September is a special month on the allotment. The days are getting shorter, the evenings cooler, and while summer crops are still giving generously, our thoughts are already turning towards autumn. It’s a month of abundance, change and preparation – a real “bridge” between two growing seasons.

What to Harvest in September

This is one of the most rewarding times of the year for allotmenteers. Baskets are often overflowing with:

• Beans and courgettes – still cropping well if the weather stays mild.

• Sweetcorn – pick cobs when the tassels have gone brown and kernels release a milky juice when pressed.

• Squashes and pumpkins – start to ripen and colour up, ready for storing.

• Tomatoes and peppers – enjoy the last flush before the cooler nights take hold.

• Apples, pears and plums – a real highlight of early autumn orchards.

If you find yourself with a glut, why not swap produce with other plot holders or try preserving? Courgette chutney, apple crumbles, or jars of runner bean pickle are great ways to make the harvest last longer.

Jobs for September

While harvesting is the fun part, there are also some key tasks to keep on top of this month:

• Clear away spent crops – old pea and bean plants can be cut down (leaving the roots in to enrich the soil with nitrogen).

• Sow for winter and spring – garlic, overwintering onions, broad beans and hardy spinach can all be planted now.

• Green manures – sowing clover, rye or mustard helps protect and feed the soil over winter.

• Mulching – spread compost or manure on cleared beds to let the worms do the work before spring.

• Save seed – beans, peas and tomatoes are easy to save for next year’s planting.

Preparing for Autumn and Wildlife

September is also a great time to think about the wildlife that shares our allotments:

• Leave a pile of logs, leaves or straw for hedgehogs and insects to shelter in.

• Keep some seed heads standing – finches and sparrows will appreciate the food.

• If you have a pond, scoop out excess weed so frogs and newts can thrive.

A wildlife-friendly allotment not only helps nature but also supports the balance of pests and pollinators for the year ahead.

Making the Most of Shorter Days

As evenings draw in, it can be harder to fit in long sessions on the plot. A tip is to make a quick “September checklist” and tackle jobs in short bursts – 20 minutes of weeding, or a quick harvest after work, soon adds up.

Final Thoughts

September is one of the most satisfying months on the allotment. There’s still plenty to enjoy fresh from the ground, but by sowing, mulching and preparing now, you’ll set yourself up for a strong start next spring.

So fill your baskets, share your gluts, and take a moment to enjoy the changing colours around the plot – autumn is just around the corner.

September on the Allotment: Harvests, Jobs and Autumn Prep