Fall Planting: Vegetables To Sow In September

As I sketched out my garden plans for the fall, I hit a common snag—the widespread belief that September’s door is already closing on the planting season. This misconception felt like a roadblock until curiosity got the best of me and led to some enlightening research.

To my delight, I discovered that starting your garden in September is not only doable but also gratifying. In this post, I’m excited to reveal which vegetables and flowers genuinely come alive when sown during these more relaxed days of early autumn.

Expect highlights on fast-maturing greens like lettuce alongside trusty root favorites like carrots. Join me as we embrace this fertile, often-overlooked season together!

Key Takeaways

• In September, you can plant vegetables like lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots, radishes, and beets for an autumn harvest. These plants grow well in cooler weather.
• Garlic is a great herb to plant in September because it likes cool temperatures and matures over several months. It should be planted before the first frost for a summer harvest next year.
• Flowers such as calendulas, poppies, and love-in-a-mist sown in September add color and life to your garden during fall. They also help attract beneficial insects.

Vegetables to Plant in September

Sow leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach for a bountiful fall harvest. Plant root crops such as carrots, radishes, and beets to ensure a plentiful autumn vegetable yield.

Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach)

I always find fall planting exciting, especially sowing vegetables like lettuce, kale, and spinach in September. These leafy greens thrive in the cooler weather of autumn. Last year, I planted them and was amazed at their quick growth.

Lettuce is incredibly fast-growing and can even withstand a light frost. This makes it ideal for the September garden planting list. In my experience, following the fall planting guide and getting these greens into the ground allows for a bountiful harvest before winter hits.

Kale and spinach are also stars of the fall vegetable crops. Their short maturity times fit perfectly into the autumn planting tips I’ve gathered over time. My neighbors were surprised when I harvested fresh spinach well into November! It’s all about choosing varieties that mature quickly and can handle colder temperatures.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. – Albert Camus

Root crops are next on my list after tending to my leafy greens.

Root crops (carrots, radishes, beets)

In September, I’m excited to plant root crops like carrots, radishes, and beets. These veggies thrive in autumn’s cooler temperatures and grow quickly, so I’ll have a harvest before winter sets in.

Plus, they’re easy to sow directly into the soil for a hassle-free gardening experience. In USDA zones 4 to 8, these crops can continue planting well into November and December. Whether it’s beets or radishes, these veggies are suitable for harvesting right through fall.

Herbs (garlic)

Now, let’s talk about garlic. Garlic is a great herb to plant in September as it thrives in cool weather and takes several months to mature. Plant cloves 6-8 inches apart in well-drained soil with full sun.

Remember, garlic does best when planted before the first frost and harvested mid-summer next year. Water regularly and mulch around the plants for consistent moisture.

Add a layer of straw mulch over the bed to protect it from freezing.

So, there you have it – planting herbs like garlic in September can lead to a bountiful harvest next summer!

Flowers to Plant in September

Sow flowers like calendulas, poppies, and love-in-a-mist for a vibrant fall garden. When planted in September, these blooms add color and beauty to your outdoor space.

Calendulas

Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are vibrant and hardy flowers that thrive in September’s cooler temperatures. These cheerful yellow or orange blooms add color to the fall garden and continue blooming until the first frost.

They are easy to grow from seed and prefer full sun with well-drained soil. Calendulas are beautiful and serve a purpose in the garden by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings while deterring harmful pests such as aphids.

In addition, calendula petals have medicinal properties that can be harvested for herbal remedies and skincare products. Due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, the dried petals can be used to make healing salves, infused oils, or soothing balms.

It’s advisable to sow calendula seeds this September for a burst of color in your garden and harness their natural healing benefits throughout the season.

Poppies

Poppies are vibrant and easy-to-grow flowers that can be sown in September to bloom beautifully during fall. They thrive in cooler temperatures and add color to your garden.

Planting poppies in September ensures they establish strong roots before winter sets in, leading to robust blooms next spring. September planting in USDA zones 7-10 enables these resilient flowers to flourish through the coming months.

The diverse range of poppy varieties includes annual, biennial, and perennial types suitable for different climates and soil types. With proper care and attention to watering needs, these stunning flowers will brighten up your autumn landscape with their charming petals.

So try sowing some poppy seeds this September for a delightful display next year!

Love-in-a-mist

Love-in-a-mist, also known as Nigella, is a charming annual flower that blooms blue, pink, or white and has delicate, feathery foliage. It thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and can grow up to 12-18 inches tall.

Love-in-a-mist is easy to grow from seeds and can be sown directly into the garden in September for beautiful blooms next spring. This lovely flower adds a whimsical touch to any garden and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a delightful addition to your fall planting list.

Now, let’s move on to our next topic: “Calendulas.”

Conclusion

As September kicks off fall, it’s the perfect time to plant fast-growing vegetables like lettuce and spinach. In zones 4 to 8, planting can extend into November for crops like Swiss chard.

When deciding what to sow this month, consider the specific climate and your planting zone. Get ready to enjoy a bountiful harvest from your September planting!