What To Plant Now For Your Fall Garden
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As summer’s heat begins to wane, savvy gardeners know that now is the perfect time to start planting for a bountiful fall harvest. Fall gardening not only extends your growing season but also offers an opportunity to enjoy fresh, home-grown vegetables as the weather cools. Here are some top vegetables to plant now for a successful fall garden.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall. These vegetables are quick to mature and can often withstand light frosts, making them ideal for autumn harvests.
Spinach
Spinach is a hardy leafy green that grows quickly. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can be harvested in about 6-8 weeks. Plant spinach seeds directly into the soil and ensure they have plenty of water.
Kale
Kale is another resilient green that tastes even better after a light frost. With its ability to grow in cooler weather, kale can be sown in late summer for a fall harvest. It takes about 55-75 days to mature, depending on the variety.
2. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are perfect for fall gardening as they grow well in cooler temperatures and can be stored for winter use.
Carrots
Carrots are a great choice for fall planting. They take about 70-80 days to mature, so planting them now ensures they are ready for fall harvest. Sow the seeds directly into the ground and thin them out as they grow.
Beets
Beets are versatile root vegetables that grow well in the fall. They can be harvested in about 50-60 days. Both the roots and the greens are edible, providing a dual harvest. Plant beet seeds directly into the soil and keep them well-watered.
3. Brassicas
The Brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, is well-suited for fall gardening. These vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and are less prone to pests as the weather cools.
Broccoli
Broccoli can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. It typically takes about 60-70 days to mature. Start with transplants to ensure a successful fall crop and keep them well-watered during the warm early days.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another excellent choice for a fall garden. Depending on the variety, it can take anywhere from 70-100 days to mature. Plant cabbage seeds or transplants in late summer, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, delicious heads in the fall.
4. Legumes
Legumes like peas and beans can also be planted for a fall harvest. These vegetables enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them a great addition to your garden.
Snap Peas
Snap peas grow quickly and can be ready to harvest in about 60 days. They thrive in cooler weather and can handle light frosts, making them perfect for fall gardening. Plant them now for a crisp, sweet harvest come autumn.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are a fast-growing legume that can mature in as little as 50-60 days. They prefer warmer soil for germination but grow well as the temperatures start to cool. Plant them now to enjoy a plentiful harvest in the fall.
5. Herbs
Many herbs can also be planted for fall harvesting. These aromatic plants are not only great for cooking but also help repel pests.
Cilantro
Cilantro loves cooler weather and can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. It matures quickly, often within 30-40 days, allowing for multiple harvests before the first frost.
Parsley
Parsley is another herb that thrives in cooler weather. It takes about 70-90 days to mature, so planting it now will provide you with fresh herbs well into the fall.
Tips for a Successful Fall Garden
- Timing: Pay close attention to the number of days to maturity for each vegetable and plant accordingly to ensure they will be ready for harvest before the first frost.
- Soil Preparation: Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter to provide the nutrients your fall crops will need.
- Watering: Keep your garden well-watered, especially during the late summer heat, to help young plants establish strong roots.
- Pest Management: Use row covers to protect young plants from pests and extend your growing season by providing a bit of extra warmth.
By choosing the right vegetables and planting them at the right time, you can enjoy a rich and rewarding fall harvest. Happy gardening!
Ideal planting dates?
Planting dates for fall gardens depend on your local climate and the average first frost date in your area. Generally, you should count back from the expected first frost date to determine when to plant each vegetable. Here are some ideal planting dates for common fall vegetables based on general growing zones:
Leafy Greens
- Spinach
- Ideal Planting Date: 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant spinach seeds by late August.
- Kale
- Ideal Planting Date: 8-10 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant kale seeds by early to mid-August.
Root Vegetables
- Carrots
- Ideal Planting Date: 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant carrot seeds by late July to early August.
- Beets
- Ideal Planting Date: 8-10 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant beet seeds by early to mid-August.
Brassicas
- Broccoli
- Ideal Planting Date: 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, start broccoli transplants by late July to early August.
- Cabbage
- Ideal Planting Date: 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, start cabbage seeds by late July to early August.
Legumes
- Snap Peas
- Ideal Planting Date: 8-10 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant snap pea seeds by early to mid-August.
- Bush Beans
- Ideal Planting Date: 8-10 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant bush bean seeds by early to mid-August.
Herbs
- Cilantro
- Ideal Planting Date: 4-6 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant cilantro seeds by early to mid-September.
- Parsley
- Ideal Planting Date: 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
- Example: If the first frost is expected around October 15, plant parsley seeds by late July to early August.
Adjusting for Growing Zones
- Zones 3-5: The first frost typically occurs in late September to early October. Adjust your planting dates to be earlier in the summer.
- Zones 6-7: The first frost generally occurs in mid to late October. The example dates provided above are generally accurate for these zones.
- Zones 8-10: The first frost usually happens in November or later, allowing for more flexibility. You can plant as late as September or even early October for some crops.
General Tips
- Check Local Frost Dates: Consult local agricultural extensions or use online frost date calculators to get accurate first frost dates for your specific location.
- Use Transplants: For vegetables with longer maturation times, consider using transplants to give your fall garden a head start.
- Succession Planting: Plant in intervals to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the fall season.
By planning your planting dates carefully, you can maximize your fall harvest and enjoy fresh vegetables well into the cooler months. Happy gardening!
