The Very Best Vegetables to Plant in September!

September is here, and while summer is winding down, your garden can still be full of life! Whether you’re in a warm climate or experiencing the first hints of fall, there are plenty of vegetables, flowers, and herbs you can plant this month. Let’s dive into some great options for planting in September and keep your garden thriving as we head into the cooler months.

Root vegetables, carrots, radishes, onions, from my winter garden laid out on the counter.

1.) Collard and Mustard Greens

2.) Spinach

3.) Kale

4.) Lettuce

5.) Radishes

6.) Swiss Chard

7.) Broccoli

8.) Cauliflower

9.) Cabbage

10.) Brussel Sprouts

11.) Peas

12.) Celery

13.) Onions

14.) Garlic

15.) Carrots

16.) Squash

Cool-Weather Veggies

How to Plant Collard/Mustard Greens:

Prepare the soil: Choose well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Loosen the soil to about 6-8 inches deep.
Plant seeds or transplants: Sow seeds directly into the garden or use transplants. Space seeds 6 inches apart, or space transplants 12-18 inches apart.
Planting depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep, covering lightly with soil.

When to Plant Collard/Mustard Greens:

Best planting time: Early spring or late summer for a fall crop. These greens thrive in cool weather and can tolerate light frost.
Soil temperature: Ideally, the soil should be between 45-75°F (7-24°C) for the best germination and growth.

Care Instructions for Collard/Mustard Greens:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering about 1-1.5 inches per week. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting and again halfway through the growing season. Greens appreciate nitrogen for leafy growth.
Pest control: Watch out for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use organic pest control methods if needed.
Harvesting: Begin harvesting individual leaves when they’re young and tender, about 4-6 weeks after planting. The flavor improves after a light frost.

How to Plant Spinach:

Prepare the soil: Use well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Loosen the soil to about 6 inches deep, adding compost or organic matter for extra nutrients.
Plant seeds: Sow spinach seeds directly into the garden, spacing them about 1 inch apart in rows. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart for optimal growth.
Planting depth: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.

When to Plant Spinach:

Cool weather planting: Plant spinach in early spring (as soon as the ground is workable) or late summer for a fall crop.
Ideal soil temperature: Spinach grows best in soil temperatures between 45-68°F (7-20°C).
Succession planting: For a continuous harvest, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Care Instructions for Spinach:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering about 1 inch per week. Avoid letting the soil dry out, as spinach likes moisture.
Fertilizing: Spinach benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost halfway through the growing season.
Pest control: Watch for pests like aphids, leaf miners, and slugs. Use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or row covers, if needed.
Harvesting: Start harvesting leaves when they are 3-4 inches long. Pick outer leaves first to encourage continued growth or harvest the entire plant when it matures (about 40-50 days after planting).

These simple steps will help you grow fresh, nutrient-rich spinach for your garden!

A collage of pictures showing the best garden vegetables: collard greens, spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, and swiss chard growing in a garden bed in September

How to Plant Kale

Prepare the soil: Kale loves well-drained, rich soil with lots of organic matter. Loosen the soil about 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost for a nutrient boost.
Plant seeds or transplants: You can start with seeds or use young transplants. Space seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart for plenty of growing room.
Sunlight: Kale thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates.

When to Plant Kale:

Cool-weather planting: Kale is happiest in cooler temperatures, so plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Frost tolerance: Kale can handle frost, which even improves its flavor! So don’t worry if you get a light frost.
Succession planting: Plant kale every few weeks for a steady harvest throughout the season.

Care Instructions for Kale:

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, watering about 1-1.5 inches per week. Kale likes its soil to stay moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Kale appreciates a boost! Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost to encourage leafy growth, especially halfway through the season.
Pest control: Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use organic methods like neem oil or row covers to protect your plants.
Harvesting: Start picking kale leaves when they’re about the size of your hand. Harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing.

How to Plant Lettuce

Prepare the soil: Lettuce loves loose, well-drained soil. Mix in some compost to give it a good nutrient boost before planting.
Plant seeds: Sow lettuce seeds directly in the garden, about 1/4 inch deep. Space them 4-6 inches apart for loose-leaf varieties, or 12 inches apart for head lettuce.
Sunlight: Lettuce enjoys full sun but appreciates a little shade in hotter climates to prevent it from wilting.

When to Plant Lettuce:

Cool-weather crop: Lettuce thrives in cooler temps, so plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Succession planting: To enjoy a continuous supply, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Frost tolerance: Lettuce can handle a light frost, but if temps drop too low, consider using row covers for protection.

Care Instructions for Lettuce:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Lettuce loves water, so aim for about 1-1.5 inches per week, especially in warm weather.
Fertilizing: Lettuce doesn’t need much, but adding compost or a balanced fertilizer will help it grow lush and green.
Pest control: Watch for slugs, aphids, and caterpillars. Use organic methods like diatomaceous earth or neem oil to keep pests away.
Harvesting: For loose-leaf varieties, pick leaves when they’re young and tender, starting from the outer leaves. For head lettuce, wait until the heads are firm, then harvest the whole plant.

How to Plant Radishes

Prepare the soil: Radishes like loose, well-drained soil. Clear out rocks and clumps to give their roots plenty of room to grow.
Plant seeds: Sow radish seeds directly into the garden about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 1 inch apart. Thin them out to about 2 inches apart once they sprout.
Sunlight: Radishes grow best in full sun but can handle some light shade, especially in hotter climates.

When to Plant Radishes:

Cool-weather crop: Radishes love cooler weather, so plant them in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Fast-growing: Radishes grow quickly, maturing in as little as 3-4 weeks, so you can plant them in succession every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest.
Frost tolerance: Radishes can handle a light frost, so they’re perfect for early or late planting.

Care Instructions for Radishes:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist to help radishes grow fast and avoid becoming too spicy. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilizing: Radishes don’t need heavy feeding. A little compost or a balanced fertilizer when planting will give them a boost.
Pest control: Watch out for pests like flea beetles and root maggots. Floating row covers or organic treatments can help protect your crop.
Harvesting: Radishes are ready to harvest when the roots are about 1 inch in diameter. Don’t wait too long—if they stay in the ground too long, they can become tough and spicy.

How to Plant Swiss Chard

Prepare the soil: Swiss chard loves well-drained, rich soil. Loosen the soil to about 6 inches deep and mix in compost to give it a nutrient boost.
Plant seeds: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart. For a continuous harvest, you can space them closer and thin the seedlings as they grow.
Sunlight: Swiss chard thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.

When to Plant Swiss Chard:

Cool- and warm-weather crop: Swiss chard is versatile! You can plant it in early spring for a summer harvest or late summer for a fall harvest. It tolerates both heat and cold, making it great for extended growing.
Succession planting: To enjoy Swiss chard throughout the season, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks.

Care Instructions for Swiss Chard:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Swiss chard appreciates a little extra food. Add compost or a balanced fertilizer midway through the growing season to keep it producing healthy leaves.
Pest control: Look out for slugs, leaf miners, and aphids. Organic pest control methods, like neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help protect your plants.
Harvesting: Start harvesting when the leaves are about 6-8 inches long. Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner ones to keep growing for a continuous harvest.

How to Plant Broccoli

Prepare the soil: Broccoli thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Loosen the soil about 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost or organic matter to help boost growth.
Plant seeds or transplants: You can start broccoli from seeds indoors or buy young transplants. Space transplants 18-24 inches apart for plenty of room to grow.
Sunlight: Broccoli loves full sun, so make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

When to Plant Broccoli:

Cool-weather crop: Broccoli prefers cooler temperatures, so plant it in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Start early: For spring planting, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. For a fall crop, plant transplants 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Frost tolerance: Broccoli can handle a light frost, and the cooler weather can even improve its flavor.

Care Instructions for Broccoli:

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, watering about 1-1.5 inches per week. Broccoli needs consistent moisture for healthy heads.
Fertilizing: Give broccoli a boost by adding a balanced fertilizer or compost when planting and again when the plants are halfway grown.
Pest control: Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or row covers to protect your plants.
Harvesting: Harvest broccoli when the heads are firm and tight, just before the flower buds start to open. Cut the main head, and the plant will often produce smaller side shoots for more harvesting!

A collage of pictures showing the best garden vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, peas, celery, growing in a garden bed in September

How to Plant Cauliflower

Prepare the soil: Cauliflower likes rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Loosen the soil about 6 inches deep and mix in compost for added nutrients.
Plant seeds or transplants: Start seeds indoors or use young transplants. Space them 18-24 inches apart to give the plants room to spread.
Sunlight: Cauliflower grows best in full sun, so make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

When to Plant Cauliflower:

Cool-weather crop: Cauliflower thrives in cool temperatures, so plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Start early: For spring planting, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. For fall planting, plant transplants 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Frost tolerance: Cauliflower can handle a light frost, but it’s important to protect it from extreme heat, which can cause poor head formation.

Care Instructions for Cauliflower:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist—about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Cauliflower likes steady moisture to prevent heads from developing unevenly.
Fertilizing: Feed cauliflower with a balanced fertilizer or compost when planting and again halfway through the growing season to encourage strong growth.
Blanching: To keep cauliflower heads white and tender, tie the outer leaves over the heads when they’re about the size of a golf ball. This protects them from sunlight.
Pest control: Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers or organic pest control methods like neem oil to protect your plants.
Harvesting: Harvest cauliflower heads when they’re firm and about 6-8 inches across. Don’t wait too long—if the heads start to open up, they’re past their peak.

How to Plant Cabbage

Prepare the soil: Cabbage loves rich, well-drained soil. Loosen the soil about 6-8 inches deep and add compost to give it the nutrients it needs to grow.
Plant seeds or transplants: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or plant transplants directly in the garden. Space them 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Sunlight: Cabbage grows best in full sun, so make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

When to Plant Cabbage:

Cool-weather crop: Cabbage thrives in cool temperatures, so plant in early spring for a summer harvest or late summer for a fall harvest.
Start early: For spring planting, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. For a fall crop, plant transplants 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Frost tolerance: Cabbage can handle light frosts, which can actually make it taste sweeter!

Care Instructions for Cabbage:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering about 1-1.5 inches per week. Cabbage loves water, but avoid letting the soil get soggy.
Fertilizing: Cabbage is a heavy feeder, so give it a boost by adding compost or a balanced fertilizer when planting and again midway through the season.
Pest control: Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Use row covers or organic pest control methods like neem oil to protect your crop.
Harvesting: Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and feel solid when squeezed. Cut the heads at the base, and leave the outer leaves for extra protection if frost is coming.

How to Plant Brussel Sprouts

Prepare the soil: Brussels sprouts thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Loosen the soil about 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost to give them a nutrient boost.
Plant seeds or transplants: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or plant transplants directly in the garden. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart for plenty of room to grow.
Sunlight: Brussels sprouts love full sun, so aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts:

Cool-weather crop: Brussels sprouts grow best in cool temperatures, making them ideal for planting in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Start early: For a spring harvest, start seeds indoors and transplant outside after the last frost. For a fall harvest, plant transplants 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Frost tolerance: Brussels sprouts can handle light frosts and actually taste sweeter after being exposed to cooler weather!

Care Instructions for Brussels Sprouts:

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist by watering about 1-1.5 inches per week. Brussels sprouts love consistent moisture but don’t let the soil get too soggy.
Fertilizing: Since Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders, use compost or a balanced fertilizer when planting and again halfway through the growing season to support healthy growth.
Pest control: Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers or organic pest control methods like neem oil to protect your plants.
Harvesting: Start harvesting when the small sprouts (little cabbage-like heads) are about 1-2 inches in diameter. Pick the lower sprouts first and work your way up the plant as they mature.

How to Plant Peas

Pick your pea variety: Choose between sugar snap, snow peas, or shelling peas, depending on what you like to eat and grow.

When to plant: Peas love cool weather, so plant them early in spring as soon as the soil is workable, or go for a late summer planting to get a fall harvest.

Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil and add compost for a nutrient boost. Peas don’t need a lot of fertilizer, so keep it simple.

Planting your seeds: Sow seeds about 1-2 inches deep, spaced 2 inches apart. Give the rows around 18 inches of space for airflow and easy care.

Support their growth: Peas are climbers! Set up a trellis or use stakes to help them grow up and stay off the ground.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Peas need regular water, especially when they start flowering.

Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for aphids or other pests. A gentle spray of water or a soap solution can help keep them away.

Harvesting time: Peas are ready to pick when they’re plump but still tender—about 60-70 days after planting. Don’t let them get too big, or they’ll lose their sweetness!

How to Plant Celery

Pick your celery variety: Choose from traditional green celery or self-blanching varieties, which are a bit easier to grow.

When to plant: Celery is a cool-weather crop, so start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last expected frost. Transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up but before it gets too hot.

Prepare the soil: Celery loves rich, moist soil. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to help it thrive, and make sure the soil drains well but retains moisture.

Planting your celery: Space seedlings about 8-10 inches apart, leaving about 12-18 inches between rows. Celery needs room to grow but also likes to stay a bit snug.

Keep it watered: Celery needs consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly damp but not waterlogged. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture.

Feed your celery: Celery is a heavy feeder, so give it a dose of fertilizer every couple of weeks to keep it growing strong.

Watch for pests: Look out for aphids, slugs, or leaf miners. Use a natural spray or handpick pests to keep them under control.

Harvesting time: Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are about 8 inches tall and thick enough for your liking. Cut the stalks at the base or pull the entire plant for use!

A collage of pictures showing the best garden vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, peas, celery, growing in a garden bed in September

How to Plant Onions

Pick your onion type: Choose between bulb onions, green onions (scallions), or sweet onions, depending on your taste and garden space.

When to plant: Plant onions in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. They prefer cooler weather when starting out but need warmth to mature.

Prepare the soil: Onions love loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Add compost to give them a nutrient boost.

Planting your onions: For bulbs, plant sets (small onion bulbs) or seeds about 1-2 inches deep, with 4-6 inches between each onion and 12 inches between rows. Green onions can be planted closer together.

Water regularly: Onions need consistent watering, especially as the bulbs start to develop. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Feed lightly: Onions aren’t too needy, but a bit of fertilizer every few weeks can help them grow bigger bulbs. Focus on nitrogen-rich options early in the growing season.

Watch for weeds: Onions don’t like competition, so keep the area weed-free. Mulching can help with this and retain moisture.

Harvest time: Bulb onions are ready to harvest when the tops fall over and turn brown. Green onions can be harvested when they’re about the thickness of a pencil. Pull them gently from the ground and enjoy!

Cure for storage: If growing bulb onions, let them dry in a warm, airy spot for a few weeks before storing them. This helps them last longer.

How to Plant Garlic

Choose your garlic type: Decide between softneck (great for mild climates) and hardneck (ideal for cold climates) varieties. Softneck is also what you typically braid!

When to plant: Garlic is usually planted in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost, so it can establish roots over winter. You can also plant in early spring, but fall planting usually gives you bigger bulbs.

Prepare the soil: Garlic loves rich, well-drained soil. Mix in compost or aged manure to give it a nutrient boost and make sure it’s loose for easy growth.

Planting garlic cloves: Break apart a garlic bulb and plant individual cloves, pointy side up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Space rows about 12 inches apart.

Mulch and protect: After planting, cover your garlic bed with a layer of mulch (like straw or leaves) to protect it over winter and help retain moisture.

Water regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in spring when the garlic starts growing actively. Reduce watering as it nears harvest.

Feed lightly: Garlic isn’t too fussy but appreciates a boost of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring to get growing strong.

Watch for pests: Garlic is usually pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for rust or mold. Good air circulation and proper spacing help avoid these issues.

Harvest time: Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves turn brown but the upper leaves are still green—typically in mid-summer. Gently lift the bulbs out of the soil.

Cure for storage: Let garlic bulbs dry in a warm, airy place for 2-3 weeks before storing them in a cool, dry spot. This helps them last longer over the winter months!

How to Plant Carrots

Pick your carrot variety: Choose from different shapes and sizes, like Nantes (sweet and tender) or Danvers (long and sturdy), depending on your soil and preference.

When to plant: Carrots love cooler weather, so plant them in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. They don’t like extreme heat, so avoid mid-summer planting in hot climates.

Prepare the soil: Carrots need loose, well-draining soil with no rocks or hard clumps. Deeply loosen the soil to help them grow long and straight. Add compost, but avoid too much nitrogen—it can make the carrots fork.

Planting your seeds: Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden about ¼ inch deep. Space them 2-3 inches apart, and keep rows 12 inches apart for easy care.

Keep the soil moist: Carrot seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, which can take 2-3 weeks. Keep the soil damp but not soggy during this period.

Thin out the seedlings: Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out so there’s about 2 inches between each plant. This gives them room to grow bigger and avoids overcrowding.

Water regularly: Carrots prefer consistent moisture, especially as they develop. Water deeply but avoid overwatering—just keep the soil evenly moist.

Watch for pests: Carrot flies can be an issue. Planting alongside onions or using row covers can help deter them.

Harvest time: Carrots are ready to harvest in about 70-80 days, depending on the variety. Gently pull them when they’re the size you prefer—baby carrots can be harvested earlier if you like them smaller.

Store for later: You can leave carrots in the ground until you need them, or store them in a cool, dark place after harvesting. They keep well for months!

How to Plant Winter Squash

Pick your winter squash variety: There are plenty of options, like butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash. Choose the one you love to eat or grow a few different types!

When to plant: Winter squash loves warm weather, so plant after the last frost in late spring. It needs a long growing season, so give it plenty of time to mature before fall.

Prepare the soil: Winter squash thrives in rich, well-draining soil. Mix in compost or organic matter to give it a nutrient boost and help retain moisture.

Planting your seeds: Sow seeds directly into the garden, about 1 inch deep. Space them 3-4 feet apart, as squash vines like to sprawl out. If using hills, plant 3-4 seeds per hill and thin out to the strongest plant once they grow.

Water regularly: Squash loves consistent moisture, especially when fruit is developing. Water deeply, but avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilize lightly: Give squash a boost with a balanced fertilizer when they start flowering, but don’t overdo it—too much can lead to lots of leaves and fewer fruits.

Provide support: If you’re short on space, train squash vines up a trellis. For larger squashes, you might need to support the fruit with slings.

Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for squash bugs or vine borers. Regular inspections and organic pest control methods, like neem oil or row covers, can help protect your plants.

Harvest time: Winter squash is ready to harvest in late summer or fall, once the skin is hard and difficult to pierce with your fingernail. Cut the squash from the vine, leaving a bit of stem attached for better storage.

Cure for storage: Let your harvested squash sit in a warm, dry place for 1-2 weeks to cure. This hardens the skin and helps it store longer through the winter months.

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