September Edible Gardening and Flower Gardening Guide

Hi and thanks for checking out this month's planting guide. If you are just joining the series check out the intro here: (Effortless Container Gardening: Series Intro)

Otherwise, let's jump right in!

September Planting Guide

Power-Ups for this month:

1. If you’ve never done any fall gardening, this is a good time to do a little planning. Check out our garden prep series for easy steps to plan and budget your ideal plantscape. 5 Steps to Simplify your Garden Prep.

2. Know your zone. In the US check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. It will guide you when purchasing plant material.

The List

Fall vegetable crops.

If you live in an area that is frost-free until late October, plant fall vegetable crops from seed. Cool season crop varieties include: lettuces, leafy greens (kale, spinach, asian greens, and arugula), onions, and root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes. Search for varieties that do well in containers. Check out our eco-friendly seed starting kits here: hortikplants.com/shop. You can also find live transplants in local nurseries this time of year. Shop from local nurseries instead of big-box stores. This will help ensure you have varieties that are tailored to your local environment. Big-box stores plan on a national or perhaps a multi-state, regional scale. Your local nursery will know the climate and pest conditions affecting your community. They tailor their product offerings for specific local conditions. The more seasonal the crop the more important it is to select locally grown transplants.

Christmas Bulbs

Varieties: Amaryllis, Crocus,Daffodil, Freesia, Hyacinth, Iris, Paperwhite, Snowdrop

I live in Washington, DC. Home of the spectacular cherry blossom display on the National Mall.