What to sow outdoors in September

In September the gardening season is heading towards its end and the sowing possibilities are limited. Even so there’s one very special crop you can still sow now: winter lettuce. This lettuce is perfect for late sowings as it was specially developed for lower temperatures, and it can be harvested through into late autumn.

Read more Winter lettuce develops strong roots and provides fresh, crisp salad leaves in autumn. It’s hardy, too, and can cope with light frosts, making it an excellent choice for the late gardening season.

Aside from this special sowing, September is the time to tidy the garden and bring in the last harvests. Any ripe fruit and vegetables still on your plot can be harvested now and stored or processed right away.

While you’re getting your garden winter-ready it’s also a wonderful time for enjoying autumn flowers. Flowers like asters, chrysanthemums and dahlias are now in their full splendour, bringing one last burst of colour to the garden before winter arrives. Not only are they lovely to look at but they also support late pollinators like bees and butterflies.