September is a surprisingly productive month in the garden. Soil is still warm, days are shorter and cooler, and rain often returns, which is ideal for seeds and young plants. What you can plant depends on your climate and first frost date, but in many regions early fall is the second-best planting season after spring. Here is what to plant in September for fall harvests, spring flowers and a healthier garden next year.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We have not tested these products; this guide is general information. Planting dates vary widely by region, so check your local extension office or frost dates.
Key takeaways
- Count back from your first fall frost date; fast crops like radishes and baby greens need about four to six weeks.
- Lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, radishes and turnips are reliable September vegetables in many areas.
- Buy spring bulbs now, but plant most of them later when the soil cools.
- Fall is also a good time to seed lawns and plant trees and shrubs.
First, know your frost dates
Count back from your average first fall frost. Fast crops such as radishes and baby greens need about four to six weeks. Others need longer. If your frost is only a few weeks away, favor quick crops or use row covers and cold frames to extend the season.
Vegetables to plant in September
- Leafy greens: lettuce, spinach, arugula and kale love cool weather and often taste sweeter after light frosts.
- Root vegetables: radishes, turnips, beets and carrots can be sown early in the month in many areas.
- Brassicas: broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower transplants can go in if you have a long enough season.
- Peas: in milder climates, a fall crop of peas can work.
- Garlic: usually planted later in fall, so prepare beds now.
Herbs to plant in early fall
Cilantro, parsley, dill and chervil prefer cool weather and may bolt quickly in summer heat. September sowings often do better. Chives and other perennial herbs can be divided and replanted.
Flowers to plant in September
- Pansies and violas: cool-season color that can last through fall and often returns in spring.
- Ornamental kale and cabbage: attractive foliage for containers.
- Perennials: planting now lets roots establish before winter. Divide crowded perennials too.
- Hardy annuals: some, like poppies and larkspur, can be sown in fall for spring blooms in suitable climates. If you like a relaxed approach, try chaos gardening.
Bulbs: plan and prepare
Buy spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths now while selection is best. Most are planted when soil temperatures cool, often October or November depending on your region. Store bulbs in a cool, dry place until planting.
Lawns, trees and shrubs
Fall is a great time to seed or overseed cool-season lawns, because warm soil and cool air help germination. It is also a good time to plant trees and shrubs: roots keep growing while the air cools, so plants settle in before winter. Water them regularly until the ground freezes.
Soil and bed preparation
- Add compost to refresh beds after summer.
- Remove spent plants and weeds so they do not overwinter pests. Our end of season garden cleanup checklist walks through the full routine.
- Consider sowing a cover crop on empty beds to protect and feed the soil.
- Mulch around new plantings to hold moisture and moderate temperatures.
Care tips for fall plantings
- Water new seeds and transplants regularly, even if the weather is cool.
- Protect tender plants when frost is forecast.
- Thin seedlings so they have room.
- Keep an eye out for slugs and snails in damp weather.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant vegetables in September?
Not necessarily. Many cool-season crops thrive when sown now, as long as they have time to mature before hard freezes.
Can I plant bulbs in September?
Buy them now, but most spring bulbs are planted later when the soil cools.
What should I do about frost?
Use row covers, cloches or a cold frame to protect plants on cold nights.
What vegetables can I plant in September for a fall harvest?
Lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, radishes, turnips and beets are popular choices because they mature quickly in cool weather.
What flowers can I plant in September?
Pansies, violas, ornamental kale and perennials are good choices, and hardy annuals can be sown for spring blooms in suitable climates.
Related garden guides
- End of season garden cleanup: a fall checklist
- Winter gardening tips: how to keep plants growing in cold weather
- Best greenhouse for winter
- Chaos gardening: how to start and what to scatter
See more seasonal ideas in our garden guides.