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As fall approaches, I love getting my garden ready for the cooler months. September is the perfect time to plant a variety of vegetables that thrive in the crisp air, giving us delicious, nutrient-rich harvests well into winter. If you’re like me, you’ll want to make the most of your garden during this season!
What to Plant in September
Leafy Greens:
Spinach, kale, and lettuce grow fast in the cool fall air. They’re ideal for harvesting throughout the season, and their flavors tend to be sweeter as the temperature drops. Keep them well-watered for optimal growth.
Root Vegetables:
Carrots, beets, and radishes thrive in cool soil. Fall-planted root veggies often develop richer flavors after the first frost, making them a delicious addition to your fall menu. Beets, in particular, can store well for later use.
Cruciferous Vegetables:
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts not only handle the cold well but also develop better taste in cool weather. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like fiber and glucosinolates, which offer potential health benefits. If you’re aiming for a nutrient-dense garden, these are your go-to veggies.
Garlic:
Fall is the perfect time to plant garlic bulbs. They benefit from the winter cold to fully mature, rewarding you with a flavorful harvest in the summer. Each clove becomes an entire bulb, so plant generously for a big summer payoff.
Onions:
Onions planted now will establish roots before winter and grow steadily for an early summer harvest. They store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the year. Whether planting sets or seeds, onions are a must-have.
Fava Beans:
These beans are cold-hardy and grow best when planted in the fall. Fava beans improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial for crop rotation. They’re a delicious protein source that adds variety to your fall harvest.
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." – Audrey Hepburn
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Collard Greens:
Growing collard greens is a tradition in the Southern states, where they are often enjoyed in New Year’s Day meals, symbolizing luck and prosperity (representing paper money). Collards are rich in vitamins and fiber, and they’re incredibly cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 10°F to 15°F (-12°C to -9°C) without protection. As a Georgia girl, I was raised on these, and they’ll always have a place in my fall garden!
Bok Choy:
One of my all-time favorites! I love adding Bok Choy to my homemade potato salad for a unique twist. It’s a cool-weather vegetable that matures quickly, making it perfect for fall planting. It also provides a wonderful crunch and subtle flavor to salads and stir-fries.
Looking Ahead
As I prep my fall garden, I’m excited to share more tips about fall flowers. Beautifying your yard and porch with the right blooms can add warmth and vibrancy, so stay tuned for my next post on creating a stunning fall floral display for your front, back, and even side porch.
Ready to get your hands dirty?
Start planting these fall favorites today and enjoy fresh produce long into the cooler months. Have any tips or questions? Let’s chat in the comments below, or head over to my Gardening Favorites page for my top product recommendations!
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So informative! I never knew September was a great time to plant cool-season crops. Thanks for the tips!
Perfect timing! I was just wondering what to plant for fall. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance.
Perfect timing! I was just wondering what to plant for fall. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance.