What Veg Seeds To Sow In September

As the heat of summer starts to cool and the autumn air begins to set in, it’s the perfect opportunity to start sowing a variety of crops for a bountiful harvest. Here’s a few of our favourite crops to be sowing in September.

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Autumn Radish

Radishes are fast-growing and perfect for the cooler autumn months.

• Preparation: Choose a sunny spot and prepare well-drained soil by removing any stones and adding compost.
• Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the soil about 2 cm deep and 4 cm apart in rows 15 cm apart.
• Care: Keep the soil moist and thin the seedlings to 4 cm apart once they are a few cm tall.
• Harvest: Radishes are ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks. Pull them when they are of a usable size to avoid them becoming woody.

Lettuce

Lettuce thrives in the cooler weather and offers a quick harvest.

• Preparation: Choose a spot that gets partial sun. Prepare the soil with compost.
• Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors. Space seeds 2 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.
• Care: Keep the soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 15-30 cm apart, depending on the variety.
• Harvest: Harvest leaves as they mature or wait until the heads form, usually in 6-8 weeks.

Mustard

Mustard greens are hardy and grow quickly in cooler weather.

• Preparation: Select a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil.
• Sowing: Sow seeds 3 cm deep and 4 cm apart in rows 30-40 cm apart.
• Care: Water regularly to keep the soil moist and thin seedlings to 15 cm apart.
• Harvest: Leaves can be harvested when they are young and tender, usually within 4-6 weeks.

Asian Greens

One of our most popular varieties is Pak Choi Vivid.

• Preparation: Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil.
• Sowing: Sow seeds 2 cm deep and 4 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.
• Care: Water regularly and thin seedlings to 15 cm apart.
• Harvest: Harvest individual leaves or whole plants when they are mature, usually in 4-6 weeks.

Micro Tomatoes

Micro tomatoes are a great variety to grow through winter indoors. If you are looking to grow micro tomatoes throughout the winter you will require grow lights. Using grow lights can be a daunting idea to some but we have a very helpful video all about growing using heat mats and grow lights that you can watch HERE.

• Preparation: Choose a sunny spot or a bright indoor location. Use a high-quality potting mix.
• Sowing: Start seeds indoors, sowing them 2 cm deep in small pots or seed trays.
• Care: Transplant seedlings to larger pots when they have a few true leaves. Water regularly and provide support as they grow.
• Harvest: Micro tomatoes are ready to harvest in about 8-10 weeks. Pick the fruits when they are fully coloured and ripe.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are pretty frost-tolerant making them an ideal crop for autumn sowing.

• Preparation: Select a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil.
• Sowing: Sow seeds 2 cm deep in rows 40-50 cm apart.
• Care: Thin seedlings to 30-40 cm apart and keep the soil moist.
• Harvest: Harvest leaves as needed, starting with the lower leaves. Mature plants are ready in about 6-8 weeks.

Broad Beans

Broad beans can be a great crop for overwintering.

• Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Sowing: Sow seeds 8 cm deep and 15 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart.
• Care: Water regularly and provide support as plants grow.
• Harvest: Pods are ready to harvest when they are fully formed but still tender, usually in 10-12 weeks.

Peas

Peas are a good crop to sow indoors in September and then keep indoors over winter for planting out in early spring.

• Preparation: Select a sunny location and prepare the soil with compost.
• Sowing: Sow seeds 4 cm deep and 8 cm apart in rows 40-50 cm apart.
• Care: Provide support with trellises or stakes. Keep the soil moist.
• Harvest: Harvest peas when the pods are full and the peas are tender, usually in 8-10 weeks.

Calendula

While Calendula flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden they are also a great edible and ideal for overwintering.

• Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden, 4 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart.
• Care: Water regularly and thin seedlings to 30 cm apart.
• Harvest: Flowers can be harvested once they bloom, usually in 8-10 weeks. Use petals in salads or as a garnish.

Swiss Chard

• Sowing: Direct sow seeds about 2 cm deep and and 10 cm apart, cover with soil and water. Space an additional rows 45 cm apart
• Care: Water regularly and keep soil consistently moist
• Harvest: Swiss chard should be ready to harvest four to six weeks after planting. 

Sowing these varieties this September should leave you with plenty of flourishing crops ready to harvest throughout autumn. Happy gardening!