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Bentley Seed Co. Blog

What to Plant in September for a Fall Harvest (And What to Cook When It Comes In)

What to Plant in September for a Fall Harvest (And What to Cook When It Comes In)

by Katie Bentley on Aug 26 2026
Bentley SeedsBlog Recipe Shop What to Plant in September for a Fall Harvest The garden is not done yet — not even close   On this page What to Plant in September for a Fall Harvest Recipe Most people think the garden is winding down in September. They pull up the last of the tomatoes, let the herbs go to seed, and call it a season. But experienced gardeners know something the rest of the neighborhood does not: September is one of the best planting months of the entire year. Cool-season crops actually prefer the temperatures that September brings. The soil is still warm from summer, which helps seeds germinate quickly, but the air is cooling down in exactly the way that kale, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and carrots love. What you plant this month can be on your table by October and November -- sometimes even later depending on where you live. This post covers exactly what to get in the ground right now, how long each crop takes to harvest, and closes with a recipe that uses four of these crops together in one pot: a deeply satisfying Autumn Harvest Minestrone that will make you genuinely grateful you kept gardening past Labor Day. Why September Is a Great Time to Plant The window feels short but it is more generous than most people realize. Cool-season crops grow fast, tolerate light frost, and in many cases taste better after a cold snap -- the chill converts starches to sugars, which is why fall kale and carrots are noticeably sweeter than their summer counterparts. Check your first frost date. In most of the northeastern and mid-Atlantic US, the first frost falls somewhere between mid-October and early November. That gives you 6 to 8 weeks of solid growing time from a September planting. Focus on fast-maturing varieties. Days to maturity matters more in September than any other month. Stick to varieties that finish in 30 to 60 days. Plant in a sunny spot. Days are getting shorter, so give your fall crops the sunniest location in your garden to compensate. Water consistently after planting. Germination is fast in warm September soil, but seedlings need steady moisture in their first two weeks. What to Plant in September Kale — Days to harvest: 50 to 65 daysKale is one of the most cold-hardy vegetables you can grow. It handles frost without flinching and many gardeners find that a light freeze actually improves the flavor. Plant now and you can be harvesting well into November in most climates. It is also one of the most productive crops per square foot you can grow -- one plant keeps producing leaves for weeks. Use it in soups, salads, sauteed as a side dish, or blended into a pesto. It is the backbone of the Minestrone recipe below. Shop kale seeds. Spinach — Days to harvest: 40 to 50 daysSpinach is one of the fastest cool-season crops and one of the most cold-tolerant. It can survive temperatures down to the mid-20s with a little protection and will keep producing cut-and-come-again leaves right up until a hard freeze. September-planted spinach often produces a second flush of growth in early spring if it overwinters successfully. Use it fresh in salads, wilted into pasta, or stirred into soups and eggs. Shop Spinach, Bloomsdale Savoy seeds. Lettuce — Days to harvest: 45 to 60 daysLettuce bolts in summer heat but absolutely thrives in cool fall weather. September-planted lettuce grows slowly and evenly, producing tender, flavorful leaves that are noticeably better than anything you can grow in July. It does not tolerate a hard freeze, so plan to harvest before temperatures consistently drop below 28°F or cover with a row cover to extend the season. Shop lettuce varieties. Radishes — Days to harvest: 22 to 30 daysRadishes are the fastest crop in the fall garden and a great choice if you are nervous about the window. You can plant them in mid-September and have something to eat by mid-October. They are also a good companion for slower crops -- plant them between rows of carrots and kale to make use of every inch of space. Try them raw with butter and salt, quick-pickled, thinly sliced into salads, or roasted until sweet and tender. Shop radish seeds. Carrots — Days to harvest: 60 to 75 daysCarrots are the most patient crop on this list and the most rewarding. They need the full window, so get them in the ground in the first week of September for the best results. Like kale, their flavor improves significantly after a frost. They also store incredibly well right in the ground, which means you can leave them and harvest as needed well into late fall. Shop Carrot, Danvers Half Long seeds. Quick Planting Tips Kale: Direct sow or transplant. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings when they reach 3 inches tall. Spinach: Direct sow in rows, about half an inch deep. Thin to 3 to 4 inches apart once sprouted. Succession plant every two weeks for a longer harvest. Lettuce: Scatter seeds lightly and press into the soil. Does not need to be buried deep -- lettuce needs light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings appear. Radishes: Direct sow half an inch deep, one inch apart. Thin to 2 inches once sprouted. Do not let them stay in the ground past maturity or they turn woody. Carrots: Direct sow in loose, well-worked soil. Thin to 3 inches apart once seedlings are 2 inches tall. Carrots need loose soil to form straight roots -- break up any clumps before planting. Recipe of the Month: Autumn Harvest Minestrone Extending Your Fall Garden Season Row covers and frost cloth: A lightweight row cover can protect your crops from frost and extend your harvest by three to four weeks in most climates. Cold frames: A simple cold frame built from an old window and four boards can keep lettuce, spinach, and kale producing well into December in many parts of the country. Succession planting: Do not plant everything at once. Stagger your lettuce, spinach, and radish plantings by two weeks to keep a steady harvest coming. Mulch heavily: Once temperatures start dropping consistently, a layer of straw or shredded leaves around your plants helps insulate the soil and protect roots. September gardening is one of the quieter pleasures of the growing season. The summer rush is over, the garden is not yet put to bed, and there is something genuinely satisfying about putting seeds in the ground when the rest of the neighborhood has stopped paying attention to theirs. The harvest that follows -- sweet fall carrots, tender kale after the first frost, crisp October lettuce -- is some of the best eating of the whole year. Get those seeds in the ground this month. Your October self will be very glad you did. Autumn Harvest Minestrone Serves 6–8  ·  Total time: 45 minutes Ingredients 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended) 1 Parmesan rind (optional -- a game changer for depth of flavor) 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni 2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped 2 cups fresh spinach Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and good olive oil for serving Instructions Build the base. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and a generous pinch of salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and just starting to turn golden. Add garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Do not rush this step. Add the vegetables. Add diced carrots and celery and stir to combine. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly. Add tomato paste. Push the vegetables to the side and add tomato paste directly to the bottom of the pot. Let it cook undisturbed for about 90 seconds until it darkens slightly and smells fragrant. Then stir it into the vegetables. Add liquids and seasoning. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Add oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and the Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a gentle boil. Add beans and simmer. Add both cans of beans, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Cook the pasta. Add the pasta directly to the soup and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente. Pull off the heat when the pasta still has a slight bite. Add the greens. Remove the Parmesan rind if using. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 3 minutes. Then stir in the spinach and cook just 1 minute more. Taste and finish. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Serve with crusty bread. Tips The Parmesan rind is optional but do not skip it if you have one. Save them in the freezer whenever you finish a block of Parmesan. Do not overcook the greens. Kale goes in with a few minutes left and spinach goes in at the very end. Make it ahead. This soup tastes significantly better the next day. Cook the pasta separately and add when reheating. Freeze it. Minestrone freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Leave the pasta out if you plan to freeze -- add fresh pasta when you reheat. Make it heartier. Add a diced zucchini with the carrots and celery, or stir in cooked farro or barley instead of pasta. Make it vegan. Skip the Parmesan rind and use nutritional yeast as a finishing topper instead of grated cheese. Pair the Recipe with Your Garden Kale, spinach, carrots, and onions from a September planting come together naturally in a soup like this. Simple, hearty recipes turn a fall harvest into some of the best weeknight dinners of the year and give you a reason to keep the garden going long after summer ends. Final Thoughts: Keep Planting Get those seeds in the ground this month. Your October self will be very glad you did. Browse all fall planting seeds at Bentley Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, and trusted by American gardeners since 1975. Questions about fall planting in your area? Contact the Bentley Seeds team.
6 Ways to Use Up Your August Tomato Harvest

6 Ways to Use Up Your August Tomato Harvest

by Katie Bentley on Jul 27 2026
Bentley SeedsBlog Recipe Shop 6 Ways to Use Up Your August Tomato Harvest The best problem gardening gives you On this page 6 Ways to Use Up Your August Tomato Harvest Recipes If you are a home gardener in August, you know the feeling. You walk outside to check on your plants and suddenly there are twelve ripe tomatoes where there were none yesterday. Then twelve more the day after that. The kitchen counter fills up. The windowsill fills up. You start leaving bags of tomatoes on your neighbor's doorstep and pretending you do not know who left them. This is the best problem gardening gives you. The good news is that tomatoes at peak ripeness are one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen. You do not need complicated recipes or a lot of time. Most of the ideas below come together in under 30 minutes and use ingredients you probably already have on hand -- many of them growing right alongside your tomatoes. Here are six of our favorite ways to use up a big August harvest. A Quick Note on Varieties Not all tomatoes behave the same way in the kitchen. Here is a quick guide to which Bentley Seeds varieties work best for each type of recipe: Tomato, Roma -- Best for roasting, sauce, and bruschetta. Meaty with low moisture and holds its shape. Tomato, Beefsteak -- Best for slicing, caprese, and sandwiches. Big, juicy, and impressive on a plate. Tomato, Brandywine -- Best for caprese and fresh eating. Heirloom flavor that stands on its own. Tomato, Cherry or Grape varieties -- Best for blistering, salads, and pasta. Sweet and fast to cook. Growing any of these? You are about to put them to very good use. The Seeds Behind the Harvest Every recipe above starts with a seed. These are the Bentley Seeds varieties worth planting if you want an August kitchen full of possibilities: Tomato, Roma -- The workhorse of the garden. Perfect for roasting, sauce, and bruschetta. Tomato, Beefsteak -- Big slicing tomatoes ideal for caprese and fresh eating. Tomato, Brandywine -- Heirloom flavor that stands completely on its own. Basil, Genovese Sweet -- The herb that ties every one of these recipes together. Pepper, Jalapeno -- Essential for the salsa and great for so much more. Cilantro -- Fast-growing and ideal for summer herb gardens. Browse all vegetable seeds and herb seeds at Bentley Seeds. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, and trusted by American gardeners since 1975. A garden full of tomatoes in August is not a problem. It is an opportunity. These six recipes give you a week's worth of meals, snacks, and shareable dishes using what is already growing in your backyard. And the best part is that every single one tastes better when the tomatoes came from your own soil. Save this post for when the harvest hits. You will need it. Recipe 1 Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad Best with: Roma, Beefsteak, or Brandywine Ingredients 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or dried oregano) Salt and black pepper to taste 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn Balsamic glaze for drizzling Flaky sea salt to finish Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss halved tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated. Arrange cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 45 to 55 minutes until softened, caramelized, and slightly wrinkled at the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes. Arrange on a platter, alternating with mozzarella slices and torn basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish with flaky salt and serve. Make-ahead tip: Roasted tomatoes can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble the platter just before serving. Grow it yourself: Basil, Genovese Sweet and Tomato, Roma from Bentley Seeds. Recipe 2 Quick Bruschetta Best with: Roma, cherry, or any firm ripe tomato from the garden Ingredients 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced small 2 cloves garlic, 1 minced for the topping and 1 whole for rubbing the bread 3 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar Salt and black pepper to taste 1 baguette, sliced and toasted Instructions Combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, and red wine vinegar in a bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Toast baguette slices until golden and crisp. While still warm, rub each slice with the cut side of the whole garlic clove. Spoon tomato mixture generously over each slice and serve immediately. Tip: Do not skip the garlic rub on the bread. It is a small step that adds a lot of flavor. Grow it yourself: Basil, Genovese Sweet from Bentley Seeds. Recipe 3 Blistered Cherry Tomato Pasta Best with: Cherry or grape tomatoes Ingredients 2 cups cherry tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons olive oil Pinch of red pepper flakes Salt and black pepper to taste 8 ounces pasta of your choice Fresh basil to finish Parmesan for serving Instructions Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to blister and char on the bottom. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss and cook another 2 minutes until tomatoes burst and release their juices. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season to taste. Finish with torn fresh basil and plenty of Parmesan. Grow it yourself: Basil, Genovese Sweet from Bentley Seeds. Recipe 4 Fresh Garden Salsa Best with: Roma or any firm ripe tomato Ingredients 3 cups fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 small white onion, finely diced 1 to 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced (adjust to taste) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Juice of 1 lime 1/2 teaspoon cumin Salt to taste Instructions Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust -- more lime for brightness, more jalapeno for heat, more salt to bring everything together. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tip: For a smokier salsa, char the tomatoes and jalapenos directly over a gas flame or under the broiler for a few minutes before chopping. Grow it yourself: Jalapeno and Cilantro from Bentley Seeds. Recipe 5 Slow Roasted Tomatoes in Olive Oil Best with: Roma or plum tomatoes Ingredients 3 pounds tomatoes, halved lengthwise 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for storing Salt and black pepper to taste Instructions Preheat oven to 275°F. Arrange tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet. Tuck garlic slices and herb sprigs between the tomatoes. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours until the tomatoes are deeply concentrated, shrunken, and sweet but not dried out. Let cool completely. Transfer to a clean jar and cover with olive oil. Refrigerate for up to two weeks. Tip: The olive oil left in the jar after the tomatoes are gone is incredible for dipping bread or dressing a salad. Grow it yourself: Tomato and Rosemary from Bentley Seeds. Recipe 6 Simple Fresh Tomato Soup Best with: Any ripe tomatoes -- great for imperfect or slightly overripe ones Ingredients 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity) Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh basil for serving Cream or butter for finishing (optional) Instructions Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add chopped tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until tomatoes have completely broken down. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Alternatively transfer in batches to a blender. Stir in sugar and season generously with salt and pepper. Add a swirl of cream or a pat of butter if desired. Serve with torn fresh basil and crusty bread on the side. Freezing tip: Let cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Keeps for up to 3 months. A taste of August in the middle of January. Grow it yourself: Tomato, Basil, Genovese Sweet, and Onion from Bentley Seeds. Pair the Recipes with Your Garden Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and peppers make summer cooking even better, especially when they come straight from the garden. Simple recipes like these turn a backyard harvest into a week's worth of meals and give you another reason to keep checking on the plants every morning. Final Thoughts: The Best August Ingredient Is Already in Your Backyard A garden full of tomatoes in August is not a problem. It is an opportunity. These six recipes give you a week's worth of meals, snacks, and shareable dishes using what is already growing in your backyard. And the best part is that every single one tastes better when the tomatoes came from your own soil. Save this post for when the harvest hits. You will need it. Shop Bentley Seeds and grow something worth cooking with this season.
Garden Parties Are the Hottest Hosting Trend of 2026: Here's How to Throw One

Garden Parties Are the Hottest Hosting Trend of 2026: Here's How to Throw One

by Katie Bentley on Jun 29 2026
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Bentley SeedsBlog Recipe Shop Garden Parties Are the Hottest Hosting Trend of 2026 Here's how to throw one On this page Garden Parties Are the Hottest Hosting Trend of 2026 Recipe If you have been looking for a reason to finally use your backyard as more than a place to mow, 2026 has officially given you one. Garden parties are having a full comeback, and not the stuffy, tiny-sandwich kind from your grandmother's era. According to Better Homes & Gardens and hosting experts nationwide, outdoor entertaining at home is one of the biggest trends of the year, with hosts trading restaurant reservations for something more intentional: beautiful tables, seasonal food, good conversation, and a backyard that actually gets used. The best part? If you are already growing a garden, you are already halfway there. Why Garden Parties Are Trending in 2026 Garden parties are being completely reimagined this year. Instead of boring and plain, the 2026 version goes with unique themes, specific cuisines, creative table decor, and activities like adult-friendly crafts. Hosting at home has become a preferred alternative to going out, with these more tailored, intimate gatherings allowing for more genuine quality time and connection, with no reservations required and no time limit. The aesthetic is just as intentional as the food. In 2026, tables are becoming both decorative and delicious as hosts move beyond traditional floral centerpieces to incorporate foraged accents, fresh produce, and garden-picked greenery. Herbs, citrus branches, and seasonal fruits are layered into tablescapes, and color palettes are shifting toward earthy neutrals with soft accents like sage green, terracotta, and muted lavender. Credit: Andrea LindsayPinterest Grow Your Garden Party from Seed Here is what makes a garden party at home special: you grew it. When guests ask what is in the salad and you say "my backyard," that is a moment no restaurant can replicate. These are the Bentley Seeds varieties that pull double duty. They look beautiful growing in your garden and end up in the food on your table. For Your Tablescape: Sunflowers – Cut a few stems and drop them in a mason jar. Done. (shop sunflower seeds) Wildflower Mix – A scattered patch in the yard creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor photos. (shop wildflower mix) Haven't planted yet? It's not too late for a late-July harvest of basil, kale, and parsley. Shop all herb seeds here. Recipe of the Month: Garden Party Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing Hosting Tips: Pull It All Together A few quick ideas to make your garden party feel intentional without being overwhelming: Use what is growing. Clip herb bundles, sunflower stems, or wildflower stems and put them in simple jars on the table. Your garden is the decor. Serve family style. Big platters and bowls on a long table encourage guests to serve themselves and linger. Make it interactive. Set up a small station where guests can snip fresh herbs to add to their plates. It is a talking point and connects them to where the food came from. Lean into the season. July is peak growing season. Build your whole menu around what is ready in the garden, including tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and cucumbers. It tastes better and the story is more fun to tell. Credit: MomoozePinterest Seeds to Start Now for Your Next Garden Party Planning a late-summer gathering? These varieties planted now will be ready to harvest in 6 to 8 weeks: Basil, Genovese Sweet – Harvest in about 30 days Kale – Harvest in 50 to 65 days Parsley – Harvest in 70 to 90 days; start inside for faster results Sunflowers – Blooms in 60 to 80 days; plant now for late August color Browse all herb and vegetable seeds at Bentley Seeds. All non-GMO, open-pollinated, and trusted by American gardeners since 1975. Garden Party Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing Ingredients 2 cups dry rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi pasta 3 cups fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped (shop kale seeds) 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes if not yet in season) (shop tomato seeds) 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (shop basil seeds) Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chickpeas for extra texture For the lemon herb dressing: 1/2 cup fresh basil, stems removed (from your garden!) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 cloves fresh garlic 1 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste Fresh cracked black pepper Instructions Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook until just al dente, as it will continue to soften as it chills. Drain, rinse with cold water, and spread on a sheet pan to cool completely. Massage the kale. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chopped kale and massage between your hands for about 2 minutes. This breaks down the tough fibers, reduces bitterness, and makes the kale tender enough to absorb the dressing. Do not skip this step. Make the dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend on high until completely smooth. Taste and adjust with more salt, lemon, or garlic as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use. Build the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, massaged kale, tomatoes, feta, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Pour dressing over and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Serve and garnish. Before serving, give the salad a fresh toss. Top with an extra handful of torn basil, a light drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of flaky salt. Pile onto a wide platter and tuck in a few fresh herb sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Pair the Recipe with Your Garden Fresh herbs, kale, and tomatoes make summer entertaining even better, especially when they come straight from the garden. Simple recipes like this turn backyard harvests into impressive dishes and give hosts another reason to spend time outside tending what they will soon share with guests. Credit: AestoraLink   Final Thoughts: The Best Garden Parties Start from Seed The best garden parties do not come from a party store. They come from a backyard that was tended, seeds that were planted, and food that was grown with some intention. This salad is a great place to start. It is easy, impressive, travels well, and tastes even better when the basil came from six feet away. Grab your seeds, get them in the ground, and start planning your July gathering. Your guests will notice the difference. Questions about what to grow? Contact the Bentley Seeds team. Shop Bentley Seeds and grow your next great gathering from seed.