Based in a South West UK Allotment (USDA zone of 8 to 9)
As the cooler months approach, direct sowing in September a fantastic time to continue sowing and prepping for a winter harvest on my allotment here in the southwest of the UK. With a mild climate and manageable frost levels, there are plenty of crops that thrive in these conditions. This month, I’m focusing on hardy, cold-resistant varieties that will provide fresh greens and root vegetables throughout the winter. Here’s a look at what I’m sowing:
1. Winter Density Lettuce
Winter Density is a perfect winter lettuce variety that thrives in cooler conditions. It has a lovely crisp texture and stays relatively small, making it ideal for quick harvests. It’s a great way to have fresh, homegrown salad even when the temperature drops. I’m sowing these in rows, and since they can tolerate a little frost, they’ll stay happy under some fleece as the weather cools. Perfect for direct sowing in September Get Price from Amazon
2. Marvel of 4 Seasons Lettuce
A true classic, this heirloom variety of lettuce is a favorite in my allotment for its ability to grow year-round. With its deep reddish leaves and green heart, Marvel of 4 Seasons provides beautiful and flavorful heads. In September, direct sowing works well, and this variety can withstand the cold, ensuring a steady supply of salad through the autumn and early winter months. Get price from Amazon
3. Lamb’s Lettuce (Corn Salad)
Also known as Corn Salad, Lamb’s Lettuce is one of the hardiest greens you can grow. It thrives in cold weather and is a reliable crop for winter salads. I love this lettuce for its tender, mild flavor, which pairs beautifully with heartier winter dishes. It’s quick to mature and doesn’t mind the frost, making it a great choice for direct sowing in September. Get price from Amazon
4. Spinach Giant Winter
Spinach is one of those leafy greens that simply loves cooler temperatures. I’m sowing the Giant Winter variety, which is particularly robust and able to grow through the colder months. Spinach is great for salads, soups, and stews, and it’s always handy to have a fresh supply during winter when other greens are less available. I’ll sow these in well-drained soil, and they should be ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Get price from Amazon
5. Spring Onions (Scallions)
Spring onions are an easy and reliable crop that I often keep in rotation. I’m direct sowing in September some hardy varieties that will stay in the ground through the winter, providing a fresh supply of these versatile alliums when needed. These are perfect for adding a crisp, mild onion flavor to winter dishes. Get price from Amazon
6. Parsnips
Although traditionally sown earlier in the year, I’m squeezing in a late batch of parsnips. Parsnips are fantastic for winter meals, especially roasted or in hearty stews. I’m making sure to give them plenty of space, and I’ll be leaving them in the ground well into winter since they taste even better after a frost. Get price from Amazon
7. Pak Choi
Pak Choi is a fast-growing Asian green that thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for autumn sowing. I love its versatility—it can be harvested young for tender baby leaves or allowed to mature for larger heads. It’s fantastic in stir-fries, soups, or even just lightly sautéed with garlic. Since Pak Choi grows quickly, I expect to harvest some in just a few weeks, making it a quick and rewarding crop for autumn. Get price from Amazon
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Growing Tips for Direct Sowing in September
- Frost Protection: While many of these crops can handle some frost, I’ll be using fleece or cloches to protect more tender varieties as the temperature drops.
- Spacing: As growth slows in the cooler months, plants don’t need as much spacing as in summer. This means I can sow a bit closer together and maximize the space on the allotment.
- Soil Prep: September is also a good time to enrich the soil with some compost to give these crops a healthy start and ensure they have the nutrients they need to thrive over the winter.
- Full sowing guide for September: this includes polytunnel and Greenhouse. Click Here
- Compost: It’s a great time of year to fill and turn the compost
- See all of my posts for September
By sowing these crops now, I’m ensuring a steady supply of fresh vegetables well into the winter months. With a bit of care and attention, my allotment will remain productive and full of life, even as the days grow shorter and colder.
Happy gardening, and may your autumn harvests be plentiful!
