10 Vegetables to Plant in September: Fill Your Garden for Winter Harvests
As the lazy days of summer start to wane and the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, many gardeners might think their planting days are over for the year. But hold onto your trowels, fellow green thumbs! September is actually an excellent time to get your hands dirty and sow a variety of vegetables that will keep your garden productive well into the colder months.
I remember the first time I realised the potential of fall planting. It was a few years ago when I was lamenting the end of my summer harvest to my neighbour, Martha, an experienced gardener in her seventies. She chuckled and said, “Oh honey, your garden’s story is far from over. September is like a second spring!” Those words changed my entire perspective on gardening, and I’m excited to share that wisdom with you today.
In this post, we’ll explore ten fantastic vegetables you can plant in September to fill those garden gaps and ensure a bounty harvest even as the temperatures drop. We’ll dive into the whys and hows of each vegetable, sprinkle in some expert advice, and share personal anecdotes to make your September planting adventure both successful and enjoyable.
So, grab a cup of your favourite warm beverage, settle in, and let’s explore the wonderful world of fall vegetable planting!
1. Spinach: The Cold-Weather Superfood
Spinach is a true champion of the fall garden. This nutrient-packed leafy green not only tolerates cooler temperatures but actually thrives in them, making it an ideal candidate for September planting.
“Spinach planted in the fall often produces larger, sweeter leaves than its spring-planted counterparts,” says Dr. Emily Chen, a horticulturist at the University of California, Davis. “The cooler temperatures and shorter days trigger the plant to concentrate more sugars in its leaves, resulting in a more flavorful crop.”
To plant spinach in September:
- Choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden, about 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart when they’re about 2 inches tall.
Pro tip: For a continuous harvest, sow spinach seeds every two weeks until about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost date.
2. Garlic: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Garlic is a unique addition to your September planting list because it won’t be ready for harvest until next summer. However, planting it now gives it the long, cool growing period it needs to develop robust bulbs.
“Garlic needs a period of cold to stimulate bulb formation,” explains James Thompson, a third-generation garlic farmer from Gilroy, California. “Planting in fall allows the cloves to establish strong roots before winter dormancy, setting the stage for vigorous growth in spring.”
To plant garlic in September:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Break apart garlic bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact.
- Plant cloves 2-4 inches deep, pointed end up, and 4-6 inches apart.
- Cover with soil and a layer of mulch to protect from winter freezes.
- Water thoroughly after planting, then reduce watering as the weather cools.
Pro tip: Try planting both hardneck and softneck varieties. Hardnecks generally have more complex flavours, while softnecks store better.
3. Kale: The Cold, Hardy Powerhouse
Kale is renowned for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, often becoming sweeter after a frost. This makes it an excellent choice for September planting, ensuring you have fresh, nutritious greens well into winter.
Dr. Lisa Martinez, a nutritionist specialising in plant-based diets, emphasises kale’s health benefits: “Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. Growing your own ensures you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-dense leaves possible.”
To plant kale in September:
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure.
- Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, or transplant seedlings 12-18 inches apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro tip: Try different kale varieties like Tuscan (also known as dinosaur kale), curly kale, and Russian kale for a diverse harvest.
4. Carrots: Sweet Underground Treasures
Carrots planted in September can yield a delicious winter harvest. The cooler temperatures encourage the plants to store more sugars, resulting in exceptionally sweet roots.
“Fall-planted carrots often have a better flavour and texture than those grown in the heat of summer,” notes Sarah Johnson, a vegetable breeder specialising in root crops. “The gradual cooling of the soil as winter approaches allows the carrots to develop slowly, concentrating their sugars and producing a sweeter, more complex flavour profile.”
To plant carrots in September:
- Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil.
- Prepare the soil deeply, removing any rocks or debris that could impede root growth.
- Sow seeds thinly in rows, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which can take up to 2 weeks.
- Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to 2-3 inches apart.
Pro tip: Cover your carrot beds with row covers or low tunnels to extend the harvest even further into winter.
5. Radishes: Quick and Colourful
Radishes are the sprinters of the vegetable world, making them perfect for filling gaps in your September garden. With some varieties ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks, they provide near-instant gratification and a peppery crunch to your fall salads.
Chef Maria Gonzalez, known for her farm-to-table restaurant in Portland, Oregon, praises the versatility of fall radishes: “Don’t limit radishes to just salads. Try roasting them with other root vegetables, pickling them for a tangy condiment, or even using the greens in pestos and stir-fries. Fall radishes tend to be milder and more complex in flavour, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.”
Plant radishes in September:
- Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot.
- Loosen the soil and remove any rocks or debris.
- Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart when they’re about 2 inches tall.
Pro tip: For a continuous harvest, sow a small batch of radish seeds every week throughout September and early October.
6. Lettuce: Crisp and Fresh
Lettuce is another fast-growing crop that thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall. September-planted lettuce often produces sweeter, crisper leaves than its summer counterparts.
Dr. Alex Tran, a plant physiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains the science behind this: “Cooler temperatures slow down the plant’s metabolism, which allows for a more gradual accumulation of sugars and other flavour compounds in the leaves. This results in lettuce that’s not only sweeter but also has a more complex flavour profile.”
To plant lettuce in September:
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure.
- Sow seeds thinly, about 1/8 inch deep.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
- Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart for head lettuce, or 4 inches for leaf lettuce.
Pro tip: Try the “cut and come again” method with leaf lettuce. Harvest the outer leaves when they’re about 4 inches tall, leaving the centre to regrow for multiple harvests.
7. Beets: Dual-Purpose Delights
Beets are a fantastic addition to your September planting list, offering both nutritious roots and delicious greens. They’re also quite cold-hardy, making them perfect for fall gardens.
Nutritionist Emma Watson emphasises the health benefits of beets: “Beets are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fibre, folate, and beneficial plant compounds called betalains. Both the roots and greens are edible and highly nutritious, making beets an efficient choice for small-space gardeners.”
To plant beets in September:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating compost and removing any rocks.
- Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
- Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart when they’re about 2 inches tall.
Pro tip: Don’t throw away the thinnings! Young beet greens make a delicious addition to salads or can be sautéed like spinach.
8. Onions: Laying the Foundation
While onions planted in September won’t be ready for harvest until the following summer, fall planting gives them a head start, resulting in larger, more flavorful bulbs.
“Fall-planted onions develop strong root systems before winter dormancy,” explains Dr. Robert Lee, an agronomist specialising in allium crops. “This allows them to burst into vigorous growth as soon as temperatures warm in spring, often resulting in larger bulbs than spring-planted onions.”
To plant onions in September:
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.
- Plant onion sets (small bulbs) about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch with straw or leaves to protect from winter freezes.
Pro tip: In colder regions, choose hardy varieties like ‘Walla Walla’ or ‘Yellow Sweet Spanish’ for fall planting.
9. Swiss Chard: The Colourful Survivor
Swiss chard is a beautiful and resilient addition to any fall garden. With its colourful stems and nutrient-rich leaves, it’s as ornamental as it is delicious.
Urban farmer and community garden organiser Jamal Washington loves introducing chard to new gardeners: “Swiss chard is incredibly forgiving and productive. It can tolerate both heat and cold, making it perfect for unpredictable fall weather. Plus, its vibrant colours can really liven up a garden as other plants start to fade.”
To plant Swiss chard in September:
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating compost.
- Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
- Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart when they’re about 3 inches tall.
Pro tip: Try the “cut and come again” method with chard. Harvest the outer leaves when they’re 8-10 inches long, leaving the centre to regrow for continuous harvests.
10. Pak Choi (Bok Choy): Asian Greens for Autumn
Pak choi, also known as bok choy, is a fast-growing Asian green that’s perfect for fall planting. Its crisp stems and tender leaves add a delightful crunch and mild flavour to stir-fries and salads.
Chef Lin Wei, renowned for his farm-to-table Chinese cuisine, extols the virtues of homegrown pak choi: “There’s nothing quite like the tender crunch of freshly harvested pak choi. When grown in cooler weather, it develops a sweeter flavour that elevates any dish it’s used in. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—use it raw in salads, quickly stir-fried, or even grilled for a unique treat.”
To plant pak choi in September:
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating compost.
- Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart when they’re about 2 inches tall.
Pro tip: For a continuous harvest, sow pak choi seeds every two weeks throughout September and early October.
Conclusion: Embracing the Fall Planting Season
As we’ve explored these ten vegetables perfect for September planting, I hope you’re feeling inspired to extend your growing season and make the most of your garden space. Fall planting not only provides fresh produce through the cooler months but also offers a unique gardening experience—one of crisp mornings, vibrant autumn colours, and the satisfaction of harvesting homegrown veggies when many gardens have long since gone dormant.
Remember the words of my wise neighbour Martha: “September is like a second spring!” It’s a time of new beginnings in the garden, a chance to try new varieties, and an opportunity to keep your hands in the soil just a little bit longer.
As you plan your September plantings, keep these general tips in mind:
- Pay attention to your local frost dates and choose varieties that will mature before the first hard freeze in your area.
- Prepare your soil well, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to replenish nutrients depleted by summer crops.
- Keep an eye on watering; while cooler temperatures mean less evaporation, newly planted seeds and seedlings still need consistent moisture.
- Consider using row covers or cold frames to extend your growing season even further.
- Don’t forget to rotate your crops—avoid planting vegetables in the same family in the same spot where they or their relatives grew during the summer.
Gardening expert and author Patricia Lanza sums it up beautifully: “Fall gardening is an act of faith. As the days grow shorter and the air cooler, we plant seeds with the belief that they will grow and nourish us through the winter. It’s a beautiful reminder of nature’s resilience and the cyclical nature of gardening.”
So, grab your gardening gloves and seed packets, and let’s make this September a month of growth, both in our gardens and in our gardening skills. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s something magical about nurturing plants as the seasons change. Who knows? This might just become your favourite gardening season yet!
Happy planting, and here’s to a bountiful fall harvest!
