If you think gardening is only for the warm summer months, think again!
Many vegetables actually prefer the cooler temperatures of fall.
Today, we’re sharing 15 fantastic vegetables that you can plant in the fall for a fruitful harvest.
1. Spinach
Spinach is a hardy leafy green that loves cooler temperatures. Planting it in the fall allows you to enjoy tender, fresh leaves that can be harvested well into the winter.
Spinach grows quickly and can be harvested within 30 to 45 days of planting.
2. Kale
Kale is known for its ability to withstand cold weather, even improving in flavor after a frost.
This nutrient-packed green can be planted in late summer to early fall and will continue producing leaves until the first hard freeze.
3. Lettuce
Lettuce varieties such as romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce grow well in the fall. Cooler temperatures help prevent bolting, ensuring a steady supply of crisp, sweet leaves.
Plant in succession every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest.
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4. Carrots
Carrots are ideal for fall planting as the cooler weather sweetens their flavor. Sow seeds in late summer for a harvest that extends into late fall or early winter.
Ensure they have well-drained soil to avoid splitting and rotting.
5. Beets
Beets are another root vegetable that benefits from fall planting.
They thrive in cool weather and can be harvested for their roots and nutritious greens.
Sow seeds in late summer for a fall harvest or in early fall for a winter harvest.
6. Radishes
Radishes grow quickly, making them perfect for a fall garden.
They mature in about 30 days and are best harvested while young and tender. Plant them in early to mid-fall for a crisp, spicy addition to salads.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli prefers the cooler temperatures of fall and can be started from seeds or transplants.
It takes about 60 to 70 days to mature, so plant it in late summer to early fall for a delicious and nutritious harvest.
8. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, like broccoli, thrives in the cool fall weather.
It requires a bit more care, but the reward is worth it. Start seeds indoors and transplant them to the garden in early fall.
Harvest before heavy frost for the best flavor.
9. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts develop their best flavor when matured during cool weather. Plant them in late summer to early fall for a harvest that can continue through winter.
These hardy plants require a long growing season, so plan accordingly.
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile green that grows well in fall.
It can tolerate light frosts and continues producing leaves until a hard freeze. Plant it in late summer for a continuous supply of fresh greens.
11. Turnips
Turnips are dual-purpose vegetables, grown for both their roots and greens.
They thrive in cool weather and mature quickly. Plant in late summer for a fall harvest or in early fall for a winter harvest.
12. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are another leafy green that loves cool weather. They grow quickly and can be harvested within 30 to 40 days.
Their spicy flavor adds a unique twist to salads and cooked dishes.
13. Collard Greens
Collard greens are extremely cold-hardy and can survive even the first frost.
Plant them in late summer to early fall for a continuous harvest of nutritious leaves that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
14. Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in cool weather and can be planted in late summer to early fall.
It requires a bit more space but rewards with large, dense heads that can be harvested before the first hard freeze.
15. Arugula
Arugula, with its peppery flavor, is a perfect fall green. It grows rapidly and can be harvested within 20 to 30 days.
Plant in succession for a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
When to Start Your Fall Garden
Timing is crucial when it comes to starting a fall garden. To ensure a successful harvest, it’s important to consider the first frost date in your region and plan your planting schedule accordingly.
Know Your First Frost Date
The first step in planning your fall garden is to find out the average first frost date for your area.
This information can usually be found through local gardening resources or online databases.
Knowing this date will help you backtrack and determine when to plant each type of vegetable to ensure they have enough time to mature before the frost sets in.
Count Backwards from the Frost Date
Once you know your first frost date, count backwards the number of days to maturity for each vegetable you plan to grow.
This will give you the latest possible planting date.
For example, if your first frost date is October 15 and a vegetable takes 60 days to mature, you should plant it by mid-August.
Consider Planting Methods
Different vegetables may require different planting methods.
Some can be direct-seeded into the garden, while others might need to be started indoors and then transplanted.
Take into account the extra time needed for indoor germination and seedling growth when planning your schedule.
For instance, I seed my brussels sprouts in milk jugs in mid-July even though I won’t plant them out in the garden until early September.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Early frosts or unusually warm weather can impact your garden.
Be prepared to protect your plants with row covers or mulch if needed to shield them from unexpected temperature changes.
Is It Too Late to Plant Fall Vegetables in September?
This largely depends on your local climate and the first expected frost date in your region.
However, for many areas, September can still be a viable time to start a fall garden, especially if you focus on fast-growing and cold-tolerant crops.
If you don’t have time to plant your fall garden until September, stick to vegetables with short days-to-maturity periods.
Many leafy greens and root vegetables can mature quickly enough to provide a harvest before the frost:
- Radishes: Ready to harvest in about 30 days.
- Leaf Lettuce: Can be harvested in about 30-45 days.
- Spinach: Typically matures in 30-45 days.
- Arugula: Ready in about 20-30 days.
You can also focus on vegetables that tolerate light frosts and will continue to grow even as temperatures drop.
Take broccoli and cauliflower, for instance.
They can be planted from transplants in September and harvested after light frosts but before hard frosts.
From hearty greens like kale and spinach to versatile root vegetables like carrots and beets, there’s no shortage of delicious and nutritious options to plant in the fall.
So, grab your gardening tools, get those seeds in the ground, and enjoy the rewards of a fruitful fall garden!
