Last-Minute Harvest: Food Crops You Can Still Plant in Cleveland in September
As the summer season winds down, you might think it’s too late to plant anything in your garden. But for those in Cleveland, the beginning of September still offers a window of opportunity to grow and harvest a variety of crops before the winter frost sets in. Whether you’re looking to extend your growing season or simply enjoy fresh produce for a bit longer, here’s a guide to what you can plant now and how to manage those that might need a little extra care as temperatures drop.
Cool-Season Vegetables
Cool-season crops are your best bet for planting in early September. These vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and can mature quickly, making them ideal for a fall harvest.
- Radishes: Radishes are one of the fastest-growing crops, taking only 3-4 weeks from seed to harvest. Plant them in well-drained soil, and you’ll be enjoying a crisp, spicy addition to your salads in no time.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, arugula, and lettuce varieties like romaine and butterhead can be sown directly into the ground. These greens prefer cooler temperatures and can be ready to harvest in as little as 30-45 days.
- Turnips: Turnips grow quickly, and both the roots and greens are edible. They can be harvested within 40-60 days, making them a great choice for a fall garden.
- Beets: Beets are another root vegetable that does well in cooler weather. They typically take 50-60 days to mature, so planting them in early September should allow you to enjoy a harvest before the first hard frost.
- Kale and Collards: These leafy greens are hardy and can tolerate light frosts. They grow best in the cooler temperatures of fall and can be harvested throughout the autumn season.
Crops That Need a Little Extra Time
Some crops can still be planted in September but might require a bit more time to mature. These will benefit from being started outdoors and then moved to a greenhouse or indoors to finish their growing cycle as the temperatures drop.
- Carrots: While carrots can be planted now, they typically take 70-80 days to mature. If you’re willing to give them a bit more time, consider covering them with mulch to extend their growing period or moving them to a greenhouse as it gets colder.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: These cool-weather crops can be planted in September, but they might not reach maturity before the frost without some protection. A cold frame or greenhouse can help them finish their growth cycle.
- Peas: Peas can be planted in early September, but they might not have enough time to produce a full crop. Starting them outdoors and moving them indoors or into a greenhouse can allow for a small harvest later in the fall.
Herbs for an Extended Season
Herbs are a fantastic addition to a fall garden, as many can be moved indoors to continue growing throughout the winter.
- Parsley: Parsley is a hardy herb that can survive in cooler temperatures. It can be grown outdoors until the frost, and then transferred to pots indoors.
- Cilantro: Cilantro prefers cooler weather and can be planted in September for a fall harvest. It’s perfect for adding fresh flavor to your dishes as the weather cools.
- Chives: Chives are perennials that can be grown both indoors and out. Plant them in September, and they’ll continue to produce flavorful green shoots that can be harvested well into the fall.
Cover Crops for Soil Health
If you’re not looking to harvest crops but want to prepare your garden for next spring, consider planting cover crops. These can be sown in early September and will help enrich your soil over the winter.
- Clover: Clover can be planted in September to add nitrogen to the soil. It will help prepare your garden beds for next season’s crops.
- Rye: Rye is a cold-hardy cover crop that can help prevent soil erosion and add organic matter to your garden as it decomposes.
September might seem late in the growing season, but with the right crops, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest in Cleveland. By focusing on cool-season vegetables, moving some crops indoors or to a greenhouse as the temperatures drop, and even planting cover crops, you can make the most of your garden well into the fall. Happy planting! Now you know all that you can plant in September!
