Fall’s finally here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your garden. If you’re wondering what to plant in September, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this guide will help you choose the best plants, veggies, and flowers to sow this month. Let’s jump right in! And don’t forget to comment, share, and let us know your favorite plants to grow in September!
What Vegetables to Plant in September?
As we bid adieu to the hot summer days, September brings us a breath of fresh air with its cooler temperatures. This also means it’s prime time for sowing your favorite cool-season crops that will thrive in the mild fall weather. But the question is, what vegetables can you plant in September? Actually, there are plenty of options! Here are some of our top picks.
Broccoli
Let’s start with one of the most popular cole crops out there: broccoli! It thrives in cooler weather, making it one of the top crops to plant in September. Whether you live in zone 7 or zone 9, it’s an excellent veggie for fall planting. Sow your seeds or transplants directly into the soil, and by late fall (depending on your area and variety), you’ll be enjoying fresh, crisp heads. We recommend spacing the plants about 18 inches (45 cm) apart to give them room to grow.
If you’re feeling a bit skeptical, here’s what experts say about planting broccoli in the fall:
Cole crops are hardy and grow best in the spring and fall. My preference is fall growing, especially for broccoli and cabbage, and my main reason for this is that as the temperatures drop, so do the insect populations. Thus, all-natural pest control.
- Jill Winger
- The Prairie Homestead
You might be tempted to get those broccoli seeds by now, but there are actually even more incredible vegetables to choose from. We’ve still got a lot to cover, so let’s move on!
Radishes
Are you looking for a quick harvest? Then consider adding radishes to your fall garden! They’re one of the fastest-growing veggies to plant in September. You can expect to harvest these crunchy treats in as little as 30 days. Here’s a little tip. Plant radish seeds in well-drained soil and ensure they get plenty of sunlight.
Spinach
Remember the good old days growing up watching Popeye the Sailor without a care in the world? Get closer to your childhood icon by growing spinach in your garden! It loves the cooler temperatures and can withstand a light frost, making it ideal for fall gardening. It can be grown in containers or directly on the ground.
Onions
Planting your onions in September is pretty beneficial. It allows them to establish roots before the winter, leading to a robust spring harvest. You can choose almost any variety, for example, Yellow Granex or Red Burgundy.
Lettuce
If you’re still wondering what vegetables to plant in September, we’ve got one last equally fantastic option: lettuce. With numerous varieties to choose from, including Romaine and Butterhead, you can enjoy fresh salads all season long. For more impatient gardeners, choose leaf varieties, as they mature faster than head lettuce.
Flowers to Grow in September
Vegetables are not the only ones benefiting from planting in September. This month is also a perfect time to sow some stunning flowers for an early blooming season next year. Thanks to the soil being still warm after the summer and the abundance of rainfalls, your blooms have plenty of time to establish their roots. Here are just some of the flowers you can plant.
Peonies
Though peonies won’t bloom until spring, the first month of fall is the ideal time to plant them. Since the soil retains its warmth, the blossoms can establish roots before winter.
Asters
The colorful asters are indeed the stars of any fall garden. If you don’t already have this perennial, consider planting some, as they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Pansies
Pansies are among the most resilient blossoms, capable of withstanding frost and cooler temperatures. Their wide range of colors makes them a favorite for adding fall interest to garden beds and containers.
Violas
Violas, closely related to pansies, is another excellent choice for fall planting. They’re smaller and more delicate but equally hardy. Just like pansies, these little flowers are also perfect for borders, window boxes, and containers.
Poppies
Poppies are a go-to choice if you’re looking to add a burst of color to your garden. Planting these blooms in September gives them a head start, allowing them to establish before the cold sets in.
Herbs to Plant in September
Herbs are a must-have if you’re looking to spice up your dishes. And the best part is, you can grow them even in the fall! Don’t worry; we’ve prepared a handy list of herbs you should sow.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a pretty popular herb with a distinct flavor, commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It prefers cooler temperatures and will bolt quickly if planted in the summer heat.
Rosemary
Rosemary, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, can take some time to establish, so September’s a good time for planting. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Sage
Yet another resilient herb that can withstand the cool temperatures of fall! Sage is perfect for flavoring meats and stews, but it’s also known for its medicinal properties. For instance, people often use it in teas to soothe sore throats.
Oregano
Oregano is a popular ingredient in Italian and Greek cuisine. So, if you’re craving an authentic Italian pasta sauce, this herb is a must-have. It thrives in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground.
Chives
Chives are easy to grow and provide a mild onion flavor that’s perfect for garnishing dishes. They are cold-tolerant and grow well in most soil types.
Shrubs & Trees
By this point, we’ve covered some fantastic additions to your gardens, but there are still more plants to plant in September that we’ve prepared. Now, let’s talk about shrubs and trees. Consider adding varieties such as:
- Hydrangeas.
- Dogwoods.
- Japanese Maples.
- Boxwoods.
From Seed
For those who love to nourish plants from scratch, prepare your gardening tools! Fall is the optimal time for new additions to your garden. Some of the best seeds to plant in September include:
- Carrots.
- Beets.
- Kale.
- Turnips.
These seeds will take advantage of the cooler weather to germinate, and by the time spring arrives, you’ll have a robust garden ready to flourish. And remember to choose seeds from reliable brands like Johnny’s Selected Seeds and Hudson Valley Seed Company.
Fall Garden Preparation Tips
Preparing your garden for fall is just as important as planting. If you don’t know where to start, here are some handy tips to follow:
- Clean Up Debris: To stop pests and illnesses from overwintering in your garden, clear any dead plants, weeds, and fallen leaves.
- Mulch and Compost: Add a layer of mulch to protect the soil and retain moisture. Compost, on the other hand, can help enrich the soil with nutrients for next season’s crops.
- Prune Perennials: Trim back any overgrown perennials to encourage healthy growth in spring.
- Protect Delicate Plants: Consider covering sensitive plants with frost cloths or moving potted plants indoors to shield them from early frosts.
What Else Can You Plant in September?
September isn’t just about your main garden beds—there are plenty of other spots where you can get your hands dirty! Whether you’re working with a greenhouse or adding some greenery to window boxes, there are plenty of planting options to explore this month.
In Greenhouse
First of all, if you have a greenhouse, congrats! Secondly, the first fall month is just the time to benefit from this investment. Honestly, you can use it to grow an array of different plants; here’s just a small list of ideas:
- Tomatoes.
- Peppers.
- Eggplants.
In Window Boxes
Window boxes aren’t just for spring blooms—they can be perfect for growing hardy greens and herbs as the weather cools down. If you have a limited gardening area, these smaller spaces are lifesavers and can be easily managed! You can grow a variety of plants in them, including:
FAQ
What Are the Best Things to Plant in September?
The best things to plant in September are cool-weather veggies like broccoli, radishes, and spinach. As for flowers, pick pansies and asters.
What Plants Look Best in September?
September plants like chrysanthemums, asters, and hydrangeas look stunning during this time of year. Their vibrant colors bring life to any garden.
What Is the Best Compost for Planting Shrubs?
When planting shrubs, you’ll need a well-balanced compost that contains a mix of organic matter, such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Opt for a high-quality compost like Miracle-Gro or Dr. Earth.
Now that we’ve covered what to grow in September, it’s your turn. We’d love to hear what you’re growing, so drop a comment, share your tips, or ask a question below!
