09/12/2025
September is one of my favorite times in the garden — cooler air, crisp mornings, and the perfect chance to tuck in crops for fall harvest (and even a few for overwintering). What you can plant depends on your growing zone, so here’s a handy breakdown:
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🌾 Zones 3–5 (Cool Climates)
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, arugula, and lettuce (quick harvests before frost)
• Root Crops: Radishes and turnips (they thrive in the cool soil)
• Garlic & Shallots: Plant now for next summer’s harvest
• Cover Crops: Rye or clover to enrich soil for spring
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🥕 Zones 6–7 (Mild Northern/Mid-Atlantic)
• Leafy Greens: Kale, Swiss chard, collards, mustard greens
• Root Crops: Beets, carrots, radishes
• Broccoli & Cabbage Family: Transplant seedlings for fall harvest
• Herbs: Cilantro and dill (they love the cooler temps)
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🥦 Zones 8–9 (South & Warmer Areas)
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, arugula
• Root Crops: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
• Brassicas: Cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
• Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, chives
• Fall Flowers: Pansies & violas for a pop of color
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🍅 Zones 10–11 (Tropical/Subtropical)
• Warm Season Veggies: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants (yes, you get a “second summer” here!)
• Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, Asian greens
• Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, mint
• Root Crops: Carrots and beets
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🌿 Tip: September is also a perfect time to refresh your soil with compost, mulch, or a cover crop to get ready for spring.
