What To Plant In September For The Best Vegetable Harvest

what to plant in september

NAVIGATION

Learning what to plant in September has transformed the way I garden. When the hottest months of the year start to wind down, I know just the right vegetables to plant in September to boost my end-of-year harvest and keep me supplied with fresh foods into the next year!

If you want to keep your garden going, you might be wondering, “What can I plant in September to extend my growing season?” Take a look at my vegetable planting chart to get started.

ryans tiny house

Hi, I’m Ryan

I’ve come to learn that September is the perfect time to plant veggies that thrive in the cooler temperatures. Planting in September has increased my harvest, and it’s also increased my experience with year-round planting. As always, I’m sharing what I learn with you every step of the way.

ryan mitchell simple living expert

How Do You Decide What To Plant In September?

How Do You Decide What To Plant In September

If you’re at the point where you want to try your hand at continual gardening and you’re deciding what to plant in September, you’re in the right place. I’ve got options for you to build the best September garden.

Some of the veggies in the chart below are cold-hardy plants to grow as the weather starts to cool off, and some are plants to cultivate indoors if you’re in a climate where frosts and freezes come early.

I’ve found that the list of vegetables to plant in September is vast — there isn’t much you can’t successfully grow as long as you’re willing to work with your local climate. Ultimately, what you choose to grow will depend on your area’s climate and the space you have available indoors to grow. Let’s take a look at my chart on what to plant in September.

what to plant in winter

What Can I Plant In September For Year-End Harvests?

If you’re looking for veggies to plant in September that will yield quick harvests before the end of the year, that’s a great strategy. When I first started extending my gardening, I was looking for vegetables I could enjoy before the new year.

I love cooking, especially around the holidays when friends and family visit me in North Carolina. Having fresh veggies on hand to add to my recipes always makes cooking and cozy cold-weather soups more enjoyable (and healthier as well). Picking which quick-yielding vegetables you’ll plant is best decided by choosing the ones you actually want to eat. Here are some good fall and winter veggie options to plant in September.

homesteading movies

Fall And Winter Veggies To Plant In September

  • Swiss Chard (ready in 50 to 60 days)
  • Turnips (ready in 35 to 57 days)
  • Spinach (ready in 25 to 35 days)
  • Radishes (ready in 25 to 45 days)
  • Beets (ready in 50 to 65 days)
  • Carrots (ready in 45 to 80 days)
  • Lettuce (ready in 45 to 65 days)
  • Kale (ready in 45 to 85 days)
planting carrots in the september

Indoor And Outdoor Plants To Grow In September

Indoor And Outdoor Plants To Grow In September

So, what vegetables can you plant in September if you live in a harsher climate with lots of frosts and freezes? The good news is that some of the fastest-maturing vegetables I mentioned above will be ready for harvesting before the weather gets too cold. However, if you’re worried about longevity and getting the most from your harvests, your best bet might be to either build a greenhouse or stick to indoor plants.

homesteading tips

Indoor Veggies To Plant In September

My favorite plants to grow indoors at all times are various herbs, which I grow in pots in sunlit areas in my tiny home.

In my mild climate, I don’t grow too many vegetables inside, but if you live in a colder climate, you’ll probably want to grow some indoor veggies.

Many of the vegetables on the list below are prime options for planting indoors and transplanting to your outdoor garden once they’re strong enough to withstand the elements. Again, if you are in a harsher climate, you will likely need to keep most of your September planting inside, but either way, you’ll end up with a bounty of freshly grown produce. These veggies and herbs are the perfect choice for your indoor garden.

indoor vegetables in a greenhouse

What Vegetables To Plant Indoors In September

  • Artichokes
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Kale
  • Swiss Chard
  • Lettuce
  • Peppers
  • Microgreens
  • Turnips
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Chives
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Cress
  • Chicory
  • Parsley
  • Lemon balm
  • Marjoram
  • Dill
  • Coriander
  • Caraway

homesteading skills

Outdoor Crops To Plant In September

As long as you’re living in a climate that’s not prone to early, harsh freezes, there are plenty of outdoor crops to plant in September to keep your garden thriving.

Reference the chart above for an extensive list of veggies that you can direct sow in September as well as when and how to plant them. Think crops like garlic, endives, and peas.

Many of the plants on my September growing chart are cold-hardy and will tolerate minor frosts and mild winter temperatures. If you’re planting outside, make sure to take extra care tending to your soil. Moist soil padded with compost and mulch will be less likely to freeze and damage your outdoor vegetables.

cold tolerant vegetables for september

FAQs About Planting In September

FAQs About Planting In September

Now that people know I garden all year, I get a lot of questions about what to plant in September and the best ways to cultivate your September veggies. Here are a couple of the most frequently asked questions.

does homesteading save money

What Perennials Can You Grow In September?

Some vegetables and herbs will pop back up every year with proper care, which is an amazing way to cut back on your gardening workload, saving both time and money. Below are some of the best perennial vegetables and herbs to plant in September.

Best Perennial Vegetables To Plant In September

  • Radishes
  • Artichoke
  • Broccoli (certain varieties)
  • Spinach (certain varieties)
  • Onions (certain varieties)
  • Leeks
  • Garlic
  • Parsley
  • Mint
  • Lemon Balm
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Oregano

What Can You Plant In September On An Urban Homestead?

If you live in a highly populated area with very little garden space, chances are, you’re wondering what vegetables to plant in September on your urban homestead. Whenever you have limited growing space, I recommend sticking with vegetables that can thrive inside containers. For September, those plants include Swiss chard, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and kohlrabi.

When planting an urban homestead garden, try to use as much vertical space as possible, growing vining plants on trellises and hanging baskets for different veggies, herbs, and fruits.

Location Determines The Best Crops To Plant In September?

At the end of the day, your location and climate zone will determine where you plant in September — indoors or out.

Areas that get a lot of snow and ice aren’t ideal for September planting, but there are plenty of climates (like mine in North Carolina) where it’s a prime time for growing cool-weather veggies like the ones I’ve listed above.

This chart gives you all the information you need to get started. Follow the recommended planting dates and sow guidelines, and remember your local climate when choosing which veggies to grow inside and outside.

Before you know it, you’ll be growing a bountiful variety of fresh produce as the weather starts to cool. Happy September planting!

how to start homesteading

Your Turn!

  • What are your favorite veggies to plant in September?
  • What can you grow in September in your climate?

Leave a Reply