Posted on by

September in Alabama feels like a turning point. The days are still warm, the nights are starting to cool, and the air begins to carry a hint of fall. For gardeners, this month is a gift. It brings the chance to plant crops that thrive in cooler weather while still enjoying the beauty and bounty of late summer. The garden doesn’t slow down in September—it simply shifts into a new season of growth.

Let’s explore what to plant this month in Alabama, from hearty vegetables to colorful flowers, and how to keep your garden thriving through the seasonal change.

Planting Vegetables in September

In Alabama, September is prime time for fall crops. While some warm-weather favorites are still producing, this is the month to focus on cool-season vegetables that carry you into winter.

Cool-Season Staples

September is ideal for starting or transplanting cool-weather crops. These vegetables will establish now and flourish as temperatures drop.

  • Broccoli – Set out transplants early in the month for steady heads by late fall.
  • Cabbage – Perfect for fall gardens; plant seedlings for a strong start.
  • Cauliflower – Needs cool weather to form tight heads, so early planting is key.
  • Collards – A Southern classic that grows well into winter, even after frosts.
  • Mustard Greens – Quick to mature, adding bold flavor and nutrition.
  • Turnips – Grown for both roots and greens, they’re versatile and fast.
  • Spinach – Sow seeds now for harvests that continue into cooler months.
  • Carrots and Beets – Direct-seed for sweet roots that develop best in fall soils.

These crops remind us that September is not about endings but about beginnings. The fall vegetable garden is as exciting as spring, and sometimes even more rewarding.

Late Summer Holdouts

Some heat-loving vegetables will keep producing into September if well cared for.

  • Peppers – Both sweet and hot varieties continue to thrive with regular picking.
  • Eggplant – Produces steadily into fall with warm days and cool nights.
  • Okra – Still growing strong in early September, especially in southern Alabama.

Instead of pulling them out too soon, let these crops carry you through the transition.

Herbs for Flavor and Freshness

September is also a great month to refresh your herb garden.

  • Parsley – Loves the cooler weather ahead and grows into winter.
  • Cilantro – Prefers fall’s mild conditions, so sow seeds now.
  • Dill – Can be started this month for fresh leaves and seed heads later.
  • Chives – Hardy and flavorful, they’re an easy perennial to tuck in now.

With these herbs, your cooking stays fresh and vibrant as the seasons change.

Planting Flowers in September

While many think of September as the end of the flower season, in Alabama it’s a time to both refresh summer beds and start new blooms for fall.

Annuals That Shine in Fall

  • Zinnias – Still thrive and add bursts of color until frost.
  • Marigolds – Bloom brightly and also help repel pests in the vegetable garden.
  • Cosmos – Their airy blooms add charm and keep pollinators active.
  • Sunflowers – Smaller, quick-maturing varieties can still be planted early this month.

These flowers keep beds cheerful and buzzing with bees and butterflies.

Perennials and Shrubs to Establish

September is one of the best months to plant perennials and shrubs in Alabama. The cooler nights help them root deeply before winter.

  • Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Long-lasting perennials that love full sun.
  • Coreopsis – Hardy and colorful, they’ll return stronger each year.
  • Daylilies – Plant now for bright summer blooms next year.
  • Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) – Great for attracting pollinators and adding golden color.

Planting now means you’re investing in next season’s beauty.

Fall Favorites

Don’t forget about classic fall flowers.

  • Mums (Chrysanthemums) – The stars of September gardens. Perfect for beds, borders, and pots.
  • Pansies and Violas – Cool-season flowers that bring long-lasting color from fall into spring.

These bring a festive, cozy touch to any Alabama garden.

Tips for Gardening in September

The weather in September can be unpredictable, swinging from hot afternoons to cooler nights. With a little planning, your garden will thrive.

  • Water Deeply – September rains may come, but don’t rely on them. Keep soil moist for young plants.
  • Mulch Well – Mulch helps moderate soil temperature and reduce weeds.
  • Fertilize Fall Crops – Use a balanced fertilizer to give cool-season vegetables a strong start.
  • Watch for Late Summer Pests – Aphids, caterpillars, and grasshoppers can still be active. Stay vigilant.
  • Plant in Succession – Sow greens like lettuce, spinach, and turnips every two weeks for a steady harvest.

Instead of fighting the season, flow with it. September is about balance—caring for summer plants while preparing for fall.

Blending Flowers and Vegetables

One of the joys of gardening in Alabama is mixing flowers with vegetables. In September, this becomes even more rewarding.

Marigolds planted next to broccoli help repel pests. Zinnias draw pollinators to eggplants and peppers. Herbs like dill and cilantro bloom later, offering nectar for beneficial insects.

When we plant this way, the garden becomes more than just food or beauty. It becomes a living system—balanced, resilient, and vibrant.

Alabama Gardens Moving Into Fall

September gardening in Alabama is full of promise. We can plant broccoli and cabbage for crisp fall harvests. We can direct-seed turnips and carrots for roots that sweeten in cool soil. We can refresh flower beds with mums and zinnias, or tuck in pansies that will brighten the cooler months ahead.

It’s a month of renewal. Instead of winding down, the garden leans forward into the next season. Every seed planted now carries us into fall with abundance and color.

Embracing the Shift of the Season

When we step into the September garden, we step into change. We’re letting go of summer’s heat, but we’re also embracing fall’s potential. This is the beauty of gardening in Alabama—you never really stop. You simply move with the seasons, planting, harvesting, and blooming in cycles that keep life fresh.

So let’s celebrate September. Let’s dig, plant, and nurture the crops and flowers that carry us through the months ahead. Because in Alabama, the garden doesn’t fade in fall—it grows stronger.

Harvesting Hope in September’s Garden