7 Hardy Vegetables to Plant in September for a Bountiful Late Season Harvest

As the sun sets a bit earlier each day, and the air carries a hint of autumn’s chill, it’s clear that our gardening season is shifting. Yet, this doesn’t mean we should hang up our gardening gloves just yet. In fact, September offers a unique opportunity to plant a selection of vegetables that not only endure the cool weather but thrive in it. As someone who’s nurtured gardens through many seasons, I’ve found these eight vegetables perfect for extending the harvest well into the cooler months, especially where I live in zone 5.

1. Spinach

Over the years, I’ve noticed that spinach really comes into its own as the weather cools. It seems to shrug off light frosts, and the taste actually improves with a touch of cold. It’s a quick grower, so you’ll see results fast, making it ideal for a late start.

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0
  • Germination Time: 5-9 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 37-45 days

2. Radishes

I’ve always been amazed at how resilient radishes are. They grow so quickly that you can enjoy them before winter really sets in, and they don’t mind the frost at all.

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-10
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Light, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
  • Germination Time: 3-7 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 22-30 days

3. Lettuce

Lettuce is surprisingly resilient in cooler weather, especially the hardy varieties. With a bit of protection, like a row cover, it can produce fresh greens far beyond summer.

Download

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
  • Germination Time: 7-10 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 45-55 days

4. Kale

If you’ve followed my advice before, you know I’m a big fan of kale for its frost-resistant qualities. The cool weather enhances its sweetness, perfect for those hearty autumn salads.

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil, enriched with organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5
  • Germination Time: 5-8 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 55-65 days

5. Peas

Planting peas in September has been a delight, as they do quite well in the cooling temperatures and even seem to taste sweeter because of it.

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained soil, rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
  • Germination Time: 7-14 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 60-70 days

6. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another robust plant in my garden, surviving temperatures down to 15°F. Its durability through multiple frosts makes it a staple for my late-year garden.

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8
  • Germination Time: 5-10 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 50-60 days

7. Turnips

Turnips are incredibly tough. I often leave them in the ground and harvest as needed, even through frosts. They seem to store themselves naturally right there in the garden bed.

• Growing Requirements:
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Deep, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8
  • Germination Time: 4-10 days
  • Days Until Harvest: 30-60 days

Final Thoughts

Remember, the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of gardening. With these eight vegetables, you can continue to enjoy fresh, home-grown produce even as the temperatures dip. If you’re new to this, don’t worry—start small, perhaps with radishes or spinach, and you’ll see how rewarding autumn gardening can be. Here’s to a bountiful and extended harvest!