What to Plant in September in the UK

September marks the transition from summer to autumn in the UK vegetable garden. While most of the main growing season is coming to an end, there are still a few vegetables that can be planted for autumn and early winter harvests.

Cooler temperatures and shorter days mean plant growth slows, but some crops grow well in these conditions.

September is also a good time to prepare the garden for the months ahead.

Vegetables to sow outdoors in September

A small number of vegetables can still be planted outdoors in early autumn.

These include:

  • spinach

  • spring onions

  • winter lettuce varieties

  • broad beans (late September in some areas)

These crops tolerate cooler temperatures better than summer vegetables.

Planting for next year

In some parts of the UK, September is a good time to plant crops that will grow slowly over winter.

Examples include:

  • overwintering onions

  • broad beans

  • garlic (late September or October)

These crops establish roots before winter and grow again in spring.

Container planting in September

Containers can still be used for cool-season crops.

Good options include:

  • lettuce

  • spinach

  • herbs

Placing containers in sheltered spots can help plants continue growing.

Garden jobs for September

September is an important month for garden maintenance.

You can:

  • harvest remaining summer crops

  • remove finished plants

  • clear weeds

  • add compost to beds

  • prepare soil for next season

These small tasks help keep the garden healthy.

Preparing for cooler weather

As temperatures begin to drop, plant growth slows naturally.

Focusing on hardy vegetables and garden preparation helps the garden transition into autumn.

September is less about planting large crops and more about maintaining the garden and planning ahead.

laura tennant