Huw Richards, who has a popular YouTube channel, says there are still plenty of crops that can be sown in September, including salad crops, leafy greens and beans
September marks a pivotal moment for many gardeners, representing the time to gather the fruits and vegetables they’ve carefully nurtured throughout the year.
However, according to expert Huw Richards, it’s equally important to begin planting a fresh selection of crops.
In his comprehensive guide to crucial September gardening tasks featured on his YouTube channel, Huw explains: “I thought I’d share with you 14 crops that I sow every single September – it’s not over yet, there’s a lot of things that we can still grow both outside and undercover.”
His recommendations include 14 wholesome crops that could provide sustenance for you and your household in the months ahead, encompassing salad ingredients, leafy vegetables and legumes.
“The first crop to sow in September,” he explains, “is radishes. This is the last chance for your summer radishes outside but you can also sow your winter radishes.”
Huw has plenty of fresh ideas for your garden this month(Image: YouTube/HuwRichards)
His suggestions include Daikon, an elongated white Asian variety boasting a crisp consistency similar to an oversized white carrot or parsnip, alongside Spanish black round winter varieties – which deliver a sharp, spicy flavour when eaten fresh in salads, whilst also proving excellent when incorporated into casseroles, quick-fried dishes, and roasted meals.
This period also represents, according to Huw, the perfect opportunity to plant Asian leafy vegetables, including pak choi and mizuna.
Numerous varieties can be harvested using a “cut and come again” approach, enabling gardeners to gather individual leaves whilst permitting the plant to continue flourishing in the ground. “They are so, so tasty, and they grow so well,” he says.
Huw grows his crops from seed(Image: YouTube/HuwRichards)
“When you start them off in, say, early summer, they often tend to bolt or run to seed. However, if you start them off at this time of year, they grow really fast and love these conditions, and they’re something that you can enjoy later on in autumn.”
Huw emphasises the importance of a cold frame, polytunnel or even a simple garden fleece in helping your garden produce flourish as the first frosts of winter set in.
He also suggests growing cover crops, such as mustards, to protect the soil while adding a touch of warmth to your winter meals.
Huw has several tips for vegetable gardeners(Image: YouTube/HuwRichards)
“Field beans are really hardy at overwintering,” he continues. “Last September we sowed some as a cover crop and they ended up growing to between two and two-and-a-half metres high, and we harvested a huge amount the following May and June.”
For this reason, Huw explains, field beans can be grown as a full crop, not just for cover: “Now is the time to sow them, so seize any opportunities in your garden.”
Other crops that Huw recommends planting this month include rocket, spinach, lettuce, peas, kale, cabbage and coriander.
In an experimental move, he’s also trying his hand at an oriental vegetable called wa wa cai choi.
These swift and delicious greens can help maintain your plot throughout the late summer, autumn, winter and the so-called “hungry gap” between March and May. This is a period in the UK when there’s a natural dip in homegrown produce: winter crops have ended, and new spring crops are not yet ripe for harvest.
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