September is a transition month in Potchefstroom. The ARC summer-vegetable production guide and winter-vegetable guide provide South African planting windows; locally, combine them with Potchefstroom’s late cold and do not put every hardy and tender crop outside at the same time.
Begin with a useful small mixture
Six sound starting choices
- Radishes and beetroot for quick direct sowing.
- Carrots in deep, loose soil without fresh lumps of compost.
- Spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce or rocket for regular picking.
- Parsley, coriander, chives and thyme for the kitchen.
- Bush beans once the cold risk settles and the soil begins to warm.
- Tomatoes and sweet peppers under shelter first, then gradually outdoors.
Adapt the list to your space
- Full-sun bed: carrots, beetroot, beans and later tomatoes.
- Morning sun or light shade: lettuce, rocket, parsley and coriander.
- Large containers: one tomato, a group of bush beans or a herb pot with good drainage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start everything from seed?
Yes, although seedlings save time for tomatoes and sweet peppers. Radishes, carrots, beetroot and beans are easily sown directly.
What works on a balcony?
Use deep pots with drainage holes for carrots and tomatoes, and shallower containers for lettuce, rocket and herbs.
