What to Plant in September
Indianapolis, IN · Zone 6a
Last frost: Apr 17
Frost-free days: 181
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
Mar 17 – Sep 8
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Swiss Chard
Mar 17 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft
50–60 days
Direct Sow 5
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Plant now
Beet
Mar 9 – Sep 15
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Turnip
Mar 9 – Oct 8
9 per sq ft
30–60 days
Peas
Aug 17 – Sep 15
8 per sq ft
55–70 days
Later this month
Cilantro
Sep 16–30
9 per sq ft
30–45 days
Radish
Sep 16 – 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.
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