What to Plant in September

Omaha, NE · Zone 5b

Last frost: Apr 20 Frost-free days: 173

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
Swiss Chard
Turnip

Transplant 1

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard
Mar 17 – Sep 8
4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Direct Sow 3

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Plant now

Beet
Beet
Mar 9 – Sep 8
9 per sq ft 50–70 days
Turnip
Turnip
Mar 9 – Sep 30
9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Later this month

Radish
Radish
Sep 16 – Oct 8
16 per sq ft 22–30 days

September Gardening Tips

  • Swiss Chard can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
  • 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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