10 Valuable Crops You Should ALWAYS Be Planting in September

Summary

In this gardening video, the hosts discuss 10 crops suitable for planting in September, including lettuce, spinach, radishes, kale, beets, arugula, Swiss chard, and herbs like cilantro and parsley. They share tips for successful planting, such as soaking seeds and succession planting, and suggest cold-hardy varieties for extended growing seasons. The video also offers advice on using mulch, row covers, and plastic covers to protect plants as temperatures drop, ensuring a bountiful harvest well into winter.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Lettuce can be planted in September, with varieties like Winter Marvel and Bronze Minette being cold-hardy and suitable for cooler weather.
• 🥬 Spinach is a good crop for succession planting and can be continually harvested for its leaves, with varieties like Space and Bloomsdale being cold-tolerant.
• 🥕 Radishes are quick-growing and can be planted in September for a fast harvest, with the Pink Lady Slipper and Giant of Sicily being good varieties.
• 🥬 Kale, especially varieties like Red Russian and White Russian, are hardy and can be planted late into the season for a winter harvest.
• 🥕 Beets can be planted in early September, with soaking the seeds for 12 hours before planting to improve germination.
• 🌿 Arugula can survive light frost and is less likely to bolt in the fall, with cold-hardy varieties like Ice Breaker being suitable for late planting.
• 🥬 Swiss chard is a cold-hardy plant that can be planted in September and will grow well into the winter with protection.
• 🌿 Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley can be started in pots for indoor winter growth if planted late in the season.
• 🥕 Carrots can be planted late if using quick-maturing varieties like the Mokum, which takes about 48 days from seed to harvest.
• 🌿 Cold-hardy greens like Tat Soi, Claytonia, and Mustard Greens can be planted for a winter harvest, with some varieties growing through the winter without a cover.

Q & A

What are some crops that can still be planted in September?

In September, you can still plant crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, kale, beets, arugula, Swiss chard, cilantro, parsley, and carrots.

Why is lettuce a good crop to plant in September?

Lettuce grows quickly and can survive light frost, especially if you plant cold-hardy varieties like Winter Marvel or Bronze Minette.

How does the gardener suggest planting lettuce in early September?

The gardener suggests starting lettuce in Bago seed cells and then transplanting them into the garden at a rate of four per square foot.

What adjustments should be made when planting lettuce later in September?

As days get shorter and weather cooler, the gardener suggests planting lettuce denser and choosing cut-and-come-again varieties that are ideal for winter.

What are some tips for improving spinach seed germination?

Tips include soaking spinach seeds for 24 hours before planting and using stratification by freezing and then refrigerating the seeds to mimic natural conditions.

How does the gardener suggest planting radishes in September?

Radishes are quick to mature and can be succession planted with varieties like Pink Lady Slipper and Giant of Sicily radishes that mature at different times.

What are the benefits of planting kale in September?

Kale varieties like Red Russian and White Russian are super hardy and can be planted in September for a late-season harvest.

How should beets be planted for optimal germination?

Soak beet seeds for about 12 hours before planting to ensure a higher and more consistent germination rate.

Why is arugula a good choice for planting in September?

Arugula can survive a light frost, is less likely to bolt, and has a milder, less bitter flavor when planted in the fall compared to spring or summer.

What are some cold-hardy greens that can be planted late in the season?

Cold-hardy greens include tatsoi, claytonia, red vein sorrel, bok choy, and various mustard greens, which can extend the growing season into winter.

What strategies can be used to extend the growing season into winter?

Strategies include using thick mulch, row covers, succession planting, and plastic covers to protect plants and extend the harvest period.