Vegetables You Can Plant in September

There are lots of vegetables that grow well through the cool autumn weather. Some plants need longer days and a bit warmer soil to really get started, but all produce through the end of the year. You can start seed in August by growing your starts in a cool, shady spot in the garden. We also have seedling starts ready for transplant here at Watters Garden Center through October. Plant them in the garden as your summer plants fade.

Plant seeds deeper in the fall than in the spring. Typically, the ground is warmer, having just come off the hot summer months. By planting your seeds a little deeper than the package suggests, you’ll be able to get them down to where the soil is cool and moist.

Best Vegetables to Grow in an Autumn Garden

Beets are best grown from seed without disturbing their roots once sprouted. Although beets grow in the summer heat, they are often bitter and woody. Late summer to early fall is the best time to resume succession planting at two- to three-week intervals. Beet bulbs keep growing in the garden until a deep freeze. Even the tops handle frost.

USDA Growing Zones: 2-11

Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

 

Broccoli grows best in cool weather. Fall planting has two big advantages over spring planting when it comes to broccoli. There is no risk of early spring frost that often stunts the growth of young broccoli plants, so plants get off to a strong start. As your florets form, the cool autumn air keeps them from bolting into flowers, giving you more time to harvest. Broccoli does take several weeks to mature, so transplant a quick-grower, like Waltham, for a timely fall harvest.

USDA Growing Zones: 3-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun

 

Cabbage loves autumn weather. While plants can grow in warmer weather, they need cooler temperatures to form a head. Cabbage needs anywhere from 90 to 120 days to mature, so a fall crop will be most likely if you transplant seedlings in mid-to late summer. Most varietals in the cabbage family are hardy enough to handle light frost, so, with any protection, you can harvest them well into winter. Though they won’t continue to grow when it’s cold, they’ll retain their freshness and get even sweeter.

USDA Growing Zones: 1-9

Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

 

Cauliflower does better in fall than spring, as the cool weather keeps the heads tight and tender. Cauliflower is a slow grower, often taking two to three months to mature. Plant them in early autumn for best results. Pluck the cauliflower when its head reaches the desired size and its buds are still tight.

USDA Growing Zones: 2–11

Sun Exposure: Full sun

 

Kale is probably the easiest cold crop to grow. The seeds quickly germinate in warm and cool soil. As autumn turns to winter, kale leaves maintain their great leaf texture with a flavor that only gets sweeter and deepens with every cold night.

USDA Growing Zones: 7-9

Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

 

Lettuce, Lactuca sativa, can be planted pretty much all season. Most varieties take less than 50 days to mature, so you can start planting the seed in mid-August and succession plant into the fall months. Because of shorter days and lower temperatures, the plants may grow slower than spring plants, but the flavor will be sweeter and crisp. Because lettuce has shallow roots, it will require some protection against frost. Suppose you plant your fall lettuce in pots. In that case, it’s effortless to move it indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures. Otherwise, you can cover it with burlap or another netting if frost is expected.

USDA Growing Zones: 4-9

Sun Exposure: Partial shade

 

Spinach, Spinacia oleracea, often bolts in the summer heat. You are going to love growing spinach in the fall. Spinach only takes about 30 days to mature, even less if you like smaller tender leaves. You can get in several successions of spinach throughout the fall months. Spinach seeds are also perfect for winter sowing.

USDA Growing Zones: 2-9

Sun Exposure: Full sun

 

Swiss Chard, Beta vulgaris, plants have slowed down during the summer heat. With just a bit of cool air and water, they’ll ramp back into production come fall. If you’ve already harvested your Swiss chard as cut-and-come-again, you won’t need to reseed in autumn. They may even survive the winter but harvest them quickly in spring before they start to bolt to seed and get harsh and bitter.

USDA Growing Zones: 3-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

 

Other popular mountain vegetables to plant now are arugula, Bok choy, Brussels sprouts, carrots, collard greens, leeks, mustard greens, radishes and turnips.

September is the start of our third planting season. Plant, eat and enjoy!

Until next issue, I’ll be helping local gardeners extend their garden enjoyment here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

By Ken Lain

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through his web site at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.