As summer winds down, many gardeners assume the season is over — but September is actually one of the most productive times to plant. With the heat subsiding and the first frost still weeks away in many regions, September is perfect for sowing cool-weather crops that thrive in lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Whether you’re working with raised beds, containers, or in-ground plots, there’s still time to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens. The key is selecting crops that grow quickly and tolerate cooler nights.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best plants to sow in September for a rewarding fall harvest — plus tips to keep your late-season garden growing strong.
Why September Planting Works
September offers ideal conditions for many plants:
- Cooler days reduce heat stress on seedlings
- Moisture retention improves due to decreased evaporation
- Fewer pests such as aphids and caterpillars
- Soil is still warm, which supports quick germination
- Fall-grown crops often taste sweeter, especially leafy greens after a light frost
With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown produce into October or even November.
What to Consider Before Planting in September
To make the most of your late-season garden, consider the following:
✅ Your First Frost Date
Check your local average first frost date. Count backwards from it to choose crops that mature before that point — or that tolerate light frost.
✅ Crop Maturity Time
Look for vegetables labeled “early” or “fast-growing,” with days to maturity under 70 days. The sooner a crop matures, the better your harvest chances.
✅ Soil and Sunlight
Make sure your beds or containers still receive at least 4–6 hours of sun daily, and enrich soil with compost if summer crops depleted nutrients.
15 Best Crops to Plant in September
1. Spinach (35–50 Days)
Cold-hardy and fast, spinach is perfect for fall. It germinates in warm soil and continues to grow even as temperatures drop. For faster harvests, pick baby leaves in 3 weeks.
2. Radishes (25–30 Days)
These quick growers are perfect for September sowing. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ or ‘Cherry Belle’ thrive in cool weather and mature in under a month.
3. Leaf Lettuce (30–50 Days)
Loose-leaf lettuces like ‘Red Salad Bowl’ and ‘Oakleaf’ are ideal. They grow well in cooler temperatures and can be harvested leaf by leaf.
4. Kale (50–65 Days)
Kale thrives in fall and even improves in flavor after a light frost. Baby leaves can be harvested earlier, while full heads take around two months.
5. Arugula (30–40 Days)
This peppery green germinates quickly and grows well in cool, partial sun. Great for containers, raised beds, or succession planting every two weeks.
6. Beets (50–60 Days)
Beets are a dual-purpose crop — harvest the greens early and roots later. Cooler temperatures enhance their sweetness.
7. Turnips (40–60 Days)
Another fast, dual-use root crop. The greens mature in about 3 weeks, and roots follow shortly after. They’re cold-tolerant and reliable in fall beds.
8. Mustard Greens (30–50 Days)
Quick-growing and nutrient-rich, mustard greens thrive in September’s cooler air. Sow thickly and harvest young leaves or allow them to mature fully.
9. Pak Choi / Bok Choy (45–60 Days)
This Asian green grows well in fall’s lower light and cooler nights. Sow directly and harvest outer leaves early or wait for full heads.
10. Green Onions (60 Days)
Also known as scallions, they can be harvested young or left to bulk up. They grow well in containers or tucked between other crops.
11. Cilantro (30–50 Days)
Fall planting helps cilantro avoid bolting. Cooler temperatures let it thrive longer and produce better flavor. You can also harvest the seeds as coriander.
12. Parsley (60–70 Days)
While a bit slower to mature, parsley handles cooler temps well and can last into winter in many zones. Start now for a steady fall herb crop.
13. Carrots (60–70 Days)
In milder regions, carrots planted in early September will mature in time. Use deep, loose soil and keep the top layer moist for better germination.
14. Mâche (Corn Salad) (40–60 Days)
An underrated cold-weather salad green, mâche germinates in warm soil but thrives in cold. It’s frost-hardy and deliciously nutty.
15. Broccoli Raab (40–60 Days)
Not true broccoli, this leafy green is prized for its slightly bitter, peppery flavor. It grows quickly and tolerates cool conditions.
Container Gardening in September
If your beds are full or you’re limited on space, September is a great time to grow in containers. Ideal crops for containers:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Arugula
- Cilantro
- Pak choi
- Green onions
Use well-draining potting mix and water consistently. Containers can be moved to chase sunlight or sheltered during cold nights.
Tips to Maximize September Growth
🥬 Start with Healthy Soil
Refresh beds with compost, worm castings, or aged manure to restore nutrients.
🕊 Water in the Morning
Cooler nights mean soil stays damp longer. Morning watering prevents overwatering and discourages disease.
🍂 Mulch for Moisture and Warmth
A light mulch layer insulates roots and keeps soil moisture consistent — crucial during fluctuating September temps.
🛡 Use Row Covers for Protection
Floating row covers help retain warmth and protect young seedlings from pests or early frost.
🔁 Succession Plant
Keep sowing fast-growing greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach every 2 weeks to stretch your harvest window into late fall.
What Not to Plant in September
Avoid crops that require long, warm seasons to mature, including:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Corn
- Pumpkins
These won’t have enough time to produce in most regions unless grown under cover or indoors.
FAQs
Is it too late to plant in September?
Not at all — many vegetables thrive when planted in September. Just focus on fast-maturing and cold-tolerant varieties.
Do I need to start seeds indoors now?
Most fall crops can be direct-sown in September. However, you can start transplants indoors for head start or succession planting.
What if frost comes early?
Use row covers, cold frames, or cloches to protect crops from unexpected frost. Many greens tolerate light frost and bounce back quickly.
How can I extend my harvest into winter?
Grow cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and mâche, and use protection like mini-hoop tunnels or insulated cold frames to grow beyond fall.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the calendar limit your gardening season. September is one of the best-kept secrets for productive planting — giving you a second chance at fresh harvests before winter sets in.
By choosing fast-growing, cold-tolerant crops and following a few simple practices, you can transform this late-season window into one of your most rewarding garden cycles of the year.
Plant smart, water consistently, and protect your seedlings — and you’ll enjoy crisp greens, sweet roots, and vibrant herbs right up to the first frost (and even after).