September: Big Harvests & Cool-Season Crops

September: Big Harvests & Cool-Season Crops

Introduction

September marks the transition from summer abundance to autumn preparation. You’re still harvesting heat-loving crops, but it’s also the time to focus on cool-season planting and bed preparation for the months ahead.

Think of September almost like a second Spring.

With a LifeSpace Garden powered by GardenWells sub-irrigation, you can manage fluctuating temperatures and irregular rainfall while keeping your plants hydrated and thriving.

Reservoir Rhythm for September

As temperatures start to cool and days shorten, your plants slow down a little — meaning less frequent refills. Expect to top up your GardenWells reservoirs about every 10–14 days. Use the WaterStem to check levels — when the Hummingbird indicator rises, you’re topped up and good to go.

Pro Tip: September’s weather can be unpredictable. Watch forecasted rainfall and adjust top-ups accordingly to avoid overfilling.

Reservoir vs. Top-Watering Comparison for September

Watering Method Average Refill Frequency Water Efficiency Plant Stress Risk Maintenance Level
GardenWells Wicking Bed Every 10–14 days ★★★★★ (90%+ retained) Very low — stable moisture keeps plants happy Minimal
Traditional Top Watering Every 2–3 days ★★☆☆☆ (50% retained) Moderate — topsoil dries quickly on warm days High
Hand-Watering Containers Daily ★☆☆☆☆ (30–40% retained) High — uneven hydration causes stress Intensive

Key Gardening Tasks for September

1. Harvest & Preserve

  • Pick tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and beans regularly before cool nights slow production.

  • Start preserving your harvest: freeze herbs, can tomatoes, or pickle cucumbers.

2. Plant Cool-Season Crops

  • Direct-seed radishes, spinach, kale, and lettuce for crisp autumn harvests.

  • Get broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts seedlings transplanted early this month for strong fall crops.

3. Refresh Your Beds

  • Top-dress your garden with compost to restore nutrients depleted by heavy summer growth.

  • Mulch to stabilize soil temperatures and protect young fall seedlings.

4. Prep for Winter Growing

  • Cover young seedlings with low tunnels or frost cloth to extend your season.

  • Sow overwintering crops like garlic and onions in late September for an early spring jumpstart.

🌟 Veggie of the Month: Kale

Kale thrives in September’s cooler temperatures and actually gets sweeter after light frosts.

Quick Kale Tips:

  • Planting: Direct-seed or transplant into your wicking beds for fast establishment.

  • Harvesting: Use the “cut-and-come-again” method for continuous production.

  • Bonus Tip: Interplant with garlic to repel aphids naturally.

📘 Read the Full Kale Growing Guide →

What to Plant, Start, Transplant & Harvest in September

Action Veggies & Herbs
Direct-Seed Outdoors Spinach, Lettuce, Radishes, Arugula, Kale, Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens, Turnips, Beets, Carrots, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley
Start Indoors (early September only) Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage
Transplant Now Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Kale, Chives, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, Basil
Harvest This Month Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Beans, Eggplant, Lettuce, Spinach, Herbs, Carrots, Beets

Out-of-the-Box: Start Your Garden Today

Just unboxed your LifeSpace Garden? September is the perfect month to start fresh:

  • Sow spinach, radishes, and lettuce for quick autumn harvests.

  • Transplant broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts for late-season production.

  • Fill your GardenWells, confirm your Hummingbird is floating, and let your SIP do the work.

💡 Product Tips

September is about resetting your garden and planning for fall:

Back to A Year in Your LifeSpace Garden