Seahawks, credit MB Lyons

September in the Lowcountry: Almanac Highlights, Gardening Tips & Seasonal Events

A month of golden light, crisp mornings and nature easing into fall

Story by Bailey Gilliam

September in the Lowcountry is a slow exhale. The heat hasn’t quite given up but there’s something softer in the air: cool mornings, golden evenings and a quiet shift in rhythm. School’s back, tides are shifting and the marsh starts to trade its summer green for hints of amber and rust. It’s not quite fall, not quite summer and that’s what makes it so good. The name September comes from septem, Latin for seven because it was the seventh month of the Roman calendar. It’s always been a month that marks a turning point. Around here, it means fewer bugs, better fishing, Friday night lights and mornings that finally call for coffee on the porch. We’ve pulled highlights from the 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac and Grow Great Vegetables South Carolina to help you sync your September with the season’s natural rhythm, whether you’re planting your fall garden or planning a long weekend away.

Night & day 

The days are shortening, little by little.

  • Sunrise: Between 6:57 and 7:15 a.m.
  • Sunset: Between 7:15 and 7:10 p.m.

Weather predictions 

It’s still warm out there, but the worst of the heat is starting to loosen its grip. Expect warmer-than-average temperatures early in the month with cooler mornings creeping in toward the end. Rain is a bit scarce in September, so plan to water the garden.

Average temperature: 78 degrees (3 degrees above normal)

Rainfall: Around 4 inches (1 inch below average)

Forecast by week

  • Sept. 1-6: Warm with isolated showers
  • Sept. 7-19: Hot with scattered storms
  • Sept. 20-25: Cooler, with a few thunderstorms
  • Sept. 26-30: Sunny and refreshingly cool

Astronomical events 

September’s skies are packed with reasons to look up.

  • Sept. 7: The harvest moon rises; bright, bold and perfectly timed for late-evening strolls.
  • Sept. 7: A total solar eclipse (not fully visible from here, but still worth noting).
  • Sept. 21: A new moon begins, resetting the night sky.
  • Sept. 21: A partial solar eclipse will be visible in select areas.
  • Sept. 22: Autumn officially begins with the equinox; equal parts day and night.

Tides & currents

Want to know when to launch the boat, cast a line or walk the flats? Click here for up-to-date tide and current info from NOAA. It’s the easiest way to stay in step with the sea.

In the garden

It’s still warm, but September is a sweet spot for gardeners. Fewer pests, cooler evenings and enough daylight to get things growing.

Prep

Start clearing space for fall crops. Till the beds, take stock of your row covers and get ready to plant garlic, shallots and onions. It’s also time to stash winter squash and pumpkins in a cool, dry place.

Plant

Keep harvesting those summer veggies, but now’s the time to sow new greens. Lettuce, kale, collards and spinach will thrive if you get them going now.

  • Keep sowing hardy lettuces every couple of days until October
  • Transplant brassicas like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower
  • For spinach, try pre-sprouting it in the fridge for a week, then sow through mid-month

Harvest

The garden is generous this month. Pick beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupes, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chard, corn, cowpeas, cucumbers, edamame, eggplant, figs, herbs, horseradish, leeks, limas, okra, peppers, radishes, raspberries, rhubarb, scallions, squash, tomatoes, watermelons and zucchini.

Best days

According to the lunar calendar, here’s when to time your plans. 

  • Fishing: Sept. 1-7 and 21-30
  • Making jam/jelly: Sept. 6-8
  • Baking: Sept. 15-16
  • Traveling: Sept. 17-18
  • Tying the knot: Sept. 22-23

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