10 Crops to Sow in September in the UK

As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisper, you might think that the gardening season is winding down.

However, September holds great potential for those who want to continue cultivating their gardens. This blog post will walk you through planting 10 late-season crops in the UK, offering tips and insights to ensure a successful harvest, even as autumn sets in.

1. Spinach

Sow spinach seeds directly in well-draining, fertile soil like our Eco Organic Topsoil: Fruit & Veg. Aim for a sunny or partially shaded spot in your garden. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as spinach prefers even moisture levels. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach a desirable size, allowing the centre leaves to continue growing.

2. Kale

Water kale regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent bitter-tasting leaves. Begin picking outer leaves when they are large enough, allowing the inner leaves to develop further.

3. Radishes

Plant radish seeds in loose, well-draining soil, and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent radishes from becoming too spicy. Radishes mature quickly; harvest when they reach the desired size, usually within a few weeks.

4. Carrots 

Sow carrot seeds in loose soil with excellent drainage. Choose a sunny location and keep the soil consistently moist to encourage even carrot development. Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size, typically around 60-80 days after planting.

5. Lettuce

Plant lettuce in well-drained, fertile soil with a spot that receives partial shade during the hotter parts of the day. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during warm weather, to prevent bolting (premature flowering). Begin harvesting outer leaves when they are large enough, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

6. Beets

Sow beet seeds in well-draining soil with good sun exposure. Maintain even moisture in the soil to prevent woody or tough beet roots. Harvest beet greens when they are young and tender, and beetroot when they reach the desired size.

7. Arugula

Arugula thrives in partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent the leaves from becoming too peppery. Begin harvesting arugula leaves when they reach the desired size for a continuous harvest.

8. Turnips

Sow turnip seeds in well-draining soil with good sun exposure. Maintain even moisture in the soil to avoid woody turnips. Harvest turnips when they reach the desired size, typically within 30-60 days.

9. Chard

Plant chard in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Harvest chard leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavour and texture.

10. Peas

Sow pea seeds in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun exposure. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Harvest peas when the pods are plump and the peas inside are sweet and tender. With these planting tips, you can make the most of September's gardening potential in the UK and look forward to a rewarding harvest as autumn unfolds.