What to Plant in September

Boston, MA · Zone 6b

Last frost: Apr 10 Frost-free days: 209

The first frost is approaching. Finish up fall plantings and protect tender crops. Garlic goes in the ground this month or next. Harvest and preserve summer bounty.

September at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow
1 5 10 15 20 25
Cilantro
Beet
Kale
Peas
Radish
Swiss Chard
Turnip

Transplant 2

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Kale
Kale
Apr 1 – Sep 8
1 per sq ft 50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard
Apr 1 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Direct Sow 5

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Beet
Beet
Mar 24 – Sep 15
9 per sq ft 50–70 days
Turnip
Turnip
Mar 24 – Oct 8
9 per sq ft 30–60 days
Peas
Peas
Aug 17 – Sep 8
8 per sq ft 55–70 days
Cilantro
Cilantro
Sep 1–30
9 per sq ft 30–45 days
Radish
Radish
Sep 1 – Oct 8
16 per sq ft 22–30 days

September Gardening Tips

  • Kale, Swiss Chard can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
  • Direct sow Peas, Beet, Radish straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
  • Protect tender crops from early frost with row cover — this can extend your season by several weeks.

Nearby Cities

Ready to plan your garden?

Add these crops to your garden plan and get personalized planting reminders for Zone 6b.

Start Planning Free