“What are the best crops and flowers to start in September?” is a great question. As the blistering heat of August finally begins to fade, September offers a “second spring” for gardeners in the Texas Hill Country. This is the perfect window to refresh your garden beds and prepare for a bountiful autumn harvest. At Odiorne Feed, we are ready to help you transition your garden from summer survival mode to fall flourishing.

First, you need to prep your soil. The summer sun likely depleted nutrients and compacted the earth. revitalizing your beds is essential. Remove any spent summer plants and work in a fresh layer of compost or organic matter. This simple step improves drainage and recharges the soil, giving your new seeds the energy they need to take root quickly.

Now, choose your crops. September is prime time for planting cool-season vegetables. You can sow seeds for leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce directly into the ground. Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and radishes also thrive in the cooling soil. If you want flowers, plant marigolds, petunias, or snapdragons now for a burst of color that lasts until the first hard freeze.

Finally, maintain consistent moisture. Even though the air feels cooler, the ground can still dry out fast. Water your new seeds gently but frequently to keep the soil surface moist until germination occurs.

Stop by Odiorne Feed in Johnson City to grab your seeds, fertilizer, and soil amendments. Let’s get your fall garden growing today.