Fall Planting in Missouri: Top Choices for Your Garden

As the crisp autumn air sweeps through Missouri, gardeners might wonder what plants can still be cultivated during the fall season. The good news is, Missouri's climate, with its distinct four seasons, allows for a variety of crops to be planted in the fall, providing a continuous harvest throughout the year. Let's delve into the world of fall planting in the Show-Me State.

The fall season in Missouri, typically from September to November, offers a unique opportunity to grow cool-season vegetables and plants that thrive in cooler temperatures. This period also allows for the planting of certain trees, shrubs, and perennials, as they have time to establish strong root systems before winter.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Fall is an ideal time to plant cool-season vegetables, as they grow best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and below 75°F (24°C) at night. These vegetables can tolerate light frosts and may even taste sweeter after a light freeze.

Some cool-season vegetables that thrive in Missouri's fall climate include:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, collards, and Swiss chard
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts
• Alliums: Garlic, onions, and leeks

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in the fall. They can be harvested within 30 to 60 days after planting and can tolerate light frosts, making them an excellent choice for Missouri's fall climate.

To ensure a continuous harvest, consider succession planting by sowing seeds every two weeks until mid-October. This will provide fresh greens throughout the fall and early winter. Some varieties, like 'Black-Seeded Simpson' lettuce and 'Red Russian' kale, are particularly well-suited to Missouri's fall conditions.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are an excellent choice for fall planting in Missouri, as they can withstand light frosts and are relatively easy to grow. They also store well, providing fresh produce throughout the winter months.

Carrots, for example, can be sown in late August to early September and harvested in late fall or even left in the ground to be harvested throughout the winter. Beets and radishes can be harvested within 45 to 60 days after planting, while turnips can be ready in as little as 30 days.

Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

Fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in Missouri, as the cooler temperatures and fall rains provide optimal conditions for root growth. Planting in the fall allows these plants to establish strong root systems before winter, ensuring better survival and growth in the spring.

Some trees, shrubs, and perennials that do well when planted in the fall in Missouri include:

• Trees: Flowering dogwood, redbud, bald cypress, and river birch
• Shrubs: Hydrangea, azalea, viburnum, and spirea
• Perennials: Black-eyed Susan, coneflower, aster, and sedum

Flowering Trees

Fall is an excellent time to plant flowering trees in Missouri, as they can establish strong root systems before winter and begin to bloom in the spring. Some popular flowering trees for Missouri include the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and the redbud (Cercis canadensis).

These trees provide beautiful spring blooms and attract pollinators to your garden. Additionally, their fall colors and winter silhouettes add interest to your landscape throughout the year.

Native Perennials

Native perennials are an excellent choice for Missouri gardens, as they are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Many native perennials can be planted in the fall and will provide beautiful blooms next spring and summer.

Some popular native perennials for Missouri include the black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), and sedum (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude'). These plants provide nectar for pollinators, support local wildlife, and add beauty to your garden.

In Missouri's diverse climate, fall presents an exciting opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables, trees, shrubs, and perennials. By taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and fall rains, gardeners can create thriving gardens that provide fresh produce and beautiful landscapes throughout the year. So, don't let the cooler weather deter you – get out there and enjoy the benefits of fall planting in the Show-Me State.