In fall, the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter sets in.
The vegetables that you plant in the fall becomes next spring’s side dishes, snacks, and pickles.
Here are the best vegetables to plant in fall for a spring harvest.
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Beets
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Plant beets in fall or even in winter for a spring harvest.
Still, it doesn’t tolerate frost well, so it’s not best for places with harsh winters.
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Broccoli needs full sun and well-draining soil.Harvest broccoliin spring when the heads are the size of a fist.
Certain varieties, like Long Island Improved, tolerate freezing especially well.
If you’re in a frost-free zone, you canharvest Brussels sproutsbetween December and March.
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Plant bulb fennel in full sun in fall and harvest it about three months later, in early spring.
Though cabbage tolerates cold well, you’ll want to cover it when temperatures dip below 45F.
A light frost will improve the sweetness of carrots.
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Carrots need six to seven hours of sun per day.
Cauliflower
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Cauliflower likes cooler weather.
The Snow Crown cauliflower hybridtolerates moderate frostswell and matures in up to 55 days.
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Endive
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Endive can be planted in fall for a mild winter.
Endive will prematurely develop flowers (or, bolt) when temperatures are consistently below 41F.
Fava beans can handle temperatures as low as 21F.
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Cold weather hardens kohlrabi, making it frost-tolerant.
Kohlrabi is made even sweeter when it matures in cold weather.
Keep in mind leeks' very slow growth rate of up to three to four months.
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When the stem is about an inch wide and feels firm, it’s time to harvest the leeks.
Lettuce
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Lettuce can be a temperature-sensitive plant.
The best overwinter onions for a spring harvest include Evergreen Hardy Whites, Bridgers, and Talons.
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Harvest the peas when the peas in the pods feel firm and plump.
Harvest the radishes when the roots are about 1-inch in diameter.
Rutabagas
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Rutabagas grow over a period of about three months.
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They can remain in the ground for a long time, and multiple frosts improve their flavor.
When shallots' leafy tops turn brown, it’s time to harvest them.
Keep irrigation consistent throughout winter.
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Harvest chard when the leaves reach full size.
Turnips
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Plant turnips in late fall or early winter.
Plant them in full sun, and provide about 1-inch of water per week.
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After harvesting turnips, use them soon since they dry out rapidly.
Vegetables that are good for fall and winter include broccoli, carrots, kale, garlic, and spinach.
Other vegetables like collards, leeks, and radishes are also good for fall and winter.
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How to Grow Endive.
The Royal Horticultural Society.
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