Free South African growing guide
September Vegetable Planting Guide for South Africa
September brings longer days and new growth, but South Africa’s climates differ greatly. Adjust this guide for your own frost dates, rainfall and temperatures.
Good September choices
Many regions can begin warm-season vegetables while continuing selected cool-season crops. Cold inland gardens may still need frost protection.
- Pak choi in cooler positions
- Basil once reliably warm
- Loofah started with warmth
- Calendula, cosmos and zinnia
- Parsnip in deep, cool soil
Prepare before sowing
Loosen compacted soil, add mature compost and check drainage. Install supports for climbing crops before roots spread.
- Check your last frost date
- Label unusual varieties
- Protect seedlings from snails and wind
Sow in stages
Make smaller sowings two or three weeks apart. This spreads the harvest and reduces the risk from one sudden weather change.
- Keep seed for a follow-up sowing
- Record dates and weather
- Share extra seedlings
