September in Maryland is a great time to sow certain fruits from seed and set yourself up for a tasty harvest down the line. I’ve always enjoyed starting seeds this month because the cooler weather makes garden work more pleasant.
Fruits like strawberries and melons can get their start now, ready to grow stronger when spring rolls around. It’s such a rewarding feeling to watch those tiny seeds sprout and know they’ll one day turn into something sweet.
Let’s look at a few fruits you can plant this September to keep your Maryland garden thriving.
1. Watermelon
Late-season varieties can still be started in early September across Maryland’s warmer regions. The seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, giving you a head start for next summer.
Store quality watermelon seeds in a cool, dry place until planting time. Maryland’s climate supports these heat-loving fruits particularly well in the eastern shore counties.
2. Cantaloupe
Quick-maturing varieties work best when starting this late in Maryland. The seeds need warmth to germinate, so consider using seed-starting trays indoors if nights are getting cool.
Many Maryland gardeners find success with starting cantaloupe seeds in biodegradable pots. This prevents transplant shock when moving them to garden beds later in the growing season.
3. Tomatoes
Yes, they’re technically fruits! Cold-tolerant varieties can still be started now for fall harvests in Maryland’s milder areas. Choose quick-maturing cherry types for best results.
Maryland’s varying climate zones mean western regions might need to start these indoors, while eastern shore gardeners can direct sow. Protect young seedlings from unexpected early frosts with row covers.
4. Strawberries
Alpine varieties grow wonderfully from seed and can be started now. Unlike June-bearing types, these produce berries throughout the growing season once established.
Maryland’s climate provides ideal conditions for alpine strawberries, which appreciate the state’s moderate fall temperatures. The tiny seeds need light to germinate, so press them onto soil without covering.
5. Figs
Patient gardeners can start fig trees from seed now. They won’t produce quickly, but they’re fascinating to grow and well-suited to Maryland’s climate when mature.
Take seeds from fresh, ripe figs found at Maryland farmers markets for best viability. The seedlings will need winter protection their first year, especially in the state’s western mountain regions.
6. Raspberries
Wild raspberry seeds collected now can be stratified over winter. This mimics natural conditions and prepares them for spring germination in your Maryland garden.
Many Maryland woodland areas have wild raspberries perfect for seed collection. Store cleaned seeds in damp sand in your refrigerator until spring planting time for best germination rates.
7. Blackberries
Similar to raspberries, blackberry seeds need cold stratification. Collect seeds from ripe berries now and prepare them for winter storage before spring planting.
Maryland’s diverse growing regions all support blackberries well. The seeds germinate inconsistently, so plant extras and be patient as they may take several weeks to sprout after winter stratification.
8. Apples
Apple seeds from locally grown fruit can be started now. They won’t grow true to the parent fruit, but it’s a fun experiment that might yield unique varieties suited to Maryland.
Many Maryland orchards produce excellent apples for seed collection. The seeds need cold stratification, so plant in pots and leave outdoors through winter or refrigerate in damp sand for spring planting.
9. Pears
Asian pear seeds collected now can be stratified for spring planting. These hardy trees adapt well to Maryland’s climate once established, though they take patience.
Look for locally grown Asian pears at Maryland farmers markets for seed collection. The seeds need 2-3 months of cold treatment, making September the perfect time to start the process.
10. Pawpaw
This native Maryland fruit has seeds that require cold stratification. Collect them from ripe fruits in September and prepare them for spring planting to grow this unusual treat.
Pawpaws grow wild in many Maryland forests, especially in central and western regions. The large seeds should be cleaned of fruit pulp before stratifying in damp sand in your refrigerator until spring.
11. Persimmons
American persimmon seeds can be collected from wild trees throughout Maryland in fall. These native trees produce delicious fruits after the first frost and grow well from seed.
Maryland’s eastern shore and central regions have many wild persimmon trees. Clean the seeds thoroughly and plant immediately in pots for best germination, as they don’t store well once dry.
12. Mulberries
Red mulberry trees grow throughout Maryland and produce seeds that can be collected now. These native trees grow quickly and provide abundant berries for both humans and wildlife.
Many Maryland neighborhoods have established mulberry trees perfect for seed collection. Clean the tiny seeds from ripe berries and plant immediately or cold stratify for more consistent spring germination.
13. Ground Cherries
These paper-husked relatives of tomatoes can be started from seed now for fall harvests. Their sweet-tart flavor makes them perfect for preserves popular in Maryland country kitchens.
Maryland’s moderate September temperatures provide ideal growing conditions for ground cherries. Save seeds from ripe fruits by drying them thoroughly on paper towels before storing or planting.
14. Elderberries
Native elderberry seeds can be collected now throughout Maryland. These beneficial shrubs produce berries used in traditional remedies and preserves throughout the state.
Maryland’s stream banks and moist woodland edges often have wild elderberries perfect for seed collection. The seeds need both scarification and cold stratification for best germination in spring.