Zone 8 - What to Plant in September

Zone 8 - What to Plant in September

Zone 8 growers still typically have about 3 months of growing season until the first frost hits in late November. September is the perfect time to plant broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, greens and more. Also there are several cover crops that can be planted now to help bring nutrients back to the garden this fall and early spring. Below is a list of items that can be planted in zone 8 in September.

Grand Rapid TBR lettuce is a versatile variety derived from the classic Grand Rapid lettuce, known for its resistance to diseases like downy mildew. Originating in the early 20th century, this loose-leaf type features frilled, light green leaves that form a rosette, offering both beauty and texture. The flavor is crisp and mild, making it a delightful addition to salads and sandwiches. Harvesting can begin around 45 days after planting, with the option to pick individual leaves for a continuous supply or to cut the entire head when fully mature. Grand Rapid TBR lettuce thrives in cooler climates and prefers well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for both spring and fall gardens, particularly for home gardeners seeking a reliable and flavorful crop.

The Self Blanching cauliflower is known for its bright white curds with a delicious flavor! The Self Blanching cauliflower has self-wrapping leaves that help protect the white curds from sun, thus the name Self Blanching Cauliflower. Remember cauliflower likes cool weather plant seed early spring or fall for best crops.

Interior texture is smooth and dense with bright white color, even when roots get large. Exceptional quality and taste when picked young, but still tasty if allowed to sit in the garden longer, giving gardener an extended harvest opportunity.

The Sparkler Radish is a bright scarlet colored radish with a sweet, juicy flesh and snappy flavor. This variety's scarlet skin fades to white on lower 1/3 of its round, to round oval bulb. This radish's medium tops are perfect for both home and market gardens. Sparkler can grow up to 1.5" diameter.

The Marvel of Four Seasons is a French butterhead lettuce with bibb-type rosette leaves. This butterhead, also known as Merveille des Quatre Saisons, is tasty and beautiful. The Marvel of Four Seasons has a robust shape with leaves ranging in bronze, gold, red and green.

The Lincoln Pea is an extra tender variety with a sweet flavor and high yields. This pea variety was introduced just after World War II during the peace time. Lincoln quickly became a popular home garden variety due to its versatility, as it can be eaten fresh, froze or canned. Its pods can reach 4-5" in length and are full of 6-9 sweet, tender peas. Lincoln does well in heat and should have a small pea fence or some sort of support or its vines.

A 1918 The Great Northern Seed Company says this variety is not withstanding its immense size. This variety does not get hollow or pithy and its flesh remains sparkling white, solid, crisp and juicy. This slower bolting variety has the mildest flavor with a tender, crunchy texture.

Round blue green 7-8 in. heads, 5-7 lb, standard storage type, does well in mountain areas, will adapt to Northeast, excellent yields, keeps until the late spring, very dependable.

Scarlet kale seeds are a vibrant and intriguing choice for any garden enthusiast looking to add a splash of color and a touch of nutrition to their harvest. These seeds produce kale with striking red and purple leaves that not only brighten up your garden but also provide a visually stunning addition to your plate. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, scarlet kale is as beneficial as it is beautiful. Its bold flavor, with a slightly peppery bite, can elevate a variety of dishes from salads to soups. Easy to grow, these seeds thrive in cooler weather and are resilient to frost, making them a versatile option for extending the growing season. With scarlet kale, you're not just cultivating a nutritious vegetable; you're enhancing your garden's aesthetic appeal with a vibrant, healthful crop.

The Prizehead Lettuce produces luscious slow bolting heads of loose, large green leaves with curled maroon tips. This variety is a popular lettuce for both home gardens and markets. Prizehead is truly a prize for its flavor being great in salads and sandwiches.

Tango Lettuce is a fun curled baby leaf lettuce variety! This lettuce has a crisp clean texture and holds up well with numerous salad dressings. This attractive uniform plant forms tight erect rosettes that are 12" across and 6-8" tall. Tango is an oak leaf variety.

The Purple Plum is an amazing purple skinned radish with a crisp, mild and sweet white flesh! This unique radish is different from the "typical" radish coloring. This small round shaped radish is early to harvest, which makes it great for home and market growers. Purple Plum is a nice variety to blend with other colors in mixes!