While most gardeners plant crops in spring and summer, many vegetables can still grow in the fall.
There are fewer plant-damaging pests and diseases, fewer weeds, and warm soil.
Plus, the moderate rainfall means you won’t need to water as frequently.
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Some crops even taste better when subjected to some light frost.
Gardeners in hardiness zones eight and up can getall sorts of vegetable plantsstarted, including tender tomatoes and eggplant.
Get inspiration for your autumn bounty with these 26 fall garden vegetables perfect for late-season harvests.
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Tip
Plant your seeds deeper in the fall than in the spring.
However, some veggies benefit from light frost exposure as they mature, so dates vary.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea)
Broccoli, like other cole crops, grows best in cool weather.
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Fall planting has two big advantages over spring planting when it comes to broccoli.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
Fall is the perfect growing weather for cabbage.
While plants can grow in warmer weather, they need cooler temperatures so that form a head.
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Another option for growing traditional carrots is to sow them first in containers.
Pluck the cauliflower from your garden when its head reaches the desired size and its buds are still tight.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var.
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acephala)
Kale is probably the easiest cole crop to grow.
Start seeds for fall harvesting in mid-to-late summer or transplant in late summer.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce can be planted pretty much all season.
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Because lettuce has shallow roots, it will require some protection against frost.
Peas (Pisum sativum)
Peasare another vegetable that loves to luxuriate in cool weather.
Many short varieties will be ready to harvest within 50 to 60 days.
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Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes grow quickly in cool, moist soil.
Spinach seeds are also perfect forwinter sowing.
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var.
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However, they grow the largest and most flavorful if they’re allowed to mature in the fall.
Arugula (Eruca versicaria)
Like many leafy crops, arugula is hard-frost tender.
However, it only takes 40 to 50 days to harvest.
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Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea var.
gemmifera)
Part of thecabbage family, slow-growing Brussels sprouts are a classic Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday staple.
Some varieties can take as much as 120 days to mature.
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Established plants can handle temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit.
They typically take 70 to 90 days to be ready for harvest.
Celery (Apium graveolens var.
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But if you could offer the right conditions, their crunchy flavor makes it worth it.
Generally, the seeds are started indoors and then transplanted outdoors later in the season.
Don’t expect a harvest for 70 to 120 days with these slow-growing veggies.
The Spruce / Marie Iannotti
Plants transplanted in June are usually ready to harvest in October.
Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea L. subsp.
Most collard green varieties are ready to harvest in 55 to 75 days.
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Light frosts aren’t a problem for thesecooking greens, but prolonged sub-zero temperatures are.
They only take 60 to 80 days to harvest.
Green onions are toxic to pets, so keep them away from curious cats or dogs.
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Some to consider include ‘Titan’ and ‘Otina’.
(taking around 120 days to harvest).
Most varieties take around 90 to 120 days to reach maturity.
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Pumpkins (Curbita spp.)
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Pumpkins are synonymous with fall.
These plants are long-season growers, typically taking between 90 and 110 days to reach maturity.
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There are manypumpkin varieties to choosefrom.
Most can handle light but not hard frosts, so plan your planting dates carefully.
These easy, slow-growing fruits typically take 75 to 120 to reach maturity and cope well with light frosts.
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Frosty weather can actually be a bonus, providing temperatures don’t drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Their growth slows or stops when temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zucchini
The zucchini is another easy, abundant, and fast-growing summer squash variety.
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Just carefully calculate planting dates, as these are not frost-tolerant plants.
And pickcompanion plantsthat can handle being beside these prolific producers and spreaders.
Beans and corn are classiczucchini companion plants, but ensure whatever you pick can also be harvested in fall.
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Timing is everything when it comes to a fall garden.
Just ensure you start them early enough so they aren’t impacted by the arrival of fall frosts.
Before adding any amendments, loosen your soil, as it can become compacted over the spring and summer.
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Replenishing the soil withorganic matter, such as compost, and a slow-acting organic fertilizer can also be beneficial.
Organic matter helps improve soil texture and moisture-retention properties and supports nutrient uptake and beneficial microorganisms.
Season Extenders and Growing Fall Vegetables.
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PennState University
Brussels Sprouts Prolong Fall Harvest.University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management.
Cabbage & Chinese Cabbage.Clemson University Home & Garden Information Center.
Allium spp Toxicosis in Animals.
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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