, you can make use of your space and plant fall-harvest crops as well as spring crops. With careful planning, you can have a garden that produces all year long.
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