Vegetables to Grow in September

What Vegetables to Grow in September

September is a pivotal month for gardeners in the UK. The transition from summer to autumn brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, making it an ideal time to plant a variety of vegetables. Whether you have a small garden, an allotment, or just a few containers, there are plenty of crops that can be sown or planted now to ensure a productive autumn and winter.

Here’s a guide to the best vegetables to grow in September in the UK.

Tips for Successful September Planting

Soil Preparation: Before planting, ensure the soil is well-prepared with plenty of organic matter. This helps improve soil structure and fertility.
Protection: Use cloches or fleece to protect young seedlings from early frosts. This is especially important for tender crops.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Young plants are particularly vulnerable to drying out.
Pest Control: Watch out for pests like slugs and snails, which can be particularly active in damp, cool weather. Use organic slug pellets or other natural deterrents such as Slug Traps to protect your crops.
Succession Planting: Remember to plant in succession to ensure a continuous harvest – just a few seeds every few weeks rather than all at once will keep you well supplied through the Autumn.

Spinach

Spinach is an invaluable hardy leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures when there is less risk of it bolting - It can be sown directly into the ground or in planters.

Sowing: Sow seeds directly into well-prepared soil, about 1cm deep and 30cm apart.
Growing: Keep the soil moist and provide some shade during warmer days to prevent bolting.

Harvesting: Spinach can be harvested within 6-8 weeks. Pick the outer leaves first to encourage continuous growth.

Spring Onions

Spring onions, or scallions, are quick-growing and can be harvested in as little as eight weeks.

Sowing: Sow seeds thinly in rows, about 1cm deep and 15cm apart.
Growing: Ensure the soil is kept moist and weed-free. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Harvesting: Harvest when the stems are about the thickness of a pencil. They can be pulled up individually or cut at ground level.

Knowle Nets Tip: Sow between overwintering crops as a catch crop.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables so you can keep sowing all through the season and they are perfect for September planting.

Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the soil, 1cm deep and 2.5cm apart in rows.
Growing: Thin seedlings to about 5cm apart to allow room for growth. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Harvesting: Radishes are ready to harvest in as little as four weeks. Pull them up as soon as they reach a usable size to avoid them becoming woody.

Knowle Nets Tip: Use Insect Netting or Mesh Easy Tunnel to protect from flea beetle.

Lettuce

Many varieties of lettuce can be grown in September when the will enjoy the cooler temperatures - enjoy fresh leaves from the garden well into autumn.

Sowing: Sow seeds thinly in rows or broadcast over a bed. Cover lightly with soil.
Growing: Thin seedlings to 15-30cm apart, depending on the variety. Keep the soil moist and provide some shade if temperatures remain high.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves as needed, cutting them from the outer edges. For hearting varieties, wait until they form a full head.

Knowle Nets Tip: Use Bird Scare to deter Pigeons.

Chard

Chard is a versatile leafy green that can withstand cooler temperatures and can be harvested through winter – the Rainbow variety adds a vibrant splash of colour to the Kitchen Garden too!

Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the soil, 2.5cm deep and 30cm apart.
Growing: Thin seedlings to about 30cm apart to give them space to grow. Keep the soil well-watered and weed-free.
Harvesting: Harvest outer leaves regularly, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

Knowle Nets Tip: Use Fleece or Net to protect from hungry pigeons.

Peas

Some varieties of peas such as 'Douce Provence' or 'Meteor' are winter hardy and can be sown in September for an early harvest next spring.

Sowing: Choose hardy varieties suitable for autumn sowing. Sow seeds 5cm deep and 10cm apart in rows.
Growing: Provide support with pea sticks or netting. Ensure the soil is well-drained and keep it moist.
Harvesting: Peas sown in September will be ready to harvest in late spring or early summer.

Knowle Nets Tip: Use supports and Jute Netting to lift the young growth off wet ground.

Garlic

Garlic is an excellent crop to plant in September, allowing it to establish roots before winter.

Planting: Break bulbs into individual cloves and plant them 2.5cm deep, with the pointed end up, and 15cm apart.
Growing: Garlic prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Keep the soil weed-free.
Harvesting: Garlic will be ready to harvest the following summer when the leaves turn yellow and start to die back.

Knowle Nets Tip: Use a Speed Hoe to weed without disturbing the growing bulb.

Turnips

Turnips are fast-growing root vegetables that can be harvested before the hard frosts.

Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the soil, 1cm deep and 15cm apart in rows.
Growing: Thin seedlings to 10-15cm apart once they are large enough to handle. Keep the soil moist to ensure tender roots.
Harvesting: Harvest turnips when they are about the size of a golf ball for the best flavour.

Knowle Nets Tip: Use a Fleece Easy Tunnel to keep the soil moist and protect from pests.

Kale

Kale is a hardy vegetable that thrives in cooler weather and can provide fresh greens throughout winter.

Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the soil or start in modules for later transplanting. Space plants 45cm apart.
Growing: Kale prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. Water regularly and keep weeds at bay.
Harvesting: Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

Knowle Nets Tip: Regular picking encourages more growth.

Broad Beans

Certain varieties of broad beans such as Super Aquadulce can be sown in September for an early harvest next year.

Sowing: Choose autumn-sowing varieties and plant seeds 5cm deep and 20cm apart in double rows.
Growing: Support the plants with stakes or netting as they grow. Keep the soil well-watered and weed-free.
Harvesting: Broad beans sown in September will be ready to harvest in late spring.

Knowle Nets Tips: Stake or Support your Broad Beans to avoid ‘wind rock’.

By following these tips and choosing the right crops, you can enjoy a productive garden well into autumn and beyond. Happy gardening!