VEGETABLES TO SOW IN SEPTEMBER

As summer begins to transition into autumn, September beckons with a fresh set of vegetables ready for sowing. The dropping temperatures and changing light conditions make this month the perfect time to plant certain autumn and winter-harvest vegetables. Here are some vegetables you can sow in September.

1. Spinach: Spinach grows well in cool weather and is a great choice for a September planting. This leafy green is resilient to frost, grows quickly, and can be harvested throughout the autumn.

2. Radishes: Radishes are a quick-growing, cool-weather crop that can be sown in September. They mature rapidly and can be harvested in as little as three weeks. This makes them ideal for multiple sowings throughout the autumn season. ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are two popular varieties for autumn planting.

3. Lettuce: Lettuce is another vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures. Sowing lettuce in September will yield a fresh supply of greens throughout the autumn and early winter. Choose cold-tolerant varieties like ‘Arctic King’ for best results.

4. Broad beans: Autumn-sown broad beans often produce better crops than spring sowings. They are very hardy and will overwinter to give you an early summer harvest.

5. Kale: Known for its hardiness, kale can be sown in September and harvested well into winter. It actually becomes sweeter after a frost, making it a perfect autumn and winter crop.

6. Garlic: While technically a bulb, garlic cloves planted in September will establish good root systems before winter and produce large bulbs next summer.

7. Carrots: Carrots are a perfect vegetable to sow in September. They enjoy cooler temperatures and require a soil temperature of around 50 to 75°F. The ‘Autumn King’ and ‘Nantes’ varieties are particularly resistant to colder weather and mature quickly, making them perfect for a late summer sowing.

Remember, the success of your September sowing largely depends on the specific climate and weather conditions of your area. Always check the seed packets for specific planting instructions and consider using a cold frame or cloche to protect your plants from early frosts.

Happy gardening!