September in Ohio feels like a final burst of gardening energy before winter rolls in. Cooler temps and steady rainfall create just the right environment for cool-season crops. It’s a sweet spot where the soil is still warm, but the air is refreshingly crisp.
I’ve found early fall to be perfect for planting veggies and herbs that struggled in summer’s heat. Lettuce, spinach, and cilantro thrive without bolting, and root crops settle in nicely. It’s a chance to squeeze in one more harvest before the frost.
With a little planning, this shoulder season can be surprisingly productive. Ohio’s early autumn rewards gardeners who act quickly, offering fresh growth and a satisfying close to the season.
1. Spinach
Fast-growing and cold-tolerant, spinach thrives in September’s cooler soil. Plant seeds directly in garden beds about ½ inch deep, then watch them germinate within days.
Fall-planted spinach develops sweeter leaves than spring crops because the cooling temperatures reduce bitterness. Some varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ and ‘Winter Bloomsdale’ are particularly well-suited for Ohio’s fall conditions.
Harvest outer leaves as needed while letting the plant continue growing for multiple harvests before winter arrives.
2. Kale
Hardy and nutritious, kale actually tastes better after light frosts, making it perfect for September planting in Ohio. The cold converts starches to sugars, creating a sweeter flavor profile.
Choose varieties like ‘Winterbor’ or ‘Red Russian’ for excellent cold tolerance. Space plants about 18 inches apart to allow proper air circulation and reduce disease problems.
Young leaves can be harvested within 30 days, while mature leaves will continue producing well into winter if protected with mulch.
3. Lettuce
Cool weather brings out the best in lettuce, making September an ideal planting time. Unlike summer plantings that bolt quickly, fall lettuce stays tender longer.
Sow seeds in shallow rows and barely cover with soil. Loose-leaf varieties like ‘Oak Leaf’ and ‘Red Sails’ mature quickly, perfect for Ohio’s shrinking growing season.
Provide afternoon shade if temperatures spike and keep soil consistently moist. A light row cover can extend your harvest well into November in many parts of Ohio.
4. Radishes
Ready in just 3-4 weeks, radishes give almost instant gratification in the fall garden. Their crisp texture and milder flavor make them more enjoyable than summer-grown ones.
Sow seeds directly about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Water consistently to prevent splitting and woody texture.
Try winter varieties like ‘Watermelon’ or ‘Black Spanish’ alongside quick-growing types like ‘Cherry Belle’ for an extended harvest period that spans from late September through November.
5. Carrots
September-planted carrots develop exceptional sweetness as they mature in cooling temperatures. The roots store natural sugars as temperatures drop, improving flavor dramatically.
Prepare soil deeply, removing rocks and breaking up clumps that might cause forked roots. Shorter varieties like ‘Napoli’ or ‘Scarlet Nantes’ mature faster than longer types.
Mulch well after seedlings establish to retain moisture and protect from early frosts. Left in the ground with adequate mulch, carrots can be harvested well into December in many Ohio gardens.
6. Beets
Vibrant and versatile, beets thrive when planted in early September in Ohio. Both the roots and greens are edible, giving you two harvests from one plant.
Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed germination. Each “seed” is actually a fruit containing multiple seeds, so thinning will be necessary once seedlings reach 2-3 inches tall.
Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Varieties like ‘Bull’s Blood’ and ‘Early Wonder’ mature quickly enough for Ohio’s fall growing window.
7. Turnips
Often overlooked, turnips deserve a spot in your September garden plan. They mature quickly, with some varieties ready in just 30-40 days from seeding.
Plant seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart. The ‘Tokyo Cross’ and ‘Purple Top White Globe’ varieties perform exceptionally well in Ohio’s fall conditions.
Harvest young turnips for mild flavor, or leave them to grow larger. A light frost actually improves their flavor by converting starches to sugar – something I look forward to every fall.
8. Swiss Chard
Colorful and cold-tolerant, Swiss chard brightens fall gardens while providing nutritious greens. The rainbow varieties add visual interest with their red, yellow, and pink stems.
Direct seed about ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Unlike many greens, chard can withstand light frosts and continue producing well into November in most Ohio gardens.
Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the center to keep producing. Mulch heavily as temperatures drop, and you might be rewarded with chard that survives through winter for early spring harvests.
9. Cilantro
Notorious for bolting in summer heat, cilantro thrives in Ohio’s cooler fall temperatures. September planting often results in larger, more flavorful leaves that last much longer.
Sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, as cilantro dislikes transplanting. Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7-10 days.
For continuous harvests, plant new seeds every two weeks through mid-October. My fall-grown cilantro always tastes brighter and stays leafy much longer than spring plantings.
10. Parsley
Remarkably cold-hardy, parsley planted in September often survives Ohio winters with minimal protection. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties grow well, though flat-leaf types generally offer stronger flavor.
Start seeds indoors for faster results, as parsley can take up to three weeks to germinate. Transplant seedlings 8-10 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil.
Mulch heavily as temperatures drop to protect roots. With proper care, fall-planted parsley often survives to produce again in early spring before eventually bolting.
11. Dill
September-planted dill often performs better than spring crops in Ohio gardens. The cooler temperatures prevent the quick bolting that frustrates summer growers.
Sow seeds directly in the garden about ¼ inch deep. Dill develops a taproot, so choose your location carefully as it doesn’t transplant well once established.
Harvest outer leaves as needed for fresh use. If temperatures drop suddenly, cut and dry remaining foliage – I’ve found fall dill to have particularly strong, aromatic flavor perfect for winter cooking.
12. Chives
Perennial and productive, chives planted in September establish strong roots before winter dormancy. This head start allows for vigorous growth when spring arrives.
Plant divisions or seeds in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Water consistently until established, then reduce frequency as temperatures cool.
Apply mulch after the ground freezes to prevent heaving during winter freeze-thaw cycles. Once established, chives will return year after year, often being among the first herbs to emerge in Ohio’s early spring.
13. Garlic
September is perfect for planting garlic in Ohio, giving cloves time to develop roots before winter. Unlike most garden plants, garlic needs this cold period to produce properly divided heads.
Break apart heads into individual cloves and plant pointed-end up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Mulch heavily with straw after the ground begins to freeze.
Hardneck varieties like ‘German Red’ and ‘Music’ typically perform best in Ohio’s climate. Last year’s fall-planted garlic gave me the largest, most flavorful bulbs I’ve ever grown.
14. Green Onions
Quick-growing and versatile, green onions provide fresh flavor throughout fall and often survive Ohio’s winters with minimal protection. Plant sets (small bulbs) rather than seeds for faster results.
Space sets about 2-3 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture until established.
Harvest outer leaves as needed while leaving the base intact for continued growth. A thick layer of straw mulch after the ground freezes can help green onions survive winter for early spring harvests.
15. Arugula
Spicy and fast-growing, arugula thrives in September’s cooling temperatures. The peppery flavor actually becomes milder and more pleasant in fall compared to summer-grown crops.
Broadcast seeds thinly over prepared soil and barely cover with a fine layer of compost. Seedlings emerge quickly, often within 5-7 days.
Begin harvesting baby leaves in just three weeks, or wait for full-sized leaves. Protect plants with row cover when frost threatens, and you’ll enjoy fresh arugula well into November in most parts of Ohio.