What to Plant in September: Seeds & Transplants for Zones 8a, 8b, and 9a.
September is a month of transition in the garden. In USDA Hardiness Zones 8a, 8b, and 9a, the scorching summer heat begins to ease, making room for a fresh wave of cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Whether you prefer starting from seed or giving yourself a head start with transplants, this is a great month to get your fall garden thriving.
🌿 Vegetables to Start from Seed
If you love the satisfaction of growing straight from the soil, here are excellent choices to sow directly in September:
Leafy Greens: Spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, mustard greens, kale, and lettuce mixes thrive as the weather cools.
Root Crops: Beets, carrots, turnips, and radishes are quick growers that do well when planted directly in the garden this month.
Legumes: Snap peas or sugar peas can be sown now for a tasty fall harvest.
Brassicas (for succession planting): Broccoli rabe (rapini) and Asian greens like bok choy and tatsoi can handle cooler days.
Tip: Keep soil moist while seeds germinate—early fall can still bring warm afternoons in these zones.
🌱 Vegetables Best as Transplants
Starting with young plants gives you a head start and ensures stronger harvests before winter. In September, look for:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Collard greens
Brussels sprouts
Tip: Choose healthy, stocky starts from local nurseries—they’re often acclimated to your area’s climate.
🌸 Herbs & Flowers for Fall Interest
September is also a wonderful time to refresh your herb and flower beds:
Herbs (seeds or transplants): Cilantro, dill, parsley, oregano, and thyme.
Cool-season flowers (seeds or transplants): Pansies, violas, dianthus, and snapdragons add color and attract pollinators through fall and winter.
🍂 Gardening Notes for September
Prepare the Soil: Refresh beds with compost or organic matter to replace nutrients used up over summer.
Watch for Pests: Caterpillars and aphids are still active—check undersides of leaves regularly.
Succession Planting: Sow smaller amounts every 2–3 weeks to extend harvests well into late fall.
🌻 Final Thoughts
September is the bridge between summer’s abundance and fall’s fresh beginnings. By choosing the right mix of seeds and transplants for your zone, you’ll set yourself up for a vibrant and productive cool-season garden.
So grab your seeds, tuck in some transplants, and enjoy the start of your fall gardening season—it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to be in the garden!