What to Plant in September

Madison, WI · Zone 5a

Last frost: May 5 Frost-free days: 153

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
Radish
Turnip

Direct Sow 3

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Turnip
Turnip
Mar 24 – Sep 23
9 per sq ft 30–60 days
Cilantro
Cilantro
Sep 1–23
9 per sq ft 30–45 days
Radish
Radish
Sep 1–30
16 per sq ft 22–30 days

September Gardening Tips

  • Direct sow Radish, Turnip, Cilantro 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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