24 Best Vegetables & Herbs to Plant in September for a Fall Harvest

September’s a turning point in the garden.

Summer crops are tapering off, mornings feel cooler, and the soil still holds enough warmth to welcome new plants. It’s one of the best times to plant – less stress, fewer pests, and a chance to prep for both fall harvests and early spring growth.

Fast greens like arugula and mustard? Perfect now. Cold-hardy staples like garlic, carrots, and kale? Even better. And if you're in a warm zone, you might squeeze in one last round of tomatoes or squash.

In this article, we’re going through everything you can plant in September – grouped by type, matched to climate, with notes on why they work now and what to expect from them.

Leafy Greens to Plant in Semptember

If there’s one group of vegetables that actually prefers the cooler days of September, it’s this one. These plants don’t just tolerate a chill – they often taste better because of it.

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows fast and doesn't demand much space. In September, it's best to go with quick-maturing varieties like loose-leaf, romaine, or butterhead.

These types can be ready for harvest in just 30 to 45 days, which means you can still get multiple rounds before hard frost.

Hardy varieties can also overwinter in some zones and regrow in early spring. For best results, sow seeds directly into well-drained soil and keep them moist – lettuce doesn’t like to dry out.

2. Kale

Kale is one of the hardiest leafy greens you can grow, making it perfect for fall. It actually gets sweeter after a few touches of frost, which helps mellow its sometimes bitter flavor.

You can start harvesting young leaves within a few weeks, and full-size leaves take about 50 to 60 days. Varieties like Red Russian or Lacinato are especially popular for fall gardens because they’re cold-tolerant and productive.

As long as the ground doesn't freeze solid, kale will keep growing (or at least hang on) well into winter.

3. Spinach

Spinach thrives in cooler weather and can handle light frosts without a problem. If planted in early to mid-September, you’ll get a good harvest before winter.

Some gardeners also overwinter spinach under a low tunnel or cold frame to get an early spring crop. It matures in 45 to 50 days, but baby spinach can be harvested as early as 30 days.

Spinach prefers rich, moist soil and benefits from a bit of afternoon shade if your September weather stays warm.

4. Cabbage

Cabbage loves consistent, cool temperatures, making September an ideal time to get it in the ground. It’s a bit slower to mature (usually around 70 to 90 days) so early planting is important.

You can choose from a variety of types, including green, red, and Savoy, each with slightly different flavors and textures.

Cabbage needs plenty of room to form heads, so don’t overcrowd your bed. With the right care and some mulch, it can withstand colder temperatures and even light frost.

5. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a versatile green that keeps producing even when other crops start to fade. It’s not as cold-hardy as kale, but it still holds up well in cool weather and can survive mild frosts.

You can start harvesting outer leaves while the plant continues to grow new ones. Rainbow chard adds color to your garden and your plate, while traditional white-stemmed varieties tend to be a bit more vigorous.

Chard grows well in both containers and garden beds, making it a flexible choice for fall.

6. Arugula

Arugula is one of the fastest-growing greens you can plant in September. It germinates quickly, often within a few days, and baby leaves are ready to pick in about three weeks.

The flavor is peppery and sharp, which makes it a great addition to salads and sandwiches. It prefers cooler temperatures, so early fall is a sweet spot before frost sets in.

Just keep in mind – if it gets too warm, arugula will bolt and go to seed almost overnight.

7. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens bring a spicy kick to fall salads and stir-fries. Like arugula, they grow quickly and are best planted when daytime temps start to dip.

You’ll typically get a harvest in 30 to 40 days, depending on the variety. They handle light frosts well and actually become more flavorful as the weather cools. For a steady supply, try sowing seeds every couple of weeks through early fall.

8. Broccoli

Broccoli can still be planted in September in zones with mild fall weather—just choose a fast-maturing variety that finishes in 60 days or less.

It prefers consistent moisture and cooler temperatures, both of which are easier to manage as summer fades.

If you're outside of those warm zones, you can also start broccoli indoors and transplant it later.

The heads need stable conditions to form properly, so avoid too much heat or dramatic cold snaps. With good timing, you’ll get a reliable crop into November.

9. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is more finicky than broccoli but still very doable in a fall garden if you get the timing right. It needs cool, stable weather and benefits from a layer of mulch to keep the soil evenly moist.

September planting works well in zones where frost arrives later – look for varieties with shorter days to maturity.

Keep in mind that sudden heat or cold can cause the heads to discolor or form poorly. Despite that, when conditions are right, the results are excellent.

10. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a long-haul crop—most varieties need 90 to 100 days to mature. That means you’ll need to get them started in early September at the latest, depending on your zone.

They love cold weather and actually improve in flavor after a hard frost. The plants themselves are hardy and can survive even when other crops fade. Just give them rich soil, consistent watering, and some time, and they’ll reward your patience.

Alliums to Plant in September

Alliums are your long-game players. They won’t give you a fast harvest, but they pay off big later – especially when planted in the fall.

Garlic and overwintering onions use the cold season to get established, then explode with growth in spring. September is the sweet spot for setting them in the ground.

They don’t need much attention once planted – just time, cold weather, and a bit of patience.

11. Onions

Fall is the time for specific onion types – mainly overwintering or short-day varieties, depending on your zone. These onions start to root in the fall, sleep through winter, and take off as soon as the soil warms up in spring.

That means you’re harvesting way earlier than if you wait until next season to plant. The key is finding the right variety for your latitude. And once they’re in? Water them in, mulch lightly, and leave them alone.

12. Garlic

Garlic thrives on neglect – after you plant it. But timing matters. You want to plant garlic cloves in September (or October in some zones) so they have time to root before the deep freeze hits.

Garlic actually needs that cold period to split into separate cloves, so skipping fall planting usually means small bulbs.

Stick them in rich, well-drained soil, pointy side up, about 2 inches deep. Mulch thickly, then forget about them until spring.

Warm Season Vegetables (For Mild or Second Summer Regions)

Not everyone’s garden is cooling down fast in September. In warmer zones—or places with a second summer – there’s still time to squeeze in another round of warm-season crops.

The trick: go for fast-maturing varieties. You don’t have months to spare, so anything over 60 days is probably too late unless your frost is seriously delayed.

If your weather is holding steady and the soil's still warm, you've got options.

13. Tomatoes

September tomatoes are a gamble, but a good one if you know your zone. Stick with cherry types or short-season determinates – anything in the 50 to 60-day range.

Larger heirlooms are probably off the table at this point unless you're growing in a greenhouse. Start with healthy seedlings, not seeds, and plant in the sunniest, warmest spot you’ve got.

Keep an eye on nighttime temps – once they drop below 50°F regularly, tomatoes will start to sulk.

14. Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers need warmth, but small-fruited varieties like shishitos or mini bells mature faster. If your nights are still mild and your days stay warm through October, you're in the clear.

Don’t expect bumper crops, but a handful of late-season peppers can still be worth the space. They’re a little slower to take off than tomatoes, so start with transplants if possible.

And make sure they’re in full sun – it makes all the difference.

15. Cucumbers

Look for compact bush types or fast-growing vines – some can start producing in as little as 50 days. They’re thirsty plants, so consistent watering is key, especially in warmer fall conditions.

If frost hits early where you are, skip them. But if you’ve got a six-week window of warmth left, they can absolutely work.

Trellising helps keep fruit clean and saves space if you're doing a second round in a smaller garden bed.

16. Squash and Zucchini

Summer squash is a quick grower. Many varieties hit maturity in 45 to 60 days, which gives you just enough time for one more crop in early fall.

They’re sensitive to cold, so don’t bother unless your area stays reliably above 50°F for another month or more. Go for bush types to save space and speed up harvest.

Zucchini especially tends to crank out fruit fast once it starts.

17. Bush Beans

Bush beans are a go-to for fast, reliable yields. Most mature in 50 to 55 days, which makes them one of the safer bets for warm September gardens.

Unlike pole beans, they don’t need trellising and produce all at once. That’s perfect if you’re just trying to get one good harvest before frost. They do need warm soil to germinate, though, so don’t try them if your nights are already chilly.

18. Eggplants

Eggplants are slower, so they’re a bit of a stretch in late-season gardens unless your zone stays warm into November. That said, small-fruited types like Japanese or fairy tale eggplants mature faster and don’t need as much time to finish.

Transplants are your only real option this late in the game. Give them sun, warmth, and water—and be realistic. They might not produce a full flush, but even a handful of tender eggplants can be worth the effort.

Herbs to Plant in September

September herbs are a mixed bag. Some are winding down, others are just getting started – especially in warmer zones.

If you’re dealing with lingering heat, now’s a great time to sneak in a few last sowings or transplants of herbs that love warm soil.

These aren’t just useful in the kitchen – they’re often easy to grow, forgiving if neglected, and perfect for containers if you’re short on space.

19. Basil

Basil is a warm-season diva. It needs heat, plain and simple. If your nights stay above 55°F, you can still grow a decent crop especially with fast-growing varieties like Genovese or Thai basil.

Direct sowing is risky in cooler temps, so stick with transplants if you're starting in September. Once the temperature drops too far, though, basil blackens practically overnight—so enjoy it while you can, and dry or freeze any extras.

20. Oregano

Oregano is a bit more flexible. It’s a perennial in many zones and can be planted in early fall to establish before winter hits.

It won’t grow much this season, but it’ll be ready to come back strong in spring. In mild climates, it may keep going right through winter with little effort. Just give it well-drained soil and plenty of sun.

21. Rosemary

Rosemary needs warmth to get going, but once established, it’s incredibly hardy in the right zones (often USDA 7 and up). In warmer regions, planting in September gives it time to root before winter.

Don’t expect much top growth this fall – it’s all about building a root system. If you live somewhere cold, consider growing it in a pot so you can bring it indoors when frost hits. Either way, it’s worth planting now if the weather cooperates.

22. Thyme

Thyme is low-maintenance and frost-tolerant once established. Like oregano, it won’t explode with growth in fall, but it does well if planted now in warmer regions.

It prefers dry, lean soil and full sun – overwatering is the fastest way to kill it.

In containers or raised beds, thyme works beautifully as a fragrant, useful filler. And once it's in, it tends to stick around year after year with minimal fuss.

23. Sage

Sage is another hardy perennial herb that appreciates a fall planting. In zones 6 and up, it can survive the winter if planted early enough to establish roots. It prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t like soggy feet, so avoid heavy clay or low spots.

While you won’t get much harvest this season, next year’s plant will be fuller and more productive. Like rosemary, it’s also a good candidate for container growing if your winters are harsh.

Plant for Fall in September

September isn’t the end of the gardening season – it’s just a shift. A reset. While some crops bow out, others are just hitting their stride.

Whether you're planting quick greens for fall salads, hardy roots to sweeten in the cold, or prepping garlic for next year’s harvest, there's still plenty to do in the dirt. And the best part is the cooler temps make it all a little more forgiving – less watering, fewer pests, and calmer plants.

If you plant with your zone and frost dates in mind, September can be one of the most productive and low-maintenance planting months of the year. So check your soil, grab your seeds, and make the most of it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What zone is best for fall planting in September?

Zones 6 through 10 generally offer the best conditions for fall planting, but with the right timing and crop choice, gardeners in cooler zones can also make it work.

2. Can I grow warm-season vegetables in cooler climates during September?

Only if your area has a late frost and you choose quick-maturing varieties. In most cooler zones, it's better to focus on cold-tolerant crops.

3. How do I protect my fall crops from early frost?

Use row covers, cold frames, or mulch to insulate your plants. These simple tools can add several weeks of growing time.

4. What are the best fast-growing vegetables to plant in September?

Radishes, arugula, spinach, and bush beans are some of the quickest to mature and work well in early fall.

5. Do I need to fertilize when planting in fall?

Yes, but lightly. The focus should be on building root systems, so use compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support steady growth.