There isn't much better than a late summer harvest in Southern California. We're fortunate to enjoy year-round growing and the best of summer will be enjoyed until the weather starts to turn. September, in particular, offers a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful produce. It's a great time to try some new recipes with fresh flavors and invite family and friends over for a memorable evening in the garden.
Here's a glimpse of what you can expect to reap from your garden:
Fruits and Vegetables
• Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes in an array of colors, sizes and varieties are a staple of September harvests.
• Peppers: Enjoy the heat of chili peppers or the sweetness of lunchbox peppers.
• Eggplants: Gather plump, eggplant fruits in a range of sizes and colors.
• Cucumbers: Harvest crisp cucumbers for salads, sandwiches, or pickling.
• Squash: Enjoy tender zucchini, yellow squash, or start saving winter favorites like butternut or delicata squash for versatile culinary uses.
• Okra: Tender okra pods are perfect for gumbo, stews, or frying.
• Beans: Continue harvesting green beans, lima beans, or runner beans.
• Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon are ripe for picking.
• Herbs: Warm season favorites such as basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram and thyme.
Written by Ashley Irene, Heirloom Potager Founder + Culinary Garden Designer for The Hardware House Kitchen, Sept 2024
