What to Plant in September
Buffalo, NY · Zone 6a
Last frost: May 5
Frost-free days: 163
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
Lettuce
Peas
Radish
Swiss Chard
Turnip
Transplant 3
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Swiss Chard
Apr 1 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Kale
Apr 9 – Sep 8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Lettuce
Aug 17 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Direct Sow 5
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Beet
Apr 1 – Sep 15
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Peas
Apr 1 – Sep 8
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
Turnip
Apr 1 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Cilantro
Aug 17 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Radish
Aug 17 – Oct 8
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
September Gardening Tips
- Lettuce, 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.
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