Radio Transcript
September 21st, 2026
Tanner Collier

Hello, this is Tanner Collier, the Horticulture Agent with Burke County Cooperative Extension. Fall is upon us, so let's talk about “gardening in the fall.”

September is the perfect month to start sowing crops in the fall. This can be done by seed or by transplants. Transplant crops should be seeded six to eight weeks before being put in the garden. Hardening off the plant to make sure the seedling acclimates to the environment is crucial for the survival of the plant.

There are several cool season crops that can be planted during September such as garlic, mustard, green onions, bok choy, and arugula. Garlic can be grown by bulbs with a planting distance of 4 to 6 inches and it will take 180 to 210 days to harvest. Mustard can be started by seed with a planting distance of 2 inches and it will take 30 - 40 days to harvest. Green onions can be started by seed or by transplants with a plant spacing of 1 - 2 inches. It will take 42 - 56 days to harvest by transplants and 60 - 70 days to harvest by seed. Bok choy can be planted by transplants with a plant spacing of 7 - 12 inches and it will take 30 - 75 days to harvest. Arugula can be started by seed with a planting distance of 6 - 9 inches and it will take 40 - 50 days to harvest.

Remember, all of these are suggested planting dates to provide the highest success. Depending on the weather, the planting dates can be longer or shorter each year.

This has been Tanner Collier with Burke County Cooperative Extension. If you have any questions or want more information you can contact us at (828) 764-9480.