As summer fades into fall, don’t pack away your gardening gloves just yet. There are still plenty of vegetables you can plant now for a late harvest that will keep your plates colorful and your meals fresh. Fall gardening has many options, from crunchy carrots to vibrant kale, these hardy veggies will thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days of autumn. Keep reading to discover the top 7 vegetables you can still plant in the fall to extend your harvest and enjoy a bounty of homegrown goodness well into the season of cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything.
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Fall Gardening: Carrots
There is nothing that quite beats a crisp fresh carrot. Carrots do well when planted in the fall, avoiding the harsh summer sun while enjoying the benefits of more consistent moisture. Sow your carrot seeds 10-12 weeks before the first anticipated frost date. Be sure to work in lots of fresh compost to feed the tender roots while they grow. Carrots can tolerate a light frost, which can even make them a little sweeter! A popular choice for the fall is the Autumn King, this variety can grow 12 inches long and 2.5 inches wide!
Now let’s talk about one of the most versatile and vibrant vegetables you can still plant in the fall for a late harvest: radishes.
Fall Gardening: Radishes
Now let’s move on to another quick-growing vegetable that thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall: radishes. Radishes are known for their peppery flavor and crunchy texture, making them a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Planting radishes in the fall allows for a late harvest, giving you fresh produce well into the cooler months. Plus, they are easy to grow and can be ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks, making them a great option for those looking for a quick turnaround in their garden. Popular choices of radishes are Daikon, which is known for growing long, and French Breakfast which is known for its crispness.
Next up, let’s explore another leafy green that does well in the fall: spinach.
Fall Gardening: Spinach
Spinach is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that can be easily grown in the fall. With its rich, earthy flavor and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures, spinach is a great choice for late-season planting. You can enjoy fresh spinach in salads, smoothies, or sautés, adding a pop of color and nutrients to your meals. Planting spinach now will allow you to harvest well into the fall and even early winter, ensuring a steady supply of this healthy vegetable. A popular variety of spinach for the fall is, Giant Winter Spinach. This type can overwinter and come back in the spring! Next up, let’s dive into another popular green that can be grown in the fall: lettuce.
Fall Gardening: Lettuce
Lettuce is another fantastic vegetable that can thrive in the fall months. This leafy green is easy to grow and can be harvested early for baby greens or left to mature into full-sized heads. With a variety of shapes, colors, and textures to choose from, lettuce adds both visual appeal and flavor to dishes. Whether you prefer crisp romaine , tender butterhead, or spicy arugula, there’s a lettuce variety to suit every palate. Now, let’s explore another cool-season favorite: broccoli.
Fall Gardening: Broccoli
Broccoli is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall. This cruciferous vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to any late-season garden. Broccoli can be enjoyed raw in salads, steamed as a side dish, or roasted for a deliciously crispy texture. With its earthy flavor and crunchy texture, broccoli is a staple in many fall recipes. A cold hardy broccoli variety is Green Magic. Now, let’s take a look at another cold-hardy vegetable that is perfect for planting in the fall: kale.
Fall Gardening: Kale
Kale, a leafy green vegetable known for its hearty texture and robust flavor, is an excellent option for fall planting. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, kale is a nutritional powerhouse that can thrive in the cooler temperatures of autumn. Whether added to soups, salads, or smoothies, kale adds a nutritious boost to any meal. Its ability to withstand frost makes it a reliable choice for late-season gardening. As we explore more vegetables ideal for planting in the fall, let’s now turn our attention to garlic.
Fall Gardening: Garlic
Garlic, a staple in many kitchens for its pungent flavor and numerous health benefits, is a great addition to any fall garden. Planting garlic in the fall allows it to establish roots before the winter freeze, resulting in larger bulbs by the following summer. It’s a low-maintenance crop that requires minimal attention once planted, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners. With its natural pest-repelling properties, garlic can also help protect neighboring plants from harmful insects.
Incorporating garlic into your fall garden not only provides you with a flavorful ingredient for cooking but also offers a natural way to boost the overall health of your garden. Its strong aroma can even help deter deer and other pests, keeping your garden safe and thriving. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to planting, consider adding garlic to your fall lineup for a bountiful harvest next year.
Read How to Grow Garlic and Its Benefits for more on growing garlic.
Fall Gardening
In the crisp air of fall, your garden can continue to thrive with a bounty of fresh vegetables just waiting to be planted. From vibrant carrots to hearty kale, there’s no need to bid farewell to your gardening efforts just yet. By sowing these late-season vegetables, you can extend the joy of harvesting your own produce well into autumn. So grab your gardening tools, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor. After all, a late harvest is just a few seeds away from becoming a reality. Happy planting!
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