If you are serious about getting the best result out of your garden this fall, September is the month to focus on. Most experienced gardeners from Zone 7 say that September brings the perfect balance of warm soil and cool air, which is perfect for fall crops to grow strong and healthy.
This isn't just another "plant lettuce now" article. What you will read below is a carefully sorted list of plants that actually grow best in Zone 7 during September. This guide focuses only on crops that give real results, so you won't waste time or effort on plants that struggle in this month. I have also included practical tips from real gardeners from Zone 7, so you know exactly when and how to plant for the best results.
By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what to plant, how to take care of it, and when you can expect to harvest. No guesswork, no fluff. It’s a carefully researched guide that gives you a simple, reliable plan to help your garden grow well this fall and get ready for spring.
Top Vegetables and Leafy Greens to Plant in September (Zone 7 Guide)
September is a great time to get your hands dirty and plant some cool-weather vegetables. They love the shorter days and cooler soil. If you plant fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce, they will be ready to eat in under a month, and the slower crops like broccoli and carrots keep producing fresh vegetables through the fall.
As we all know, different plant varieties grow and mature at different speeds. So, if you pick plant types (varieties) that grow quickly enough, you can harvest your crops before the cold winter frost damages them.
Now you might be thinking, "But how do I know which varieties actually grow fast enough?" Don’t worry, I've already done the hard work for you. In the table below, you will find all the important information you need to choose the right varieties. Actually, I am here to help you save your money, your time, and your effort.
| Leafy Green / Vegetable | Best Planting Time | Planting Method | Transplanting Time | First Harvest | Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinach | Early–Mid September | Direct seed | Not needed | 40–50 days | Bloomsdale Long Standing, Space Hybrid |
| Lettuce (leaf, romaine, butterhead) | Early–Mid September | Direct seed or transplants | 2–3 weeks after seeding | 30–60 days | Black Seeded Simpson, Buttercrunch, Romaine |
| Kale | Early September | Direct seed | Mid September | 50–65 days | Lacinato, Winterbor |
| Collard Greens | Early September | Direct seed | Mid September | 55–70 days | Georgia Southern, Champion |
| Mustard Greens | Early–Mid September | Direct seed | Not needed | 30–40 days | Southern Giant Curled |
| Bok Choy | Early–Mid September | Direct seed or transplants | 2–3 weeks after seeding | 30–45 days | Joi Choi, Michihili |
| Beet Greens | Early–Mid September | Direct seed | Not needed | 35–50 days | Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia |
| Radishes | All September | Direct seed | Not needed | 25–30 days | Cherry Belle, French Breakfast |
| Carrots | Early September | Direct seed | Not needed | 60–75 days | Danvers 126, Nantes |
| Beets | Early–Mid September | Direct seed | Not needed | 55–70 days | Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia |
| Turnips | Early September | Direct seed | Not needed | 40–60 days | Purple Top White Globe |
| Broccoli | Early September | Transplants | Mature seedlings | 60–80 days | Packman, De Cicco |
| Cauliflower | Early September | Transplants | Mature seedlings | 60–85 days | Snow Crown, Amazing |
| Onions | Early–Mid September | Sets or transplants | 3–4 weeks after planting | 90–120 days | Walla Walla, Red Baron |
| Garlic | Early September | Cloves | Not needed | 180–210 days | Music, German White |
If frost comes early, cover your young plants with a protective cloth. This keeps your plants safe from the frost, helps them grow strong, and gives you more time to harvest fresh, healthy crops.
One thing I highly recommend you is to always pick the right varieties to get bigger harvests, healthier plants, and tastier crops.
Transplant seedlings to their new spot only when they are strong and healthy. Follow the suggested timing after planting the seeds, because transplanting too soon or too late can lower your harvest.
Best Fruits and Berries to Grow in Zone 7 This September
In September, it’s a great time to plant some fruits and berries because summer is turning into fall. The weather starts to cool down a bit, which helps young plants adjust without stress (transplant shock), and the soil is still warm enough to support their strong root growth.
If you plant now, the plants will get time to adjust before winter, so they can grow better and give you more fruit next year or later.
You just need to pick the right plants and their suitable varieties for your weather and environment, and plant them at the right time.
| Fruit / Berry | Best Planting Time in September | Planting Method | Transplanting Tips | First Harvest | Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | All September | Bare-root or plugs | Plant immediately; mulch after planting | Next spring | Chandler, Seascape, Albion |
| Raspberries | All September | Bare-root or container | Plant in well-drained soil; prune roots | Next summer | Heritage, Fall Gold, Caroline |
| Blackberries | Early September | Bare-root or container | Keep roots moist; provide trellis | Next summer | Navaho, Apache, Triple Crown |
| Blueberries | Late September | Bare-root or container | Prefer acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5); mulch | 2–3 years | Duke, Legacy, Bluecrop |
| Apples (bare-root) | Mid–September | Bare-root trees | Plant before first frost; stake young trees | 2–4 years | Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji |
| Pears (bare-root) | Mid–September | Bare-root trees | Plant before soil freezes; mulch base | 3–5 years | Bartlett, Bosc, D’Anjou |
| Grapes | Early September | Bare-root or container | Provide trellis/support; water regularly | 2–3 years | Concord, Niagara, Flame Seedless |
| Currants & Gooseberries | Early September | Bare-root | Plant in partial shade; prune lightly | Next summer | Red Lake (currant), Hinnomaki Red (gooseberry) |
Most fruits and berries grow best in full sunlight, about 6–8 hours a day. Pick a spot in your garden where they can get the most sun for the best fruit.
Don’t grow the same fruit in the same place every year, and give your plants enough space so air can flow around them to prevent diseases.
Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, like straw, shredded bark, or pine needles, around your plant's base. It keeps roots safe from early frost, holds in soil moisture, and stops weeds from growing.
Flowers to Plant in September for Fall Color and Spring Blooms
In September, you can plant a mix of flowers for fall color, spring blooms next year, and cool-season beauty. As I mentioned earlier, you just need to pick the right plants and plant them at the right time.
In the table below, you will get all the important information you need to have a healthy and successful garden.
| Flower Name | Best Planting Time | Planting Method | Transplanting Time | First Bloom | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roses | All September | Bare-root or transplants | 1–2 weeks after planting | Spring–Summer (next year) | Perennial / Flowering shrub |
| Mums (Chrysanthemums) | Early–Mid September | Transplants | 1 week after planting | Fall | Perennial / Fall-blooming |
| Shasta Daisies | Mid September | Transplants | 1 week after planting | Spring–Summer (next year) | Perennial / Classic garden |
| Calendulas | Early–Mid September | Seeds | Not needed | Fall | Annual / Edible |
| Coneflowers (Echinacea) | All September | Seeds or transplants | 1–2 weeks after planting | Summer (next year) | Perennial / Pollinator-friendly |
| Daffodils | Mid–Late September | Bulbs | Not needed | Spring | Perennial / Spring-blooming bulb |
| Violets | Early September | Seeds or transplants | 1–2 weeks after planting | Fall | Annual / Cool-season |
| Strawflowers (Xerochrysum) | Mid September | Seeds | Not needed | Fall | Annual / Cut flower |
| Goldenrod | Mid–Late September | Seeds or divisions | Not needed | Fall | Perennial / Pollinator-friendly |
| Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia) | Mid - Late September | Seeds or transplants | 1–2 weeks after planting | Summer (next year) | Perennial / Long-blooming |
| Asters | Early September | Seeds or transplants | 1 week after planting | Fall | Perennial / Fall-blooming |
Use soil that drains water easily and mix in some compost to make the roots of your plants strong and healthy.
Give new flowers enough water to help them grow healthy before winter.
In Zone 7, the first frost usually comes around mid-November, so plan your planting accordingly.
Spread a layer of mulch around your plants to keep the soil moist and the temperature steady.
Best Herbs That Thrive in September in Zone 7
You can plant herbs like cilantro and dill in September since they thrive in cooler weather and stay leafy longer without going to seed.
Perennial herbs like thyme and sage can also be planted now. They won't produce much this fall, but they'll grow strong for a great harvest next year.
| Herb | Best Planting Time | Planting Method | Transplanting Time | First Harvest | Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chives | Early September | Transplants | 1 week after planting | 6–8 weeks | Common Chives, Garlic Chives |
| Cilantro (Coriander) | Mid–Late September | Seeds | Not needed | 4–6 weeks | Santo, Calypso |
| Mint | Early - Mid September | Transplants / Divisions | 1 week after planting | Next spring | Spearmint, Peppermint |
| Oregano | Early September | Transplants | 1 week after planting | Next spring | Greek Oregano, Italian Oregano |
| Parsley | All September | Seeds / Transplants | 2–3 weeks after planting | 8–12 weeks | Curly Leaf, Flat Leaf (Italian) |
| Sage | Early September | Transplants | 1 week after planting | Next spring | Common Sage, Purple Sage |
| Thyme | Early–Mid September | Seeds / Transplants | 1 week after planting | Next spring | English Thyme, Lemon Thyme |
Put a layer of mulch around the perennial herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or sage) to protect their roots from cold.
In winter, put a thin layer of straw or leaves on the soil around your Parsley to keep its roots warm and help it keep growing.
After you plant the herbs, keep the soil damp and give young plants some shade with partial sunlight.
