September is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar here in New Zealand. The days are getting longer, the soil is starting to warm up, and conditions are perfect for planting a wide range of vegetables and herbs. By getting organised now, you’ll set yourself up for a productive season with harvests rolling in from late spring right through to summer.

Leafy Greens

• • Lettuce – A quick grower and perfect for succession planting. Sow a few seeds every couple of weeks to ensure a steady supply of tender leaves. Consider mixing varieties for colour and texture in your salads.
  • Spinach – Thrives in the cooler early-spring weather. Regular harvesting of outer leaves will keep plants producing longer.
  • Kale – Extremely hardy and packed with nutrients. Plant it now and it will keep providing leaves right through summer and into autumn if well-fed.

Root Vegetables

• • Carrots – Direct sow into friable, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings early to give roots room to develop. For best results, avoid freshly manured soil as this can cause carrots to fork.
  • Beetroot – Easy to grow and quick to mature. Both roots and leaves are edible, so nothing goes to waste.
  • Radishes – The speediest of root crops, ready in as little as 4–6 weeks. Ideal for filling gaps between slower-growing crops.

Brassicas

• • Broccoli – Plant now for harvesting in late spring. Regular feeding will encourage strong growth and tighter heads.
  • Cauliflower – Prefers steady growth without stress, so ensure soil stays consistently moist.
  • Cabbage – A classic cool-season crop that does best when planted in rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Try staggered plantings for an extended harvest.

Legumes

• • Peas – Love cooler conditions and add nitrogen back into the soil, making them a valuable rotation crop. Consider climbing varieties if space is tight.
  • Broad Beans – Plant now and enjoy pods from late spring. They can also act as a ‘green manure’ – improving soil health when dug in after cropping.

Herbs

• • Parsley – Thrives in the cooler months and adds freshness to almost any dish. Plant a few clumps so you always have it on hand.
  • Coriander – Does best in cooler spring temperatures before summer heat causes it to bolt. Sow successively for a continuous supply.

Onions, Garlic & Potatoes

• • Garlic – If you haven’t yet planted, you can still slip a few cloves in at the start of September. They’ll appreciate fertile, free-draining soil.
  • Onions – Sow now for harvesting in mid-to-late summer. They do best in sunny spots with well-prepared soil.
  • Potatoes – September is prime time for planting early varieties. These will be ready to dig up in late spring, with plenty of time to get a Christmas crop on the table. Sprout (chit) seed potatoes in a bright, sheltered spot before planting to give them a head start.

Feeding & Soil Preparation

Healthy soil is the foundation of every successful crop. To give your spring plantings the best chance, Dave’s Garden Products’ Turbo Garden Blend combines worm castings, humate, and trace elements in one powerful mix. Worm castings supply gentle, slow-release nutrients and beneficial microbes, while humates improve soil biology, boost moisture retention, and build plant resilience. It’s especially useful around delicate seedlings, leafy greens, and root crops.

How to use – Incorporate Turbo Garden Blend into the topsoil before planting or use it as a top dressing around established plants. It’s mild enough not to burn roots but strong enough to keep growth steady and healthy.

Ongoing Feeding

Once your seedlings are established, apply a liquid humate fertiliser as a foliar spray or soil drench every 2–3 weeks. This helps plants develop stronger roots, improves pest resistance, and ensures lush growth. Keep an eye on soil moisture – spring winds can dry the ground quickly. A layer of mulch will help lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Extra Tips for September

• • Frost protection – While frosts are less common by mid-to-late September, colder regions may still experience them. Use cloches, frost cloth, or even upturned pots to protect vulnerable young seedlings overnight.
  • Companion planting – Pair crops together to make the most of space and deter pests naturally (e.g., plant marigolds near brassicas to deter aphids).
  • Garden planning – Take the time to map out your vege patch. Good crop rotation helps maintain soil health and reduces pest build-up.

By planting smart and feeding your soil well this September, you’ll set your garden on the path to abundant harvests for the months ahead.

Dave’s Garden Products are available at all leading garden centres nationwide, including Mitre10 and Bunnings.

Giveaway Announcement 🎉

Our Facebook page was unfortunately deleted, and we’re working hard to rebuild our community. To celebrate the launch of our new page, we’re giving away one 8kg bag of Dave’s Garden Products every month for the next three months – including free delivery.

How to enter:

• • Be subscribed to our newsletter
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  • Leave us a review

A winner will be drawn automatically at the end of each month and announced on Facebook.

👉 Like our new Facebook page here to enter the draw!

Happy gardening,

The Dave’s Garden Products Team