What to Plant in September
Des Moines, IA · Zone 5b
Last frost: Apr 25
Frost-free days: 168
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
Beet
Radish
Turnip
Direct Sow 3
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Beet
Mar 17 – Sep 8
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Turnip
Mar 17 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Later this month
Radish
Sep 16 – Oct 8
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
September Gardening Tips
- Direct sow Beet, Radish, Turnip 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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