Best Vegetables and Herbs to Plant in California Gardens This Septembe

California’s mild climate provides gardeners with year-round growing opportunities, making it a haven for both seasoned and beginner green thumbs. September is a transitional month, marking the tail end of summer and the beginning of fall. It’s an excellent time to refresh your garden with a new variety of vegetables and herbs that thrive in the cooler weather. Whether you’re in the hot, dry regions of Southern California or the cooler coastal areas, there’s a wide range of plants that will flourish in your garden. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.

In this blog, we’ll cover the best vegetables and herbs to plant in California gardens during September, focusing on plants that are ideal for the unique Mediterranean-like climate. From leafy greens to root vegetables and flavorful herbs, these options will ensure a bountiful harvest come fall and winter.

1. Cool-Season Vegetables

1.1 Leafy Greens

September is the perfect time to start planting leafy greens that thrive in the cooler fall temperatures. These vegetables can be sown directly into the garden, and they tend to mature quickly, making them a favorite among home gardeners.

Lettuce: There’s an abundance of lettuce varieties to choose from, including Romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf types. Lettuce grows best when daytime temperatures range between 60-70°F, which makes California’s fall climate ideal for this crop.
Spinach: Another fast-growing green, spinach prefers cooler temperatures and is hardy enough to withstand some frost. It can be harvested as baby spinach within a few weeks of planting, or you can let it mature for larger leaves.
Kale: Kale thrives in cooler weather and becomes even sweeter after exposure to light frost. There are several varieties to try, from curly kale to the more tender Lacinato (also known as Dinosaur Kale). This nutrient-dense vegetable can be harvested continuously by cutting the outer leaves.
Swiss Chard: If you’re looking for a vibrant addition to your garden, Swiss Chard offers colorful stems in shades of red, yellow, and orange. It’s a hardy green that grows well in cooler weather and can be harvested repeatedly throughout the season.

1.2 Root Vegetables

September is the ideal time to plant root vegetables that will grow underground throughout the fall and winter. These crops typically prefer cooler soil and are perfect for garden beds that get plenty of sunlight.

Carrots: Carrots prefer cooler weather and loose, well-drained soil. Varieties like Nantes and Chantenay grow well in California gardens, and you can expect to harvest them in about 70-80 days.
Radishes: One of the fastest-growing root vegetables, radishes can be ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks. They are perfect for succession planting, allowing you to enjoy multiple harvests throughout the season. Varieties like Cherry Belle and French Breakfast are popular choices.
Beets: Beets are easy to grow and prefer cooler temperatures, making September an excellent time to plant them. Both the roots and the leaves are edible, providing a dual-purpose crop. Popular varieties include Detroit Dark Red and Golden Beets.
Turnips: Another fast-growing root vegetable, turnips thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested within 40-60 days. The greens and roots can also be eaten, making them a useful addition to any garden.

1.3 Brassicas (Cabbage Family)

The cabbage family, also known as brassicas, includes a variety of cool-weather vegetables that are perfect for planting in September. These hardy vegetables will grow throughout the fall and into winter.

Broccoli: Broccoli thrives in the cool fall weather and can be planted in early September for a late fall harvest. It requires a bit of space, but it’s worth it for the nutrient-packed florets it produces. Consider varieties like Calabrese or Green Goliath.
Cauliflower: Like broccoli, cauliflower prefers cooler temperatures and will produce large, edible heads that are perfect for roasting or adding to soups. Varieties such as Snowball or Amazing are well-suited to California gardens.
Cabbage: Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can withstand colder temperatures, making it an excellent choice for fall planting. Green and red cabbage varieties like Early Jersey Wakefield and Ruby Perfection are both popular for fall gardens.
Brussels Sprouts: If you have the space, Brussels sprouts are a rewarding crop to grow. They take longer to mature (up to 100 days), but they’re frost-tolerant and will continue to produce even into the winter months.

2. Herbs for Fall Gardens

Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden, offering both culinary and medicinal benefits. In California’s mild fall climate, many herbs will continue to thrive and produce throughout the cooler months. Here are the best herbs to plant in September.

2.1 Hardy Perennial Herbs

Perennial herbs will come back year after year, making them an excellent long-term investment for your garden. Many of these herbs prefer cooler weather and will flourish when planted in September.

Thyme: Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that can tolerate cooler temperatures and even some frost. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an easy addition to your fall garden.
Oregano: Like thyme, oregano is a hardy herb that will continue to grow throughout the fall and into winter. It prefers full sun and can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.
Rosemary: While rosemary prefers warmer temperatures, it can still thrive in California’s cooler fall climate, especially in Southern regions. It’s a drought-tolerant herb that requires little maintenance and offers a fresh, pine-like flavor to dishes.

2.2 Short-Lived Annual Herbs

Annual herbs complete their life cycle in one growing season, but many of these are fast-growing and can be planted in September for a fall harvest.

Cilantro: Cilantro loves cooler weather and grows quickly in the fall. It’s best planted in September before the frost sets in. Harvest the leaves for fresh salsas or use the seeds to grow coriander.
Dill: Dill is another fast-growing herb that prefers cooler temperatures. It can be used fresh or dried and is an excellent companion plant for vegetables like cabbage and kale, as it helps repel pests.
Parsley: Parsley is a biennial herb, meaning it can grow for two years if cared for properly. It thrives in the cooler fall months and can be used fresh in a variety of dishes. Both curly and flat-leaf varieties grow well in California gardens.
Chives: Chives are easy to grow and can be planted in early fall. Their mild onion-like flavor makes them a popular addition to soups, salads, and baked dishes. Chives also make an excellent border plant, adding visual appeal to your garden.

3. California’s Unique Growing Regions

California’s diverse geography means that gardeners need to consider their specific climate zone when choosing what to plant in September. The state is divided into several USDA plant hardiness zones, which help determine the best planting times for specific crops.

3.1 Coastal Regions (Zone 9-10)

The coastal areas of California, including places like San Francisco and Santa Barbara, have cooler, more moderate temperatures. These regions benefit from foggy mornings and mild, sunny afternoons, making them ideal for cool-season crops.

What to plant: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and herbs like parsley and cilantro are great choices for coastal regions. Root vegetables like carrots and beets also thrive in these cooler, stable temperatures.

3.2 Inland Valleys (Zone 8-9)

Inland valleys, such as the Central Valley and parts of Southern California, experience warmer temperatures during the day and cooler nights in September. The extended sunlight helps crops mature quickly, while cooler evenings make it comfortable for cool-weather plants.

What to plant: Brassicas, lettuce, spinach, and herbs like thyme and rosemary grow well in these regions. You can also plant fast-growing root vegetables like radishes and carrots, which will mature before the weather turns too cold.

3.3 Mountain Regions (Zone 7-8)

Mountain regions in California, like those near Lake Tahoe, experience much cooler temperatures, especially at night. Frost is a real concern, so it’s essential to plant cold-hardy crops that can withstand early frosts.

What to plant: Hardy greens like kale and Swiss chard, root vegetables like turnips and beets, and herbs like thyme and rosemary will thrive in the cooler mountain climates. It’s also a good idea to consider frost-tolerant varieties of cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

3.4 Southern California (Zone 9-11)

Southern California’s warm, dry climate extends well into September, making it possible to grow both warm-season and cool-season crops. Gardeners in this region have a unique opportunity to extend their growing season with the right selection of plants.

What to plant: Leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower can be planted in September for a fall harvest. You can also continue planting herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme, which will thrive in warm, sunny days.

4. Tips for a Successful September Garden

Soil Preparation: Before planting, make sure your soil is well-prepared. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil, and ensure it is well-drained. Cooler weather means less evaporation, but it’s still essential to keep the soil moist, especially during early seedling growth.
Succession Planting: Consider planting in intervals to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the fall. For example, you can plant new batches of lettuce, radishes, or spinach every two to three weeks.
Frost Protection: In areas where frost is a concern, be prepared to cover your crops with row covers or frost blankets. This will help protect tender plants during cold snaps and extend your growing season.
Pest Control: While cooler weather reduces pest activity, some bugs, like aphids and cabbage worms, can still be an issue. To maintain the health of your plants, use organic pest control techniques like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

September is an exciting time for California gardeners. With the heat of summer subsiding and the cooler days of fall ahead, this is the perfect month to plant a variety of vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re growing leafy greens, root vegetables, or flavorful herbs, your garden will thrive with the right selection and proper care. Tailor your planting to your specific region and climate zone, and you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the fall and into winter.