As summer draws to a close, many gardeners might think itβs time to pack away their tools, but September offers a unique opportunity to extend your growing season and continue enjoying the rewards of your vegetable garden. The crisp, cooler days of early fall are perfect for planting a variety of vegetables that thrive in these conditions.
Most of our recommended vegetables to plant in August can also be started in September, so this article delves into some further staple and less obvious crops to plant this month.
In milder USDA growing zones, the possibilities are particularly abundant. These regions allow gardeners to experiment with a range of vegetables, from fast-maturing greens to heartier root crops, ensuring that the vegetable patch remains lush and productive. Spinach , kale , and radishes, for example, can quickly fill the gap left by summerβs fading bounty.
Meanwhile, those in colder zones may face more challenges, but with a bit of creativity, such as using a greenhouse or cold frames, it is possible to extend the gardening season. Overwintering crops like garlic or planting hardy varieties of carrots and beets can also help gardeners make the most of their growing space.
Whether youβre an experienced gardener or just starting a vegetable garden , September is an ideal time to start a new wave of vegetables, ensuring a bountiful harvest that can last well into the cooler months.
Shop Vegetable Seeds For Fall
Fall is the ideal time to plant cool-weather crops in many areas. Discover our top seed picks, chosen for flavor, performance, and disease resistance βΒ along with a range of quality seed-starting essentials.
1. Peas
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You may know that sweet peas are often sown in the fall, but did you know that garden peas
Some smooth pea varieties, such as Meteor or Douce Provence, are surprisingly cold-hardy and can be successfully grown outdoors over winter to yield an early spring crop. Avoid wrinkled peas, as these hold moisture in the crevices, causing damage in the frosts.
Sow seed into well-draining but moist soil, enriched with organic matter, and water consistently in dry spells. As climbing plants, peas will need support β there are numerous vegetable trellis ideas that can be added at the time of planting.
The plants may be targets for rodents and other pests, but netting crops will provide protection.
Harvest peas
2. Fava beans
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Fava beans
Fava beans are considered the hardiest bean, and the only type that is frost-tolerant β able to endure cold snaps as low as -10Β°C (14Β°F). Aquadulce Claudia is a popular fall-sowing variety.
Sow fava beans in fertile, well-draining soil, and keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Keep the site weed-free and fertilize with a phosphorus-rich formula β they do not need additional nitrogen .
If temperatures get really low or snow is forecast, protect crops with horticultural fleece .
3. Brussels Sprouts
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Brussels sprouts
Though traditionally planted in the spring or summer for a fall harvest, gardeners in milder climates β zone 8 or warmer β can plant Brussels sprouts in the fall
Brussels sprouts require well-draining, fertile soil, rich in calcium with a pH around 5.5 to 6.8. They require staking, which is best added at the planting stage.
Fertilize with a high-phosphorus food when planting and again with a high-nitrogen feed a few weeks later.
4. Cauliflower
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One of the most versatile vegetables used in cooking, cauliflower
The good news is that cauliflower can be successfully started between September and November for a spring harvest, taking 5-6 months to reach maturity. However, it needs to be protected from frosts by growing it in a greenhouse or cold frame. Only plant it out in the garden after the risk of frost has passed.
Cauliflower thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize with a high-nitrogen formula.
White cauliflower benefits from blanching
Harvest cauliflower
5. Onions
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Onion sets
Planting onions in the fall
As they take so long to grow, itβs only worth planting onions in the fall if you plan to eat them as soon as you harvest them. If you want to store onions over a longer period, plant them in the spring.
Onions will rot in waterlogged soil, so they must be overwintered in free-draining soil, dug over, and enriched with compost prior to planting. They wonβt require any maintenance apart from keeping the surrounding soil weed-free.
Harvest onions
6. Collard Greens
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Growing collard greens
In the South, collard greens are usually planted in September for a winter harvest. The crops are frost-hardy, so can also be planted in cooler zones at this time, with the frost actually enhancing their flavor. Collard greens can handle temperatures as low as 10Β°F to 15Β°F (-12Β°C to -9Β°C) without protection.
Sow seed in moist, fertile soil in a full sun location, and keep an eye out for aphids and cabbage loopers
7. Asian Greens
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There are a variety of tasty Asian greens that can be planted in September, including bok choy napa cabbage mibuna mizuna mustard greens
The leaves can be harvested as cut-and-come-again crops with baby leaves ideal for salads, and larger leaves delicious in stir-fries.
Sow seed into fertile, well-draining soil in a sunny spot, and keep the site weed-free and consistently moist. As with other greens, look out for pests such as aphids, cabbage loopers, and slugs .
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