I’m thrilled to guide you through everything you need for a perfect September garden in Florida. This gardening series will provide you with all the vegetables you can start from seed in the garden for this month. I’m also including 3 projects to complete and a special tip for the month.
Planting Extravaganza:
September signals the grand entrance of our fall plantings. While we initiated warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers last month, now is the time for traditional cool-weather favorites. Here’s the exciting lineup:
- From Seed: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, green beans, summer squash, cucumbers, carrots, shelling peas, and sugar snap peas. Pro Tip: Embrace experimentation! Even Brussels sprouts mishaps can turn into tasty alternatives like “kale chips.”
- On the Horizon: Lettuce, radishes, turnips, beets, collards, and chard. While it’s tempting, I’m holding off for another month due to Florida’s unpredictable weather.
- Keep the Warm Vibes: Continue starting seeds for tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, beans, corn, onions, and eggplants. Speaking of onions, start them now for perfect transplanting in late October or early November.
- Strawberry Dreams: Don’t forget strawberries! Fresh plants will be making their debut by the end of the month.
Garden Projects:
- Farewell to Summer Stars: Bid adieu to summer champs like Thai Soldier beans, cowpeas, and the mighty wall of black beans. Clearing out these thriving but buggy havens will discourage pests.
- Hold the Harvest: Sweet potatoes and tropical squash get a pass for now. Sweet potatoes need another month or two, while the tropical squash will be part of the fall garden.
- Potato Planting Fiesta: It’s time for the grand fall planting of Yukon Gold potatoes. After chitting, cutting, and scabbing over, these early potatoes will ensure a year-round supply without tough skins.
Special Tip – Garlic Galore:
September unveils the perfect opportunity to order soft neck or creole seed garlic. Kickstart the vernalization process by placing them in the fridge for a minimum of 6 weeks (aim for 12). Plant these cold-acclimated garlic cloves by late November to December for a bountiful harvest. Check out my garlic-growing guide for foolproof steps in conquering garlic in Florida.
Let the September gardening extravaganza begin!
