• Carrots are among the best vegetables to plant in fall.Carrots image by tarheel1776 from Fotolia.com
  
  Fall and winter gardening is a centuries-old practice used not only for continually obtaining fresh produce but also to keep the fertility of the soil at the optimal level. The climate in the southern regions of the United States is best suited for growing vegetables in the fall. Gardeners in northern regions can grow vegetables in greenhouses, hot beds or cold frames. A number of leaf crops and root crops can be successfully grown in September.
  
  

Carrots

• Carrots are a fairly frost-tolerant vegetable and can be planted successfully in September to have a crop ready for harvest with the arrival of winter. Carrots can be harvested 60 to 80 days after planting depending on the variety. Count back three weeks from the first estimated frost date to determine the best sowing time for carrots. Plant carrots in the fall in fertile soil (just as they are planted during any other season) and water regularly. Carrots do not need to be harvested entirely with the arrival of winter but can stay in the ground under a heavy layer of mulch.
  
  

Lettuce

• Lettuce is one of the best vegetables to grow in September because it thrives in cooler temperatures, with germination of seeds affected in temperatures of 77 to 95 degrees. Lettuce planted in September is ready for harvest in 45 to 50 days. Planting lettuce seeds a few weeks apart helps to ensure a continual harvest through most of winter. Lettuce is a fast-growing crop and needs to be thinned continually to prevent plants from overcrowding. The best time to water lettuce during any season is in the morning to prevent the development of mold, mildew and disease. Lettuce has a high water requirement, and lack of moisture can lead to stunted growth.
  
  

Radishes

• Radishes are not only fast growing but can be planted from early spring through September. Radishes are generally trouble-free and not particular about soil. Radish seeds take about 4 to 10 days to germinate in a cool, moist soil, with the radishes taking about six weeks to mature from the time of planting. When planting in fall, sow all varieties of radishes at two-week intervals starting eight weeks prior to the first frost date. You can continue planting up to three weeks before first the frost date. Plant radishes in soil amended with organic matter and provide frequent and uniform watering.
  
  

Turnips

• Turnips are a cool-season crop and among the best vegetables to grow in September because their optimal root growth occurs in 40- to 60-degree weather. Turnips are ready to harvest about 60 days after planting and can be grown as a fall and spring crop. Plant turnips in a moderately deep, highly fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 in early September. Plant turnip seeds in ¼-inch-deep rows and space rows 1 to 1½ feet apart.