Fall Gardening: Best Plants to Grow Now

As the summer heat begins to wane, gardeners across the country are preparing for the fall season, which brings a wealth of opportunities to plant and grow a variety of crops. Fall gardening, often overlooked, can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce well into the colder months. So, what can you plant in a fall garden?

Fall gardening, also known as autumn gardening, is all about choosing the right plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand the first frosts. By selecting the right crops, you can extend your growing season, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown produce.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Cool-season vegetables are the backbone of a fall garden. These plants grow best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and can tolerate nighttime temperatures down to freezing. They are typically planted in late summer or early fall and harvested before the first hard freeze.

Some of the most popular cool-season vegetables include leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas. These plants not only thrive in the cooler temperatures but also add a variety of colors, textures, and flavors to your garden.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and kale are excellent choices for a fall garden. They grow quickly and can be harvested within 45-60 days of planting. To ensure a continuous supply, consider succession planting, where you sow a new batch of seeds every two weeks.

Some popular varieties for fall include 'Black-Seeded Simpson' lettuce, 'Bloomsdale' spinach, and 'Lacinato' kale. These varieties are known for their cold hardiness and ability to withstand light frosts.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes are perfect for fall planting. They grow slowly, allowing them to develop their full flavor in the cooler temperatures. Many root vegetables can be left in the ground over the winter, providing a fresh harvest even after the first snowfall.

Consider planting 'Nantes' carrots, 'Detroit Dark Red' beets, and 'Cherry Belle' radishes for a fall harvest. For a unique twist, try growing 'Honey Nut' sweet potatoes, which can be harvested in late fall.

Brassicas

Brassicas, also known as cruciferous vegetables, include plants like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These plants prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. Some varieties can even withstand light frosts, extending your harvest season.

For a fall garden, consider planting 'Packman' broccoli, 'Cheddar' cauliflower, 'Red Acre' cabbage, and 'Long Island Improved' Brussels sprouts. These varieties are known for their cold hardiness and ability to withstand light frosts.

Alliums

Alliums, which include garlic, onions, and leeks, can be planted in the fall for a spring harvest. Planting in the fall allows the bulbs to establish a strong root system, ensuring a healthy plant come spring.

For a fall planting, consider planting 'Music' garlic, 'Walla Walla Sweet' onions, and 'King Richard' leeks. These varieties are known for their strong growth and ability to withstand cold temperatures.

Legumes

Legumes like peas and fava beans can be planted in the fall for an early spring harvest. These plants are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil health for future plantings.

Consider planting 'Sugar Snap' peas and 'Broad Windsor' fava beans for a fall planting. These varieties are known for their cold hardiness and ability to withstand light frosts.

Fall gardening is a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce well into the colder months. By choosing the right plants and providing them with the proper care, you can create a thriving fall garden that will provide you with a bounty of fresh, homegrown produce. So, don't let the cooler temperatures deter you - get out there and start planting!