As the summer months draw to a close, and the familiar golden haze of autumn days creeps ever closer, September sees many gardeners turning their attention towards preparing for the cooler months ahead. With that in mind, we’re delving into a selection of the best vegetables to sow and grow this month to ensure a productive and bountiful garden as the seasons change.
If you are looking to keep your garden overflowing with delicious produce this season, then don’t be put off by the unpredictability of September sowings, as with a little adjustment to your timings, you can still achieve some productive harvests.
Garden Designer Agata Henderson tells Sussex Fields: “September can be a tricky ‘in between’ month for sowing, particularly with the increasingly unpredictable weather. If temperatures remain high, wait until later in the month to sow, as excessive heat can result in inconsistent germination. With winters becoming milder, seedlings should still have enough time to establish before the first frost. Protect young plants with horticultural fleece or cloches in winter, especially if they are not growing in a greenhouse.”
Radishes
Radishes are a staple in British salads, but can also be used in soups or stews and for roasting during cooler months. Radishes are quick to germinate and mature in just a few weeks, so if you are looking for reliability and high yields, these are a must for your countryside garden. Choose a spot with plenty of sunshine and sow in trenches approximately 1cm deep. Space radish seeds approximately 5cm apart before covering gently with soil and watering in.
Agata recommends sowing radish seeds directly into warm, well-prepared soil and keeping them regularly watered if the weather is dry.
Harvest your crop regularly for crisp autumn salads and tasty snacks.
Peas
Hardy pea varieties can be sown in September. These small but mighty vegetables are perfect to overwinter and will provide gardeners with an early crop. For best results, Agata explains: “Choose reliable winter varieties such as Douce Provence, Feltham First or Meteor, and grow them in a sheltered, well-drained position.”
Consider creating a sturdy trellis that won’t blow over in gusty autumnal weather, and not only will your plants be well supported, you’ll also add height, texture and interest to your garden layout in the process, making it a joy to behold when pottering around on crisp autumn days.
Winter salad leaves
Salad leaves aren’t just for summer, they can be used in warm autumn salads and side dishes all year round. When it comes to the best winter salad varieties, Agata tells Sussex Fields: “Hardy crops such as lamb’s lettuce, land cress, claytonia, mizuna, mustard leaves and winter lettuces such as Winter Density can be sown outdoors in a sheltered position or grown in pots.” So there’s plenty to be getting started with this month.
However, don’t forget to protect your vulnerable greens with closhes or cold frames and be vigilant against damage from hungry birds, slugs and snails who may also be looking for a reliable food source in the cooler months.
Spinach
Spinach sowings should be well-timed in order for your crop to thrive in September. It is important to gauge weather conditions, as too much heat may be detrimental to your harvests. Sow in shallow rows approximately 1.5 cm deep and 30 to 40 cm apart, before covering gently with soil and watering in.
Agata recommends delaying sowing your spinach seeds if the weather is still very hot, but allowing enough time for the plants to establish before winter. When it comes to care and growth, keep the soil moist and weed-free for best results. Agata notes: “Growth will slow down or stop during cold weather, but the plants should begin growing again in early spring, ready for an early harvest.” so with a little care and perseverance your hard work should certainly pay off.
Broad Beans
If planted and cared for correctly, broad beans can create huge yields. These vitamin rich vegetables are surprisingly easy to care for and make a tasty addition to salads, soups, or even alongside your Sunday roast.
For the best results, Agata says: “In southern parts of the UK, wait until late September or even October, so the plants do not grow too mature or produce flowers before winter.” This is because Autumn-sown broad beans will begin growing again as soon as temperatures rise in spring, giving you an earlier crop.
According to Agata, suitable varieties include Aquadulce Claudia, The Sutton, Witkiem Manita and Wizard. So be sure to pop them on your list for sowing when conditions are just right.
Onions and Garlic
Autumn onion sets and garlic can be planted from September onwards and will overwinter successfully in well-drained soil. You can expect prolific yields from these hardy, flavourful autumn favourites. Growing in bulk in countryside gardens or allotments is highly common with both garlic and onions, as with some careful preservation, you can store them for use all year round.
Agata tells Sussex Fields: “Plant garlic cloves approximately 2.5–5cm deep and around 15cm apart, with the pointed end facing upwards.” in their early stages, it is often advised to cover your bulbs with netting, to prevent our feathered friends from cheekily pulling them out of the soil before their roots have fully taken hold.
With all of this in mind, all that’s left to do is enjoy September in your garden, and look forward to a delicious harvest in the months ahead.
