The Fleur Kitchen - September in the Garden

The breezes taste of apple peel. The air is full of smells to feel…” – John Updike

As September tiptoes in, cloaked in dew and dappled light, the garden hums with quiet abundance. Summer’s last blush meets autumn’s golden breath, and in this gentle pause, there’s both harvest and hope.

What to Plant Now

Though the wheel turns towards cooler days, the soil is still warm and welcoming. Now’s the time to tuck in seeds for autumn and beyond:

• Spring cabbages – for early lush heads

• Leafy greens – rocket, spinach, and winter purslane

• Radishes – quick and peppery, perfect for autumn salads

• Broad beans – sow direct for a head start on spring

• Salad leaves – hardy varieties to see you through the chill

What to Harvest

Gather the fruits of your quiet labour – your basket overflows!

• Tomatoes (ripen final green ones indoors)

• Runner beans & French beans

• Courgettes & squash (watch for swelling marrows!)

• Beetroot & carrots – earthy and sweet

• Apples & pears – gently twist to see if they’re ready

• Plums & damsons – soft, dusky jewels

• Herbs – thyme, rosemary, sage; dry or preserve them now

Garden Jobs for September

• Save seeds from favourite blooms and vegetables

• Lift and divide perennials (like rhubarb or chives)

• Plant spring bulbs for a burst of joy after winter

• Compost tidy-up – add fallen leaves, layer with green waste

• Weed gently, mulching around autumn plantings

• Cover crops (like phacelia or field beans) for happy soil

From Garden to Table: Warming Beetroot & Apple Gratin

A celebration of sweet roots and orchard fruit – this beautiful dish layers thinly sliced beetroot and apples with a swirl of crème fraîche, nutmeg, and thyme, baked until bubbling and golden. Serve alongside a roast or with a hunk of bread and good butter.

Optional twist: a scattering of chopped walnuts or blue cheese before the final bake for something indulgent.

September Whispers…“Plant garlic on the shortest day, harvest on the longest,” they say – but early planting brings strong roots. Let your garden tuck itself in gently, and savour each sun-dappled afternoon while they last.

Stay cosy, stay curious,

The Fleur Kitchen