What Plants Should You Plant in September? A Seasonal Guide
September marks the beginning of fall in many regions, making it a great time to plant certain crops and flowers. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for establishing new plants and preparing your garden for the next growing season. This guide will help you decide what to plant in September, whether you’re looking to extend your harvest, beautify your garden, or prepare for spring.
1. Vegetables to Plant in September
September is an excellent time to plant cool-season vegetables, as the soil is still warm enough for seeds to germinate, and the cooler weather helps them grow steadily.
- Leafy Greens:
- Spinach: Quick-growing and hardy, spinach can be harvested well into the fall.
- Lettuce: Plant varieties like Romaine, Butterhead, or leaf lettuce for a continuous harvest of fresh greens.
- Kale: This cold-tolerant vegetable thrives in cooler temperatures and can withstand frost, making it perfect for a fall harvest.
- Swiss Chard: Another hardy green, Swiss chard adds color and nutrition to your garden.
- Root Vegetables:
- Radishes: Radishes grow quickly and can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days, making them ideal for a fall planting.
- Carrots: Plant carrots in early September for a late fall harvest. They become sweeter after a light frost.
- Beets: Beets are another great fall crop, thriving in cooler weather and developing better flavor as temperatures drop.
- Turnips: These are easy to grow and can be used in soups, stews, or roasted for a hearty fall dish.
- Brassicas:
- Broccoli: Start broccoli in early September for a fall harvest. It prefers cool weather and can tolerate light frost.
- Cauliflower: Like broccoli, cauliflower thrives in cooler temperatures and can be harvested before the first hard frost.
- Brussels Sprouts: These require a longer growing season but can be planted in September for a late fall or early winter harvest.
2. Herbs to Plant in September
September is also a good time to plant certain herbs, especially if you want to enjoy fresh flavors through the fall.
- Parsley: This biennial herb is hardy and can be harvested well into the colder months.
- Cilantro: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested throughout the fall if planted in September.
- Chives: Chives are perennial herbs that can be planted in September and will come back year after year.
- Thyme: This hardy perennial thrives in cooler weather and can be planted in September for a fall harvest.
3. Flowers to Plant in September
September is an ideal time to plant certain flowers, especially those that bloom in the spring. Planting now allows the roots to establish before the ground freezes, ensuring a strong start when the weather warms.
- Spring-Blooming Bulbs:
- Tulips: Plant tulip bulbs in September to give them time to establish roots before the winter. They’ll reward you with beautiful blooms in the spring.
- Daffodils: Another spring favorite, daffodils should be planted in September for a bright splash of color in early spring.
- Crocus: These early bloomers can be planted in September for a stunning display of color in late winter or early spring.
- Hyacinths: Known for their fragrance and vibrant colors, hyacinth bulbs planted in September will bloom in the spring.
- Perennials:
- Peonies: September is a great time to plant peonies. They need a cold period to bloom, so fall planting ensures they’ll be ready to flower next year.
- Daylilies: These hardy perennials can be planted in September to establish roots before winter, leading to robust growth in the spring.
- Echinacea (Coneflower): Planting echinacea in September allows it to settle in before the cold weather, ensuring strong growth next year.
- Mums (Chrysanthemums):
- These fall-blooming perennials are synonymous with autumn gardens. Plant them in September for a burst of color that will last well into the fall.
4. Cover Crops to Plant in September
If you’re looking to improve your soil health or prepare your garden for next season, consider planting cover crops in September.
- Clover: Clover is an excellent nitrogen-fixing cover crop that enriches the soil and suppresses weeds.
- Rye: Winter rye is a hardy cover crop that prevents soil erosion and adds organic matter to the soil when tilled under in the spring.
- Vetch: This legume improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and can be used as a green manure.
5. Shrubs and Trees to Plant in September
September is an excellent time to plant shrubs and trees, as the cooler weather reduces transplant shock, and the warm soil promotes root growth.
- Evergreens: Plant evergreens like pines, spruces, or firs in September to give them a head start on root development before winter.
- Deciduous Trees: Maples, oaks, and birches can be planted in September, allowing them to establish roots before the ground freezes.
- Flowering Shrubs: Plant shrubs like hydrangeas, azaleas, or rhododendrons in September for beautiful blooms next year.
6. Lawn Care: September Planting
September is the perfect time to rejuvenate your lawn. Whether you’re seeding a new lawn or overseeding an existing one, the cooler temperatures and increased moisture create ideal conditions for grass growth.
- Cool-Season Grasses: Plant cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or ryegrass in September for a lush lawn next spring.
7. FAQs
Q: Can I still plant summer vegetables in September?
A: While it’s generally too late to plant most summer vegetables, you can still plant fast-growing varieties like radishes and certain leafy greens in early September for a quick harvest.
Q: What if I live in a warm climate? Can I plant the same crops in September?
A: In warm climates, September is often the start of the planting season for cool-season vegetables. However, you may need to adjust your planting schedule slightly depending on your specific climate zone.
Q: Should I water my September plantings differently?
A: Yes, water your new plantings well, especially during dry spells. Cooler temperatures reduce evaporation, but young plants still need consistent moisture to establish roots.
8. Conclusion
September is a transitional month in the garden, offering an excellent opportunity to plant a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, shrubs, and trees. By choosing the right plants and following proper planting techniques, you can extend your harvest, prepare for spring, and enhance the beauty of your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, planting in September sets the stage for a productive and beautiful garden in the coming months.
