Late Summer, Early Fall: Best Plants to Plant Now

As the summer sun begins to wane and the crisp autumn air starts to creep in, many gardeners might think that it's time to hang up their trowels and call it a season. However, late summer and early fall present an ideal window for planting a variety of plants that will not only add color and texture to your garden but also prepare it for the upcoming spring. Let's delve into the world of late-season gardening and explore the best plants to plant in late summer and early fall.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that planting at this time of year offers several benefits. The soil is still warm from the summer sun, which encourages root growth, and the cooler nights mean that plants experience less stress from transplanting. Additionally, many plants will have a head start in the spring, blooming earlier and more abundantly than those planted in the spring. So, let's dive into the best plants to take advantage of this golden gardening season.

Cool-Season Vegetables

While many people associate late summer with the end of the vegetable gardening season, it's actually the perfect time to plant a variety of cool-season vegetables. These hardy plants thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall and will be ready to harvest just as the first frost arrives.

One of the most popular cool-season vegetables is lettuce. With its wide variety of colors, textures, and flavors, lettuce is a versatile addition to any garden. Plant lettuce seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil that's been amended with compost. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you'll be harvesting fresh, crisp lettuce in no time.

Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, are another excellent choice for late summer planting. These nutrient-dense vegetables require plenty of space to grow, so be sure to plant them in rows that are at least 18 inches apart. Brassicas prefer full sun and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest come fall.

To extend your brassica harvest, consider succession planting. Plant a few seeds every two weeks, and you'll have a continuous supply of these nutritious vegetables throughout the fall and into the early winter.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and radishes, are well-suited to late summer planting. These plants prefer cooler temperatures and will often taste sweeter after a light frost. Plant seeds directly into the soil, ensuring that they are covered with a thin layer of soil and kept consistently moist.

For a unique twist on root vegetables, consider growing heirloom varieties. These unique and often colorful vegetables not only add visual interest to your garden but also offer a wide range of flavors and textures.

Perennials for Fall Color

While many people focus on spring-blooming perennials, fall is an excellent time to plant perennials that will add color and texture to your garden in the cooler months. These hardy plants will establish strong root systems over the fall and winter, ensuring a robust bloom the following year.

One of the most popular fall-blooming perennials is the black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). This cheerful plant features bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center and blooms from late summer through the first frost. Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun and well-draining soil and are drought-tolerant once established.

Astilbe

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, is a stunning perennial that produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These plants prefer partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Astilbe is an excellent choice for adding height and texture to your garden and will provide a stunning backdrop for shorter plants.

To extend the bloom time of your astilbe, consider deadheading the spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms and keep your garden looking its best throughout the fall.

Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a versatile perennial that adds both color and texture to the garden. These plants feature lobed leaves in a wide range of colors, from deep purple to silver, and produce small clusters of flowers on tall stems. Heuchera prefers partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil.

For added interest, consider planting heuchera in containers. Their attractive foliage makes them an excellent choice for adding color and texture to patios, balconies, and other small spaces.

As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, it's easy to think that the gardening season is coming to an end. However, late summer and early fall present an ideal opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables and perennials that will not only add color and texture to your garden but also prepare it for the upcoming spring. So, grab your trowel and get out there – there's still plenty of gardening to be done!