What to plant in September in West Virginia
In West Virginia (WV), September sits about 3 weeks before the average first fall frost (October 5). The state averages 153 frost-free days a year (last frost May 5, first frost October 5; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month: radish - and 1 of those windows close during September.
Dates here come from West Virginia frost dates (last frost May 5, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant radish, tomato or lettuce in West Virginia.
West Virginia: 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 West Virginia'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 West Virginia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for West Virginia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in September in West Virginia
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 West Virginia
- 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 West Virginia
West Virginia spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia in September?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In West Virginia the next garlic window opens around October 16: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in West Virginia in September?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in West Virginia have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 10.
When is the first frost in West Virginia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 5. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in West Virginia in September?
From plantings made on time: leek, parsnip, salsify, pumpkin, rosemary, celery, celeriac, zucchini / summer squash, luffa (loofah gourd), peanut.
What to plant in September in other states
Dates are computed from West Virginia’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.