Trenton, NJ — As summer winds down and September looms, New Jersey gardeners in USDA hardiness zone 7 still have a window to plant a second round of vegetables—perfectly timed for fall harvests or to set up early spring yields.
With soil temperatures still warm and cooler nights on the horizon, late August through September is prime time for quick-growing, cool-season crops that thrive before the first hard frost, typically arriving in mid to late November in most of zone 7.
Fast-maturing leafy greens top the list. Gardeners can sow spinach, arugula, mustard greens, and Swiss chard directly into the soil through early September. Lettuce, particularly cold-hardy romaine and loose-leaf varieties, can also be planted now for crisp harvests deep into October.
Root vegetables like radishes, turnips, and beets also fare well when planted in late August. These crops mature in 30 to 60 days and grow sweeter in cooler conditions. Carrots are still a viable option, but should be planted no later than early September to reach maturity before frost.
For those looking to overwinter crops, garlic should be planted in late September through October. Covering garlic with mulch after planting helps protect the cloves over winter, yielding a strong summer harvest next year.
Broccoli, kale, and collards can be transplanted from starts or nursery plugs now to allow enough time for head formation and leaf growth before the first frost. Kale and collards, in particular, grow well into colder months and often taste better after a light freeze.
Herbs like cilantro and dill can be sown in late summer for a short-term harvest before bolting, while perennial herbs such as thyme and chives can still be planted to establish themselves before winter dormancy.
Soil prep remains essential—clearing out summer crop residue and refreshing garden beds with compost or slow-release fertilizer will give fall crops the nutrients needed for a strong finish to the growing season.
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Key Points
- Zone 7 gardeners in New Jersey can still plant leafy greens, root vegetables, and fall transplants through September
- Garlic planting begins in late September for next year’s summer harvest
- Cool-season crops like kale, radishes, and spinach thrive in the early fall’s mild temperatures
Gardeners in New Jersey can squeeze in one last round of crops before frost claims the season.