More Than 5 Types of Vegetables To Plant In September: Cool-Weather Crops Prolong The Growing Season

Find out what vegetables to plant in September to get the most from your harvest in cooler weather.

With summer winding down, some gardeners may start thinking it’s time to put away the tools, but September is the perfect time to extend your growing season and keep your vegetable garden going. The crisp, cool days of early fall are perfect for planting a variety of vegetables that thrive in these conditions.

Whether you're looking to extend your summer harvest or excited about cool-weather harvests, there are plenty of vegetables to plant in September that can keep your garden productive for many months.

Most of the vegetables we recommend for planting in August can also be started in September, so this article looks at some more basic and less obvious crops to plant this month.

In the mild USDA growing zones, the possibilities are especially great. These regions allow gardeners to experiment with a variety of vegetables, from quick-maturing vegetables to hearty root crops, to keep the vegetable patch lush and productive. Spinach, kale and radishes, for example, can quickly fill the light that has disappeared from summer.

Meanwhile, those in colder zones may face more challenges, but with a little creativity, such as using greenhouses or cold frames, it is possible to extend the gardening season. Overwintering crops such as garlic or planting hardy varieties of carrots and turnips can also help gardeners make the most of their growing space.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, September is the ideal time to start a new wave of vegetables, ensuring a bountiful harvest that can last into the colder months.

Buy vegetable seeds for autumn. In many places, fall is the best time to plant cool weather crops. Discover our best seed selections, chosen for taste, performance and disease resistance - along with a range of quality seed starting basics.


1. #Growing Sweet Peas

You may know that sweet peas are often sown in the fall, but did you know that garden peas are also planted at this time?

Some varieties of smooth peas, such as Meteor or Douce Provence, are surprisingly cold hardy and can be successfully grown outdoors in winter to produce an early spring crop. Avoid shriveled peas, as they trap moisture and crack, causing frost damage.

Sow the seeds in well-drained but moist soil, enriched with organic matter, and water regularly during dry periods. As climbing plants, peas need support - there are many vegetable trellis ideas that can be added at planting time.

Plants can be a target for rodents and other pests, but net crops offer protection.

Harvest peas after the pods are full and plump and check the plants daily.


2. #Fava beans

Fava beans are a staple crop in many countries and can be cooked in countless ways and also dried for storage. Plant a fast-yielding, cool-season variety of this bean in early September for a late fall harvest, or plant hardy, long-pod varieties later in the fall for a spring harvest.

Fava beans are considered the hardiest of beans and the only type that is frost tolerant - it can withstand cold temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). Aquadulce Claudia is a popular variety for autumn sowing.

Sow fava beans in fertile, well-drained soil and keep them constantly moist, but not watered. Clean the site of weeds and fertilize with a formula rich in phosphorus - they do not need additional nitrogen.

If the temperatures drop significantly or snow is predicted, protect the crops with horticultural wool.


3. #Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are hearty, miniature cruciferous vegetables full of flavor and nutritional value. They are delicious as a side dish, stewed or baked, and can also be enjoyed with fried potatoes.

Traditionally planted in the spring or summer for a fall harvest, to plant Brussels sprouts in the fall for a late winter or spring harvest is preferable by gardeners in milder zones (zone 8 or warmer). To ensure they are not damaged they can be grown in a greenhouse potted, where they grow in colder areas. Choose late ripening varieties such as Fortress, Stablolit, Widgeon and Red Ruby.

Brussels sprouts require well-drained, fertile, calcium-rich soil with a pH of about 5.5 to 6.8.Staking is best while planting.

Fertilize with a high phosphorus feed at planting and again with a high nitrogen feed a few weeks later.

4. #Cauliflower

Cauliflower has a reputation for being one of the most versatile vegetables used in cooking, but also one of the most difficult vegetables to grow, as it is temperature sensitive. In cold weather, it will rapidly die when temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C). It does not tolerate frost either.

The good news is that cauliflower can be successfully started between September and November for the spring harvest, which takes 5-6 months to reach maturity. However, it is necessary to protect it from frost by growing in a greenhouse or cold frame. Plant it in the garden only after the danger of frost has passed.

Cauliflower grows best in well drained soil full of organic matter and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add high nitrogen formula to the soil and keep it moist.

White cauliflower benefits from blanching to improve flavor and appearance. This blocks sunlight, preventing vegetables from turning green-brown and developing a bitter taste. To do this, tie the outer leaves on and over the pumpkin when it reaches the size of an egg.

Harvest cauliflower 1-3 weeks after blanching, when the head is full but has not yet begun to separate, and measures 6-12 inches (15-31 cm) in diameter.

5.# Onion

Plant either from September to November for an early summer harvest, or from October to May for a late spring or summer harvest, from sprouted onions - not seeds. This gives you an advantage in the growing season, because the onions planted in the spring will not be ready until later in the summer.

Planting onions in autumn is a good idea only for milder growing zones. Most varieties are hardy to 20°F (-6°C) - any less and will freeze and rot if thawed. Growing them in raised beds can reduce frost, and you can further protect them by adding a thick layer of mulch when frost is expected

Because they take so long to grow, onions are only worth planting in the fall if you plan to eat them as soon as you pick them. If you want to store onions for a long time, plant them in the spring.

Onions rot in waterlogged soil, so before they are planted, they should be overwintered in soil that is not drained, dug up and enriched with compost. It will not require any maintenance, except that the soil around it is clear of weeds.

Feed the onions when the tips start to fall and turn brown.


6. #Green Collard in Home Garden

The cultivation of Raštika is traditional in the southern states, where it is enjoyed in New Year's dinners, because it brings good luck, because it represents paper money. They’re also pretty tasty and a good source of vitamins and fiber, too.

In the south, herbs are usually planted in September for the winter harvest. The crops are resistant to frost, so they can be planted in colder zones at this time, where the frost actually improves their taste. Collard greens can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F to 15°F (-12°C to -9°C) without protection.

Plant the seeds into moist, fertile soil in an area of the garden that is sunny and watch for aphids and cabbage loopers.

7. #Asian green

There are a number of delicious Asian greens that are planted in September, including bok choy, napa cabbage, komatsuma, mibuna and mizuna mustard. Consider buying a packet of mixed seeds to try a wide variety.

The leaves can be harvested as a cut-and-go crop, with young leaves ideal for salads and larger leaves delicious in stir-fries.

Sow the seeds in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location and keep the site weed-free and consistently moist. As with other greens, watch for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms and slugs.