What to Plant in September in Cape Town — Sowday

Vegetables

33 in season

Amaranth Greens

Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens

Armenian Cucumber

Direct sow · wait for warm soil; trellis for straighter fruit

Start indoors · seedlings need a cold snap to set buds in year one

Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest

Plant crowns · resist harvesting until the second or third spring

Herbs

9 in season

Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost

Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often

Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct

Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere

Fenugreek (Methi)

Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more

Fruit

4 in season

Plant bushes · needs acidic soil and a second variety to pollinate

Ground Cherries

Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery

Melon (Cantaloupe)

Direct sow · warm soil is key; try black plastic mulch to help

Direct sow · give vines plenty of room and consistent water