As the heat of summer begins to wane, fall offers a second chance for gardeners to enjoy a productive growing season. Cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall can make fall gardening not only enjoyable but also rewarding. Whether you're extending your harvest or just getting started, here's a helpful guide on what to plant in your fall garden—and how to make the most of it.
Fall gardening has its perks:
Fewer pests than in summer
Cooler weather makes for more comfortable gardening
Sweeter-tasting crops like kale and carrots due to frost
Improved soil moisture with seasonal rain
The key is timing—plant early enough for crops to mature before the first hard frost in your region. Check your local frost dates and count backward based on the crop’s maturity days.
These veggies thrive in cooler weather and can often tolerate light frosts:
Lettuce – Quick-growing and perfect for repeat harvests.
Spinach – Loves cool weather and produces a tender, flavorful leaf.
Kale – Cold actually improves its flavor!
Swiss chard – Adds color and resilience to your fall beds.
Broccoli – Plant starts for best results before the cold sets in.
Cauliflower – Needs consistent moisture; ideal for early fall.
Cabbage – A hardy staple that stores well after harvest.
Brussels sprouts – Slow-growing, but worth the wait for their frost-sweetened flavor.
Carrots – The cooler the temps, the sweeter they get.
Beets – Grow quickly and offer both roots and greens.
Radishes – One of the fastest fall crops—ready in just a few weeks!
Turnips – Easy to grow and tolerate the cold well.
Many herbs can handle cooler temps and make great additions to your garden or containers:
Parsley – Cold-hardy and flavorful, ideal for fall dishes.
Cilantro – Prefers cool weather and bolts slower in the fall.
Chives – Perennial and resilient, they’ll often overwinter.
Thyme – Hardy and aromatic, with evergreen potential in some zones.
Amend your soil: Add compost or organic matter to restore nutrients depleted from summer crops.
Mulch wisely: A layer of mulch insulates roots and retains moisture.
Water consistently: Fall rain may help, but monitor for dry spells.
Use row covers: Protect tender plants from early frosts.
Start indoors when needed: Get a head start with seedlings if your fall is short.
With the right planning and plant selection, fall gardening can be just as fruitful as spring and summer. Whether you’re growing crunchy greens or hardy roots, these cool-season crops can keep your garden—and your dinner plate—full well into the colder months.
Looking for seeds or gardening advice? Visit us in-store and let’s get your fall garden growing!