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Your growing guide for the month
September Growing guide
Plant soft fruit, fll any gaps with quick-growing salad crops and start off your winter veg
Sow indoors
Plant/sow outdoors Key crops for September
Harvest
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Blackcurrants
Famed for their high vitamin C content, these fruits are also loaded with other plant compounds that help support our immune response. Tips Blackcurrants bought in pots are best planted from autumn to spring – bare-root plants are available at this time too. Plant 5cm deeper than previously Final spacing 2m apart 2m between rows
Calabrese
Nutrient-rich calabrese is a useful source of bone-building nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus and vitamin K. Tips Once the main head has been harvested, the sideshoots will go on to produce secondary, smaller heads. Sow 2cm deep Final spacing 30cm apart 45cm between rows
Garlic
Rich in heart-healthy compounds, as well as potassium and vitamin C. Crush or chop and add towards the end of cooking for optimal effect. Tips Plant cloves deeper in light soil. Apply a general-purpose feed from February and nip out any flower buds that appear. Plant 2cm deep Final spacing 18cm apart 30cm between rows
Onions
Packed with active plant compounds, onions may help you breathe more easily, support the heart and digestion, and improve gut health. Tips Sow seeds outdoors this month in a warm, sunny spot into finely raked soil. Wait until spring to thin out the seedlings. Sow 1.5cm deep Final spacing 8cm apart 38cm between rows
Perpetual spinach
Easy to grow and a vigorous crop, these leafy greens are rich in vitamin C and folate, which may give your energy levels a boost. Tips Sow now and overwinter the young plants under fleece to enjoy leafy harvests from early spring onwards. Sow 2.5cm deep Final spacing 20cm apart 45cm between rows
Raspberries
These delicious berries can help to regulate blood sugar levels. They’re low in calories and high in protective plant chemicals and fibre. Tips Water regularly in the first year to help plants establish well and mulch with garden compost every autumn. Plant at same level as previously Final spacing 35-45cm apart 1.5-2m between rows
Rocket
A source of potassium, folate and vitamin C, these heart-healthy leaves add more than a flavour-packed bite to your salads. Tips Rocket will keep producing leaves all winter if you protect plants with horticultural fleece or cloches from October onwards. Sow 1cm deep Final spacing 15cm apart 15cm between rows
Strawberries
The ‘good-for-you’ polyphenols in strawberries may be beneficial against the effects of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Tips Keep fruits safe from slugs by planting in large pots or hanging baskets, but don’t let the compost dry out. Plant with the crown at soil level Final spacing 38cm apart 75cm between rows
Winter purslane (miner’s lettuce)
A fresh-tasting addition to winter salads and packed with immune-supportive vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help to fight infections. Tips Add the succulent leaves, stems and flowers to winter salads. Sow small batches regularly, in pots or in the ground. Sow 1cm deep Final spacing 15cm apart 23cm between rows
Winter radishes
These cabbage relatives offer immune-enhancing vitamins as well as valuable phytonutrients, including quercetin and ferulic acid. Tips Sow in part-shade and keep the soil moist to encourage germination and fast growth. Harvest roots when 4-5cm in diameter. Sow 1cm deep Final spacing 23cm apart 30cm between rows
VISIT GardenersWorld.com/what-to-do-now for more advice on the best crops to sow and plant this month, and how to do it
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