Top 5 Plants to Sow in September 2025 – Zone 7 Edition

As the heat of summer fades, September offers a welcome window for Zone 7 gardeners to reset their beds for a productive fall and early spring. From leafy greens to soil-enriching cover crops, here are five fantastic plants you should consider sowing this September in USDA Hardiness Zone 7.

🥗 1. Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

Why now?
Arugula loves the cooler temps of fall and can go from seed to harvest in as little as 3–4 weeks. Its peppery bite adds flavor to autumn salads.

Planting Tips:

• Direct sow every 2–3 weeks through late fall.
• Thin to 3 inches apart for best leaf size.

Bonus:
Protect with row covers and harvest all the way into early winter!

🌱 2. Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa)

Why now?
Turnips grow fast and are one of the best dual-purpose crops — tasty greens up top and tender roots below.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 2 inches apart.
• Harvest greens early or wait 30–60 days for root maturity.

Recommended Varieties:

• 'Hakurei' – tender, sweet white roots
• 'Purple Top White Globe' – classic fall heirloom

🌼 3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Why now?
Calendula is a cold-tolerant flower that will bloom well into fall in Zone 7. It also attracts pollinators and can be used in salves and teas.

Planting Tips:

• Direct sow or transplant seedlings in early September.
• Prefers full sun and regular deadheading for continuous bloom.

Bonus:
It often self-seeds, returning year after year!

🧅 4. Bunching Onions (Allium fistulosum)

Why now?
Also known as scallions or green onions, these cold-hardy alliums can overwinter and keep producing in early spring.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in clumps or rows.
• Keep moist during germination — they're slow to start.

Best Types:
'Ishikura' or 'Evergreen Hardy White'

🌾 5. Austrian Winter Peas (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense)

Why now?
Austrian winter peas are a nitrogen-fixing cool-season cover crop that improves soil while providing edible young shoots.

Planting Tips:

• Broadcast seed and lightly rake in.
• Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria for maximum nitrogen benefit.

Bonus:
Chop and drop in spring, or leave in place as green mulch for transplants.

🍁 Final Thoughts

Zone 7's mild fall and winter conditions make it ideal for shoulder-season planting and garden planning. With smart sowing in September, you can enjoy a second wave of harvests and lay the groundwork for an even better garden next year.

Your fall garden awaits — get growing! 🌻

👉 Ready to get planting?

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