What to plant in September in Vermont
In Vermont (VT), September sits about 1 week before the average first fall frost (September 25). The state averages 134 frost-free days a year (last frost May 14, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month: shallot.
Dates here come from Vermont frost dates (last frost May 14, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Vermont.
Vermont: planting activity through the year
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from Vermont'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shallot | Plant in fall (after first frost) | Sep 29 – Oct 16 | Opens Sep 29 |
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 Vermont
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Vermont: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in September in Vermont
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 Vermont
- The average first frost is September 25, about 1 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: shallot. 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 Vermont
Vermont spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. 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 Vermont in September?
1 crops have a window in September: shallot. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Vermont in September?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Vermont the next garlic window opens around October 6: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Vermont in September?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Vermont have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 19.
When is the first frost in Vermont?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 14. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Vermont in September?
From plantings made on time: chili pepper, watermelon, zucchini / summer squash, leek, winter squash, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, parsnip.
What to plant in September in other states
Dates are computed from Vermont’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.