Vegetable Seeds to Sow in September: Extend Your Growing Season
September is a fantastic month for gardeners looking to extend their growing season and prepare for a bountiful autumn and winter. As summer draws close, the cooler temperatures and shorter days provide ideal conditions for various vegetable seeds. With the proper selection of Vegetable Seeds to sow in September, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the colder months. With some planning, your garden can thrive as the seasons change.
During September, temperatures typically range between 10°C and 18°C (50°F to 64°F), which is perfect for sowing hardy greens, root vegetables, and fast-growing crops. It’s also a great time to plant overwintering varieties that will reward you with an early spring harvest. Adding mulch or well-rotted compost to your soil can boost its nutrients and help retain warmth as the season changes.
Whether sowing directly into the ground or using containers, September is a productive time to keep your garden thriving. This guide will explore the best vegetable seeds to sow this month and provide practical tips for successful planting. Make the most of September’s opportunities and enjoy the satisfaction of a garden providing fresh produce throughout the year.
Corn Salad
Sowing corn salad, or lamb’s lettuce, in September ensures a fresh supply of greens through autumn and early winter. This hardy, low-maintenance plant thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for extending your growing season. Choose a sheltered area with rich, well-drained soil, and sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows about 10 cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist with regular watering. Corn salad’s mild, nutty flavour makes it a versatile addition to salads and sandwiches. Its resilience means you can enjoy fresh, home-grown produce even as temperatures drop, adding nutritional value and a touch of green to your autumn table.
Lettuce – Winter
Plant winter lettuce in September to enjoy fresh greens throughout the colder months. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Sow thinly in rows about 20 cm apart for ample growth space. Keep the soil evenly moist with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Winter lettuce varieties are bred for hardiness, capable of withstanding light frost and offering crisp, delicious leaves all winter. Whether in salads, wraps, or as a garnish, these greens add a fresh, nutritious touch to your meals, ensuring the delight of garden-fresh flavours well into the chilly season.
Radish
Sowing radish seeds in September provides a quick, rewarding crop for autumn. You can just go for a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and sow seeds thinly in rows about 10 cm apart. Regular watering helps maintain soil moisture, essential for fast growth and tender roots. Radishes typically mature in four to six weeks, offering crisp, peppery bites perfect for salads, garnishes, or snacks. You can extend your harvest period by planting in succession every few weeks. Radishes are an easy and satisfying addition for gardeners seeking fresh, nutritious additions to their autumn culinary repertoire.
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From Darren’s Patch
September is one of my favourite months in the garden. There’s something deeply satisfying about sowing seeds while the air turns crisp and knowing you’re setting yourself up for months of fresh, homegrown produce. I always make space for corn salad and winter lettuce—they’re reliable, low-fuss, and keep my salads interesting well into winter. Radishes are a must, too. I love how quickly they grow and add a punch of flavour to meals. For me, it’s not just about extending the season—it’s about keeping that connection to the soil all year round. With some planning, the garden doesn’t need to stop just because summer does.
