While everyone else is stowing their gardening gear and mourning the end of summer, I’m out in the backyard, ready to dig in. September’s got this perfect vibe – cooler air, fewer bugs, and soil that’s still toasty from summer. It’s like nature’s giving you a second chance to grow some awesome food. If you’ve ever thought about keeping your garden going past summer or trying out fall planting, now’s the time. Grab a coffee and let’s talk about veggies to plant in September so you can keep your garden popping through fall.
Why September Gardening Feels So Easy
There’s something about gardening in September that just feels calmer.
The pressure of summer’s nonstop watering and weeding is behind you, and the cooler air makes the whole process more enjoyable.
Instead of sweating through chores, you get to take your time, soak it in, and watch things grow without the rush. It’s like the garden finally slows down to match your pace.
Veggies That Actually Love the Cold
Some veggies were made for this season.
Leafy greens like spinach and kale get sweeter after a touch of frost, root crops like carrots and beets thrive in the chill, and broccoli practically begs for cool weather.
It always feels like a little secret perk of fall gardening, these plants don’t just survive the cold, they shine because of it.
The Soil’s Still Working in Your Favor
Even though the air is crisp, the soil is holding onto the warmth of summer.
That leftover heat helps seeds sprout faster and makes it easier for new plants to settle in.
And the best part? With fewer weeds, less watering, and way fewer pests, your garden basically takes care of itself compared to the hustle of July and August. It’s almost like the season is giving you a break while still rewarding your efforts.
Go-To Tips for September Planting
Time It Right
The key to fall gardening is knowing your first frost date. Check online for your area’s average (just pop in your zip code). Most fall crops need 30 to 75 days to grow, so count backward from that frost date to plan your planting. September works great in USDA zones 5 through 10.
Give Your Soil Some Love
After yanking out those tired summer plants, toss in some compost or a bit of organic fertilizer. Your fall veggies will reward you with crisp greens and juicy roots.
Be Ready for a Cold Snap
September’s usually pretty mild, but you never know when a chilly night might sneak in. Keep some row covers, old blankets, or even bedsheets handy to toss over your plants if frost threatens. One quick cover can save your entire crop.
Planting Zones
If you’re concerned about what vegetables to plant, depending on your zone. Check out our table, which helps break down which veggies will grow best and what time of the month by zone.
| Zone | Frost Window | Veggies to Plant in September | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Northern States) | Early Sept – Late Sept | Radishes, Spinach, Arugula, Lettuce | Very short season, focus on fast crops and greens. Use row covers. |
| Zones 5–6 (Midwest, Northeast) | Late Sept – Mid Oct | Carrots, Beets, Turnips, Broccoli, Kale, Mustard Greens, Cilantro | Mix root crops with cold-hardy greens. Garlic goes in before freeze. |
| Zones 7–8 (Mid-South, PNW) | Mid Oct – Early Nov | Cauliflower, Cabbage, Collard Greens, Garlic, Bok Choy, Dill | Plenty of time for brassicas and hardy greens. Fall herbs thrive. |
| Zones 9–10 (South, Coastal CA, Florida) | Late Nov – Dec | Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Fava Beans, Mustard Greens, Cilantro | Fall is “cool crop season” here – load up on greens and beans. |
| Zone 11 (Southern Florida, Hawaii) | Frost-Free | Leafy Greens, Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Parsley), Beans | Year-round planting, but Sept is prime for cool herbs and greens. |
20 Favorite Veggies to Plant in September
Here’s the lineup of fall crops I’m always excited to plant this month.
Leafy Greens (Quick, Easy, Delicious)
Spinach
Spinach is my fall go-to. It sprouts quickly, laughs off a light frost, and tastes way better than spring spinach, less bitter, thicker leaves. I plant it every year, no question.
Kale
Kale’s basically a superhero. It loves cold weather, gets sweeter after frost, and keeps growing even when you snip leaves for dinner. It’s a must-have in my garden.
Lettuce
Lettuce grows like crazy in cooler weather. I mix up romaine, butterhead, and red leaf for a colorful salad bed. Clip what you need, and it’ll keep producing.
Root Veggies to Plant in September
Radishes
If you’re new to fall gardening, radishes are a total win.
They’re fast growers, usually ready in just three to four weeks, and the cooler soil makes them crisp and sweet.
I like to sprinkle them in any open spots in my garden beds, and honestly, they almost feel like a little victory every time I pull up a perfectly round, crunchy root. They’re low-fuss, fast, and always a fun little snack straight from the garden.
Carrots
Fall carrots are the sweetest. The colder nights bring out their flavor. I sow them in early September and add a layer of mulch when it gets chilly to keep them cozy.
Beets
Beets are like getting two crops in one, tasty roots and greens you can sauté or toss in salads. I roast mine with garlic and herbs for a perfect fall side.
Turnips
Turnips don’t get enough love. They grow fast, handle cold like champs, and both the roots and greens are awesome in soups or roasted with a sprinkle of thyme.
Cruciferous Veggies (Born for Fall)
Broccoli
Broccoli thrives in steady fall temps. I start with transplants in early September and use row covers to keep any lingering bugs away. It’s so satisfying to harvest.
Cabbage
There’s nothing like pulling a hefty cabbage head from the garden on a crisp morning. I go for compact varieties in fall since they’re quicker to mature.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be a little picky, but it’s totally worth growing in the fall.
Cooler weather keeps it from bolting, and the heads come out denser and tastier than in summer.
I’ve found that keeping the soil consistently moist makes a huge difference. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with those gorgeous white heads that are perfect for roasting, mashing, or even turning into cauliflower rice.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are the slow and steady type, they take their time, but oh, they’re worth it.
If you plant them early in September, they’ll be ready just as the temperatures drop.
A light frost can actually make them sweeter, which is why I always wait for that magic moment before harvesting.
Roast them with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, and you’ll understand why I look forward to them every year.
Alliums (Slow but Worth It)
Garlic
September is garlic’s moment to shine. Just pop the cloves into the soil, cover them with a cozy layer of mulch, and let them hang out all winter long.
You don’t have to fuss over them; by next summer, you’ll be pulling up big, flavorful bulbs that taste so much better than store-bought. Plant once, enjoy for months.
Onions (Sets or Scallions)
Onions are a garden staple that fit right into fall planting. You can tuck in onion sets or go for bunching onions like scallions.
They’ll happily grow through the cool season, and in milder areas, they’ll even keep going all winter. I love having a few on hand; they’re low-maintenance, versatile, and make just about every dish taste better.
Mustard Greens
If you like a little kick in your salads or stir-fries, mustard greens are a must for fall. They grow super quickly, are often ready in just 30 days, and cooler weather tames their spicy bite so the flavor is more balanced.
I love mixing them with milder greens like lettuce or spinach for variety. Sow seeds directly in the soil and you’ll have fresh, peppery leaves before you know it.
Bonus: they can handle light frosts, making them perfect for September planting.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is one of those plants that looks as good as it tastes. With colorful rainbow stems and big glossy leaves, it brightens up the garden in autumn.
The best part is it’s super versatile, you can use the young leaves raw in salads or sauté the mature ones like spinach. It’s a hardy green that tolerates chilly weather without complaint.
Plant it in September and you’ll be harvesting vibrant bunches well into fall.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are classic fall comfort food.
They thrive in cool weather and get sweeter after the first frost, just like kale.
I love cooking them slowly with garlic and olive oil for a hearty side dish.
These big leafy greens grow fast and can keep producing into winter if you protect them a little. September is the perfect time to get them in the ground so they have time to mature before the really cold weather arrives.
Arugula
Arugula is one of the fastest-growing greens you can plant in September.
Its peppery flavor adds instant personality to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
I like to sow small patches every two weeks so I always have fresh leaves on hand.
Because it grows so quickly, you’ll be harvesting within 3 to 4 weeks. It’s a fuss-free crop that thrives in cooler weather and gives your garden a quick win while you wait on slower vegetables.
Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
Pak choi, also called bok choy, is a tender Asian green that absolutely loves fall weather.
It grows best in cooler temps and has a crisp, juicy texture that’s perfect for stir-fries, soups, or even grilled as a side.
The smaller “baby bok choy” varieties are especially quick to mature and super flavorful.
Plant them in early September and you’ll be surprised how fast they fill out. They’re one of my go-to veggies when I want something a little different in the fall garden.
Legumes (Yes, You Can Still Plant These)
Snap Peas
Snap peas might look delicate, but they’re surprisingly hardy when it comes to cool weather. If you pop them in the soil in early September, you’ll usually get a sweet little harvest before the deep cold sets in.
I love giving them a small trellis or even just some string to climb, because it keeps the vines off the ground and makes picking so much easier.
Fresh snap peas straight from the garden are so crisp and sweet, they rarely make it into my kitchen, I end up eating half of them right there outside.
Fava Beans
Fava beans are one of those underrated fall crops that feel like a little secret.
They don’t mind the chilly air, and in fact they handle frost better than most veggies.
What makes them even more amazing is how they enrich the soil while they grow by adding nitrogen, so you’re essentially prepping your garden for future success while harvesting something delicious.
They take a bit longer than peas, but trust me, the buttery flavor is worth the wait. Roast them with olive oil and salt, and you’ll see why I get so excited about planting them each fall
Gardening Tips for Veggies to Plant in September
Mulch Like Crazy
Mulch is your garden’s cozy blanket in fall. It keeps the soil warm, blocks weeds, and protects roots. I use shredded leaves, straw, or grass clippings, whatever’s handy.
Water Smart
Fall can trick you into forgetting to water, but your plants still need it. I water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the rain, and always in the morning to avoid mold.
Row Covers Save the Day
Lightweight row covers add a few degrees of warmth and protect against frost. I keep them nearby for chilly nights or surprise cold snaps.
How I Keep the Harvest Rolling
Stagger Your Planting
I plant in batches every couple of weeks so I’m not drowning in radishes or lettuce all at once. It keeps the harvests steady and manageable.
Check for Ripeness
Fall crops can hang out in the garden longer, but don’t wait too long. I check for bright colors and firm textures—like a carrot that resists a gentle tug.
Why Fall Gardening Is The Best!
There’s something so cozy about gardening in September, when you’ve got a sweater on, a warm drink in hand, and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet.
The pace feels slower this time of year, which makes it easier to really enjoy the process instead of rushing through it.
Whether you’re working with a big backyard bed or just a couple of pots on the porch, you don’t have to pack away your gardening tools once summer ends.
A little planting now can stretch your harvest well into fall. And honestly, there’s nothing quite like pulling together a fresh salad or roasting veggies in late October that came straight from your own garden, it feels like such a small but satisfying win.
Quick FAQs
Can I grow veggies in pots during fall?
Totally! Greens, scallions, radishes, and even carrots do great in containers. Just make sure the pots are deep enough and get good sun.
How do I protect my plants from frost?
I keep row covers or old blankets ready. For small plants, an upside-down bucket works in a pinch. Mulch helps keep the roots warm, too.
Is fall gardening good for beginners?
Yup, it’s super beginner-friendly. Fewer pests, less watering, and forgiving weather make it easier than summer gardening.
How do I deal with fall pests?
Bugs are quieter in fall, but not gone. I use neem oil, check plants weekly, and clear out dead leaves to keep pests from hiding.
Can I use seeds from my summer garden?
If they’re from heirloom or open-pollinated plants, go for it. Hybrid seeds won’t grow the same, so skip those.
If you liked this post and want to learn more about winter planting, why not check out our similar post 22 Winter Vegetables That Can Survive the Cold and Frost
