What to Plant in September
USDA Zone 8a
Last frost: Mar 1 – Mar 15
Frost-free days: 220–250
The fall growing season is in full swing. Transplant brassicas and direct sow greens, root vegetables, and herbs that thrive in cooler temperatures.
September at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage
Lettuce
Spinach
Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Transplant 4
Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.
Rosemary
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Thyme
Jan 1 – Dec 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Oregano
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Jan 1 – Dec 31
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Direct Sow 5
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Carrots
Feb 1 – Sep 1
16 per sq ft
70–80 days
Radishes
Feb 1 – Nov 1
16 per sq ft
22–30 days
Lettuce
Sep 1 – Oct 15
4 per sq ft
45–60 days
Beets
Sep 1 – Oct 15
9 per sq ft
50–70 days
Spinach
Sep 15 – Oct 15
9 per sq ft
35–50 days
September Gardening Tips
- Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
- Direct sow Lettuce, Spinach, Carrots 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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