The autumnal equinox doesn’t seem to garner the spotlight the way the solstices do. Summer and winter seem to demand our attention with their extremes of light and darkness, but the equinoxes slip in quietly and subtly. This year, the autumnal equinox occurs on September 22 at 11:19 AM PDT, marking the exact moment when the sun crosses the equator and fall officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere. At this moment, day and night are nearly equal in length, a moment of perfect balance. From that point on, the days grow noticeably shorter here in West County and beyond. To me, the fall shift is more of a feeling in the air. Those crisp mornings with that unmistakable scent, even while the afternoons still feel like summer. As a kid, I remember it felt like school started too soon and playtime slipped away a little faster.
For those who have gardened in harsher climates, the equinox signals the last chance to put the garden to bed before the first hard frost. Back in Utah, I learned that difficult lesson, waking up to snow-covered greens and soggy tomato vines I hadn’t cleared in time. What I love most about West County is our mild and temperate climate. This shift often marks the start of one of our most abundant and extended harvest windows.
Throughout September, we’re still harvesting buckets of tomatoes, swimming in beans, overrun with cucumbers and peppers, and tossing squash at anyone who makes eye contact. I enjoy the misty mornings, the warm afternoon sunshine, and the fact that the coast is usually free of fog, making it one of the best times of year to head to the beach. Despite the shortening daylight, fall can be warmer than June or July, especially this year after our exceptionally mild summer.
So, what does the equinox mean for our gardens?
It’s a perfect time to start fall crops. Arugula, spinach, radishes, lettuce, carrots, and collard greens can all be seeded now. Transplants of kale, broccoli, chard, and cabbage will thrive in the cooler, damp soil.
September is also a great month to plant flower bulbs and scatter wildflower seeds for next spring. Last year, I tucked some gladiolas and other bulbs into hard-to-reach corners of my raised beds and forgot about them—until they showed up in March, tall and bright. I also planted nasturtiums in every color combo except the common flashy orange, and come spring, they added an unexpected and cheery brightness to the garden. I love mixing flowers with vegetables; it brings a whimsical touch and adds bursts of color beyond the usual greens.
As the balance of light begins to tip, it’s a good moment to reflect on your season. What worked? What didn’t? What are you going to do differently next year? Enjoy the buzz of the harvest and pause to note the subtle yet unmistakable shift as we head into fall.
Happy Gardening!