Sowing Seeds and Planting Young Veg in September
September is a pivotal month for gardeners looking to extend their harvest or prepare for the following spring. While many summer crops are winding down, it’s an opportune time to sow or plant a variety of vegetables that thrive in cooler weather. The key is selecting varieties suited for autumn planting, often referred to as 'catch crops' or overwintering crops, ensuring a continuous supply from your garden.
- Late-season brassicas and hardy greens are ideal for September planting.
- Root vegetables like carrots and radishes can be sown for quick autumn yields.
- Garlic and onions are excellent choices for overwintering.
- Consider planting spring-flowering bulbs alongside vegetables for seasonal interest.
- Protect young plants from early frosts and pests.
The specific vegetables you can plant depend on your region's climate and the microclimate of your garden, but generally, September offers a window for crops that can mature before the harshest winter conditions set in or those that benefit from a period of cold to develop their flavour. This includes hardy greens, certain root vegetables, and alliums that will overwinter. Planning for succession planting, even in autumn, maximises your yield and garden utility.
Choosing the Right Varieties
When selecting vegetables to plant in September, prioritise those known for their cold tolerance. Look for descriptions such as 'hardy', 'winter-hardy', or 'overwintering'. For instance, many varieties of kale, Brussels sprouts, and winter cabbage are bred to withstand lower temperatures and even light frosts. Similarly, some spinach and lettuce varieties are specifically developed for autumn and winter production. It is always worth checking seed packets for specific sowing and harvesting times relevant to your local conditions.
Understanding Your Soil and Climate
The success of your September planting hinges on soil temperature and moisture levels. While the soil is still warm enough to encourage germination for many seeds, it will begin to cool rapidly. Ensure your soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to young plants, especially as the weather becomes wetter. If you have a particularly cold or exposed garden, consider using cloches, fleece, or a cold frame to offer young plants protection from early frosts and strong winds. Microclimates within your garden, such as a south-facing wall or a sheltered corner, can also extend your planting season.
Alliums and Leafy Greens for Extended Harvests
Beyond brassicas and roots, September offers excellent opportunities for planting alliums and a range of leafy greens to keep your kitchen supplied. This is a prime time for sowing garlic and onions that are intended to overwinter and provide an early harvest next year. Garlic cloves, planted point-up, will establish roots over autumn and winter, ready to shoot up in spring. Similarly, onion sets can be planted now for overwintering, particularly the red onion varieties, which often show good hardiness. These alliums benefit from well-drained soil and a sunny position.
Hardy Leafy Greens
When it comes to leafy greens, September is perfect for sowing varieties that can withstand cooler temperatures. Spinach is a classic choice; opt for bolt-resistant varieties that are slow to mature. These will grow through autumn and can even be harvested under protection, like fleece or a cold frame, during winter. Lettuce varieties that are slower to mature or are specifically bred for autumn cropping are also suitable. Consider planting plug plants or module-grown young plants of kale, Swiss chard, and winter lettuce to give them a head start. These greens are not only nutritious but also add vibrant colour to the autumn garden. Ensure consistent moisture, as dry conditions can lead to bolting or bitterness.
Overwintering Onions and Leeks
Onions and leeks that are planted in September have a distinct advantage. They have time to establish a strong root system before winter truly sets in, which helps them survive the cold and resist diseases. For onions, planting sets now means they will be ready for harvesting in early to mid-summer of the following year. Leeks, which require a long growing season, can be planted out as seedlings or small plants in early September. Their hardy nature means they can remain in the ground and be harvested as needed throughout winter and early spring. Remember that both onions and leeks appreciate fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny spot for optimal growth.
The garden in September is a promise of future abundance, a time for careful planting that pays dividends through the lean months.
Herbs and Edible Flowers for Autumn Interest
While the focus is often on vegetables, September is also a prime time to plant or sow herbs and edible flowers that can provide flavour and beauty into the cooler months. Many perennial herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint, can be planted as young plants in September. These established herbs will continue to grow, albeit more slowly, and provide fresh leaves for culinary use. They also add structure and scent to the garden as summer flowers fade. Parsley, both curly and flat-leafed, is another herb that can be sown now for a continuous supply, and it often overwinters well, especially when given some protection.
Edible Flowers for Autumn Salads
For those looking to add a splash of colour and flavour to autumn salads, consider sowing certain edible flowers. Nasturtiums, with their peppery leaves and flowers, are remarkably hardy and can continue to flower and provide edible blooms well into autumn. Calendula (pot marigold) is another excellent choice; its petals are edible and add a vibrant orange or yellow hue to dishes. Pansies and violas, often grown as annuals, can also be planted in September for late blooms. These flowers not only enhance the visual appeal of your meals but also offer subtle flavours. Ensure they are planted in well-drained soil, and remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Protect young herb and flower plants from slugs and snails by using organic barriers or beer traps, as these pests are particularly active in the damp autumn conditions.
Sowing Herbs for Overwintering
Some herbs are best sown in September for overwintering, giving them a head start for spring growth. Coriander, for example, is prone to bolting in hot weather, so a September sowing will allow it to grow steadily through autumn before the heat of summer returns the following year. Chervil is another herb that prefers cooler weather and can be sown now. By planting these herbs in September, you are essentially setting them up for success, ensuring you have fresh leaves available earlier in the season when other garden harvests might be limited. Choose a location that receives good light but is somewhat sheltered from harsh winds.
Planning for Spring: Bulbs and Cover Crops
While September is about autumn harvests, it's also a strategic moment to lay the groundwork for the following spring. This includes planting spring-flowering bulbs and sowing cover crops, both of which contribute significantly to garden health and productivity. The cooler soil temperatures are ideal for root establishment before winter dormancy.
Planting Spring Bulbs
September marks the beginning of the traditional planting season for spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. These bulbs require a period of cold stratification over winter to trigger their flowering response in spring. Planting them now ensures they have sufficient time to develop strong root systems before the ground freezes. Aim for well-drained soil and plant bulbs at the depth recommended on their packaging, typically two to three times their diameter. Consider planting them amongst your vegetable beds; for instance, daffodils can deter certain pests, and tulips add welcome colour as the vegetable garden awakens. When comparing bulb options, look for varieties known for their reliability and vigour in your specific climate zone.
Sowing Cover Crops
For gardeners focused on soil health, September is an excellent time to sow cover crops. These are plants grown primarily to benefit the soil rather than for harvest. They can improve soil structure, suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and add valuable organic matter and nutrients when dug back into the soil in spring. Fast-growing options suitable for September sowing include rye, vetch, or a mix of mustard and radish. These crops germinate quickly and establish a good ground cover before winter. The choice of cover crop depends on your specific soil needs and what you aim to achieve, such as nitrogen fixation or improved drainage. Always check planting recommendations for your region to ensure successful establishment before the first hard frosts.
To get the most from your spring bulb planting, mix in some bone meal or a balanced fertiliser with the soil when planting, particularly in areas with poorer soil fertility.
Protecting Your Autumn Planting
As you plant vegetables in September, you are investing in crops that will face the challenges of autumn weather. Protection is key to ensuring these plants thrive and deliver on their promise. Early frosts, increased rainfall, and pest activity are common concerns that require proactive measures.
Shielding Against Frost and Cold
While many September-sown vegetables are hardy, young plants and seedlings are more vulnerable to sudden drops in temperature. A cold frame or a walk-in greenhouse provides an excellent environment for nurturing seedlings and can extend the growing season significantly. For plants in open ground, horticultural fleece offers a flexible solution. It can be draped over plants, supported by hoops, to provide a few degrees of extra warmth and protection from light frosts. For more established crops like Brussels sprouts or kale, they are generally resilient, but a layer of mulch around their base can help insulate the roots.
Pest and Disease Management
September can see a surge in pest activity as they prepare for winter. Slugs and snails are particularly problematic in damp autumn conditions, feasting on tender young greens. Companion planting, using barriers like copper tape or crushed eggshells, or employing organic slug pellets can help manage these creatures. Ensure good air circulation around plants by spacing them appropriately, which helps prevent fungal diseases like mildew, which can thrive in the humid autumn air. Regularly inspect plants for any signs of pests or disease and act swiftly. For brassicas, consider netting to protect against cabbage butterflies and their larvae.
Watering and Soil Management
While autumn often brings more rainfall, it's crucial not to neglect watering, especially for newly sown seeds or transplanted seedlings. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is paramount, particularly for root vegetables and alliums, to prevent rot. If your soil tends to compact, consider adding organic matter like compost to improve its structure and aeration. As leaves begin to fall, you can use them as a natural mulch around the base of hardy plants, which will decompose over winter, adding nutrients and retaining moisture.
The success of your September planting depends on careful selection and diligent protection.