September is a watershed month that heralds the change from summer to winter. During this time, veggie gardens are perfect for the planting season in the South while those in the North start preparing for the onslaught of winter.
While some herbs and veggies grow well both in spring and fall, most, however, are climate specific. Even then, if you love gardening and fresh produce on the table throughout the year, there are several vegetables you can plant in your autumn garden.
With the right gardening tools and a little guidance, it is not difficult to have fresh vegetables thriving in your backyard garden during autumn and early winter.
Pick the Right Plants Per Your Zone
Depending on the climatic conditions of your area, you can choose from several species of vegetables and herbs that thrive well in autumn. Tending to your garden is also easier during September because of the cooler temperature.
So if you love gardening, this is the month to start planting the seeds so that they mature just in time before extreme frost sets in.
Vegetables for Northern America
If you are living in the northern parts and Midwest USA, September is the ideal month for planting veggies such as peas, lettuce, arugula, mache, collard greens, mustard greens, spinach, radish and turnips.
What to Plant in Mid-Atlantic and New England areas
If you are living in Maryland or Massachusetts, certain veggies are perfect for planting in September. These include bok choy, radish, mache, arugula, lettuce and spinach.
Leafy vegetables thrive best in cool temperatures. So include leafy vegetables when you are gardening in September. By the time they mature, the mild frost can actually enhance their taste and freshness.
The Rocky Mountain regions and North Central US
For people in the Rocky Mountain or North Central US region, veggies to plant in your autumn garden this September include spinach, lettuce, arugula and mache.
Northwest Pacific Region
Veggies such as collard greens, lettuce, bok choy, spinach, mache, mustard greens, arugula and radishes grow well in these regions during September.
South and the Coastal Areas
Being warmer, the South and the Coastal Areas have plenty of options when it comes to planting veggies in September.
Common veggies include carrots, beets, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, arugula, radishes and turnips. Cauliflowers, cabbages, Brussels sprouts and broccoli also grow well as transplants.