September · Early autumn
What to sow in September in San Francisco
40 crops are in their window this month in San Francisco.
Last frostNone
First frostNone
Frost-free daysAll year
September averages56°–70°F
Vegetables
35 in season
Amaranth Greens
Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Broccoli
Transplant seedlings · keep soil evenly moist for tight, tender heads
Brussels Sprouts
Transplant seedlings · pinch the top in early fall to size up sprouts
Herbs
4 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Epazote
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
1 in season
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery