Fall Garden Planting in Charlottesville, VA (Zone 7a)

What to Plant in Early September in Virginia

A gardener wants fall crops for a small garden in Charlottesville (Zone 7a). Early September is prime time for cool-season vegetables.

Direct-Seed Now (Early Sept)

• Root crops: Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes (fast), parsnips.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, lettuce (heat-tolerant), arugula, mache, kale, Swiss chard.
• Peas: Snap/snow peas (fall crop works in Zone 7).
• Alliums: Garlic (plant Oct), onion sets (spring harvest).

Transplant Now (Early Sept)

• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, collards.
• Choose fast-maturing varieties (50–65 days).

Season Extension

• Row covers / low tunnels – add 2–4 weeks.
• Cold frames – harvest into winter.
• Mulch heavily – moderates soil temperature.

Zone Map & Seed Packets

• USDA Zone Map – confirm your microclimate.
• Seed packets list zone suitability and days to maturity.
• Local nurseries stock region-appropriate transplants.

Bottom Line

Early September = fall garden prime time in Zone 7a. Direct-seed roots/greens; transplant brassicas. Use covers for winter harvest.