Spring Planting – Why September Matters
September in New Zealand is the true start of spring. Warmer days and longer daylight hours bring a rush of growth to the garden. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting out, knowing what crops to plant now will give you a head start on a productive season. With the added support of wool mulch mats, you can protect your soil, manage weeds, and create the ideal conditions for young plants.
Top Crops to Plant in September
Here’s what to focus on this month for a thriving NZ garden:
1. Tomatoes (Under Cover or Warm Areas)
Tomatoes love warmth, so in cooler regions it’s best to start them in trays indoors or in a greenhouse. In warmer regions (Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay), you can plant seedlings directly outdoors by the end of the month.
- Mulch tip: Once seedlings are established, lay wool mulch mats around them to reduce weed competition and stabilise soil temperature.
2. Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet)
Fast-growing greens are perfect to sow in September. They’ll give you harvests in just a few weeks.
- Mulch tip: Use smaller mulch mats around seedlings to lock in soil moisture – especially important as spring winds can quickly dry soil.
3. Peas
Peas thrive in the cooler start of spring and can be sown directly into the soil. They also enrich your soil with nitrogen.
- Mulch tip: Place mulch strips between rows to suppress weeds and keep the soil damp for steady growth.
4. Carrots & Beetroot
Root crops like carrots and beetroot do well when sown straight into prepared soil.
- Mulch tip: Prepare soil well before sowing, mulch mats can be added between rows once seedlings are visible, reducing weed pressure while roots develop below.
5. Herbs (Coriander, Parsley, Chives)
September is the perfect time to refresh your herb patch. These hardy herbs love the lengthening days.
- Mulch tip: A light layer of wool mulch around herb seedlings reduces evaporation, meaning less watering needed as temperatures rise.
Preparing the Ground First
Before you plant, make sure the soil is ready:
- Clear out weeds to prevent them competing with your crops.
- Loosen compacted soil and add compost for healthy root growth.
- Plan your mulch placement now, it’s far easier to control weeds before they emerge than to tackle them later.
The Mulch Advantage
NZ made wool mulch mats give you multiple benefits:
- Suppress weeds naturally (no spraying).
- Hold up to 30% of their weight in water.
- Break down into the soil, returning nutrients including nitrogen.
- Stabilise soil temperature, especially important for young spring crops.
Final Thoughts
September is an exciting month for Kiwi gardeners. By planting the right crops at the right time, and supporting them with sustainable wool mulch mats, you’ll set your garden up for a bumper harvest right through spring and summer.