What to plant in September in New York
In New York (NY), September sits about 3 weeks before the average first fall frost (October 5). The state averages 157 frost-free days a year (last frost May 1, first frost October 5; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month: radish - and 1 of those windows close during September.
Dates here come from New York frost dates (last frost May 1, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant radish, tomato or lettuce in New York.
New York covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
New York: planting activity through the year
Last chance in September
Radish (sow for a fall crop, by Sep 7)
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from New York's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radish | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 21 – Sep 7 | Last chance - ends Sep 7 |
Harvesting in September
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in New York
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New York: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in September in New York
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
Fall garden season: September garden jobs in New York
- The average first frost is October 5, about 3 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: radish. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
USDA zone chart for New York
New York spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in New York in September?
1 crops have a window in September: radish. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in New York in September?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New York the next garlic window opens around October 16: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in New York in September?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in New York have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 6.
When is the first frost in New York?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 1. New York covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in New York in September?
From plantings made on time: leek, parsnip, salsify, pumpkin, rosemary, celery, luffa (loofah gourd), peanut, zucchini / summer squash, sweet potato.
What to plant in September in other states
Dates are computed from New York’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.