Just because the calendar says September doesn’t mean your garden has to slow down. In many parts of the U.S., this is one of the best times to plant cool-loving crops for fall and even early-winter harvests. Whether you’re tucking seeds into garden beds, containers, or raised beds, your September garden still has time for another flush of fresh produce—especially if you choose quick-maturing, cold-tolerant varieties.
Table of Contents
Extend Your September Garden’s Life with Hardy Heirlooms and Cool-Weather Staples
Zones 1-2 (Extreme Cold, Northern U.S. & Alaska)
What to Plant
- Radish: ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘White Icicle’, ‘French Breakfast’
- Carrots: ‘Scarlet Nantes’, ‘Danvers 126’
- Kale: ‘Lacinato Dinosaur’, ‘Red Russian’
- Turnips: ‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘Seven Tops’
- Kohlrabi: ‘Early White Vienna’ (better suited than broccoli this late in the season)
Also consider: quick, protected plantings of Pak Choi (White Stem) or baby lettuces under heavy cover if you can give good protection and start transplants early.
September Gardening Tips
- In these zones, September is a race against an early, hard frost. Focus on quick-maturing root vegetables and greens.
- Protect crops with heavy row covers, cloches, or a well-sealed low tunnel.
- The goal is to get a last harvest before the ground freezes, not to overwinter plants.
- Amend the soil with compost to help seedlings get established quickly in the rapidly cooling soil.
- If you’re short on time, use transplants rather than direct sowing — they buy you the most reliable harvest in a very short season.
Discover Why Gardeners Recommend Our Seeds!
Zones 3–5 (Short Season, Northern U.S.)
What to Plant
- Spinach: ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’
- Radish: ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘White Icicle’, ‘Early Scarlet Globe’, ‘French Breakfast’
- Mache / Corn Salad – Ideal under a cold frame or tunnel
- Lettuce: ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Salad Bowl’, ‘Grand Rapids T.B.R.’ – sow quick types or baby mixes for reliable fall greens
- Other fast greens: arugula, mizuna, mustard greens, and baby kale — great for quick harvests and succession sowing
Also consider: kohlrabi (Early White Vienna) and quick beets like Detroit Dark Red for small roots you can harvest before hard freezes; start a last round of baby-lettuce mixes for micro-salads.
September Gardening Tips
- Use row covers or low tunnels to extend the season by 2–3 weeks.
- Sow into well-amended, moist soil for better germination in cool weather.
- Focus on greens and roots that tolerate short days and cold nights.
- Plant in shallow succession (every 7–10 days) for continuous small harvests.
- For radishes, consider planting a mix of varieties (e.g., ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’) to vary your harvest time.
- When you’re close to frost date, prefer transplants for lettuce — they’ll give you usable leaves faster than seedlings.
Central States (Zones 5-6)
What to Plant
- Lettuce: ‘Grand Rapids T.B.R.’, ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Salad Bowl’, ‘Oakleaf’
- Spinach: ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’
- Kale: ‘Lacinato Dinosaur’, ‘Red Russian’, ‘Siberian’
- Radishes: ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘Early Scarlet Globe’
- Beets: ‘Detroit Dark Red’, ‘Bull’s Blood’, ‘Cylindra’
- Carrots: ‘Scarlet Nantes’, ‘Danvers 126’
Also consider: Pak choi (White Stem) or fast baby kales for quick, cool-season harvests and stir-fry greens.
September Gardening Tips
- The Midwest can have unpredictable fall weather. Be ready with floating row covers to protect against sudden early frosts.
- Plant quick-growing greens in areas that receive full sun to maximize growth before the days get too short.
- As the weather cools, consider planting another round of radishes and carrots for a late October harvest.
- Thin seedlings aggressively to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal diseases in a humid fall.
- Keep a close eye on soil moisture — rapid drydowns in late summer followed by cool nights can stress new seedlings.
Atlantic Northeast (Zones 4-6)
What to Plant
- Spinach: ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’
- Kale: ‘Lacinato Dinosaur’, ‘Red Russian’
- Lettuce: ‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Oakleaf’, ‘Salad Bowl’
- Radish: ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘White Icicle’
- Turnips: ‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘Seven Tops’
September Gardening Tips
- Due to the humid and often rainy fall, focus on planting in raised beds or well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Use row covers to shield plants from wind and early frosts, which can be a frequent challenge in this region.
- After a light frost, some hardy greens like kale and Brussels sprouts will develop a sweeter flavor.
- If you have a cold frame, try sowing some lettuce or spinach to overwinter for an early spring harvest.
Pacific Northwest (Zones 6-9)
What to Plant
- Fava Beans: Broad Windsor — a great fall-planted crop for an early spring harvest
- Collards: ‘Georgia Southern’, ‘Morris Heading’
- Overwintering Carrots: ‘Scarlet Nantes’, ‘Danvers 126’
- Leeks: ‘American Flag’
- Broccoli: ‘DeCicco’, ‘Waltham 29’
Also consider: hardy kales like Red Russian and Lacinato, and Leeks (American Flag) planted now will reach a good size for those winter harvests.
September Gardening Tips
- The PNW has a long, mild fall, perfect for extending the season. The primary challenge is moisture and pests like slugs.
- Focus on mildew-resistant varieties for leafy greens.
- Improve air circulation and drainage to combat the inevitable autumn rains. Consider using raised beds.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and protect roots from the winter cold.
- Harvest fava bean plants in early spring for delicious greens and beans.
- Use slug traps and hand-collect in the evenings — slugs are the single biggest fall pest in many PNW gardens.
Zones 6–7 (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Inland Northwest)
What to Plant
- Spinach: ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’
- Lettuce: ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Freckles Romaine’, ‘Grand Rapids T.B.R.’
- Radish: ‘Early Scarlet Globe’, ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Cherry Belle’
- Turnip: ‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘Golden Ball’, ‘Seven Tops’
- Mustard Greens: ‘Southern Giant Curled’, ‘Green Wave’
Also consider: Red Russian kale and quick Pak choi (White Stem) for added cold-tolerant leaf options.
September Gardening Tips
- Plant cold-hardy greens every 7 days through mid-month for succession harvests.
- Water in the mornings to reduce disease pressure.
- Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding as days shorten.
- Mulch newly sown beds to keep soil temperature stable and conserve moisture.
- For turnips, ‘Seven Tops’ is a great choice as it is grown primarily for its flavorful greens, offering a fast return on your planting.
Zones 8–9 (Southeast, Deep South, Southwest)
What to Plant
- Collards: ‘Georgia Southern’, ‘Morris Heading’, ‘Vates’
- Turnips: ‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘White Egg’, ‘Seven Tops’
- Beets: ‘Detroit Dark Red’, ‘Bull’s Blood’, ‘Cylindra’
- Lettuce: ‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Black Seeded Simpson’, ‘Oakleaf’, ‘Salad Bowl’
- Radishes: ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘Watermelon’
- Swiss Chard: ‘Fordhook Giant’, ‘Rainbow Mix’
Also consider: Siberian or Red Russian kale for warm-day/cool-night performance and Kailaan (Chinese broccoli) for quick stir-fry greens.
September Gardening Tips
- Soak seeds before sowing in hot areas to improve germination.
- Use shade cloth for tender greens during hot afternoons.
- Harvest greens young and often for best flavor.
- Plant in the coolest part of the day (late afternoon/evening) to reduce transplant/shock stress.
- Consider harvesting collard varieties like ‘Vates’ after a light frost to enhance their sweetness.
Zones 10–11 (South Florida, Gulf Coast, Low Desert AZ/CA)
What to Plant
- Bush Beans: ‘Contender’, ‘Provider’
- Cucumbers: ‘Straight Eight’, ‘Lemon’, ‘White Wonder’, ‘National Pickling’
- Summer Squash: ‘Black Beauty Zucchini’, ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’
- Okra: ‘Clemson Spineless’, ‘Dwarf Long Green Pod’
- Collards: ‘Georgia Southern’, ‘Champion’
- Lettuce – start sowing late in the month (baby mixes and fast-maturing types)
Also consider: quick-maturing Provider bush beans and the mild, crisp White Wonder cucumber for variety.
September Gardening Tips
- Watch for armyworms and aphids as temps begin to cool.
- Water deeply and consistently as new plantings establish.
- By mid- to late-September, start preparing soil for fall brassicas.
- Use insect netting or floating row cover early to protect tender seedlings from pests.
Zones 12-13 (Tropical/Subtropical U.S. & Territories)
What to Plant
- Okra: ‘Clemson Spineless’
- Cowpeas: ‘Red Ripper’ and other heat-loving varieties
- Sweet Potatoes: start slips for a late-season tuber harvest
- Herbs: basil, mint, cilantro (succession sowings through fall)
Also consider: continued successive sowings of warm-season herbs and cowpeas to take advantage of the long mild season.
September Gardening Tips
- In these zones, September is the start of the “cool” season, which is perfect for growing cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, and brassicas.
- Prepare garden beds by adding plenty of compost.
- Use shade cloth to protect tender seedlings from the still-intense sun.
- Water deeply and consistently as plants establish.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, which can be active year-round.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Season Go to Waste
September is one of the most overlooked but productive planting months of the year. The soil is still warm, which helps seeds germinate quickly, and the cooler nights bring out the best in fall greens and roots. Whether you’re in the North racing the frost or in the South gearing up for your biggest fall crop, there are still plenty of heirloom vegetables ready to go into the ground. With a little planning and the right varieties, you can keep the harvest coming well into the cooler months ahead.
What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below!
FAQ:
What can I plant in my September garden for a late-season harvest?
In your September garden, focus on quick-growing, cool-weather crops such as spinach, lettuce, radishes, and kale. These fast-maturing vegetables thrive in the cooler days of early fall and can be ready to harvest before the first frost sets in, giving you a fresh and productive late-season yield.
Is September too late to start a garden?
No, a September garden can be highly productive with fast-maturing greens, root vegetables, and cold-tolerant varieties. Crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, and kale grow quickly in the cooler days of fall, often developing better flavor after a light frost. With the right planning and protection, your September garden can continue supplying fresh harvests well into the season.
Which vegetables grow best in a September garden?
The best vegetables for a September garden include radishes, spinach, kale, lettuce, turnips, beets, carrots, and collards.
Can I still plant lettuce in my September garden?
Yes, lettuce is perfect for a September garden. Choose fast-growing types like Black Seeded Simpson, Buttercrunch, and Salad Bowl.
How do I protect my September garden from early frost?
Use row covers, cloches, or low tunnels to extend the season and keep your September garden producing longer.
What crops work for a September garden in colder zones?
In northern zones, a September garden should focus on radishes, carrots, turnips, and kale, using covers for added protection.
Can I grow herbs in my September garden?
Yes, basil, cilantro, and mint can thrive in a September garden, especially in warmer regions with mild fall weather.
What are good leafy greens for a September garden?
Great leafy greens for a September garden include kale, spinach, mustard greens, arugula, mizuna, and Swiss chard.
How can I extend harvests from my September garden?
Succession planting every 7–10 days and using row covers helps extend harvests from your September garden well into fall.
What gardening zones benefit most from a September garden?
Every zone can benefit from a September garden—northern regions focus on quick crops, while southern zones can plant beans, squash, and cucumbers.
