Fall Gardening in Tennessee: Top Plants to Grow Now

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change color, gardeners in Tennessee start to think about fall planting. Autumn is an ideal time to prepare your garden for the upcoming season, as the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create perfect conditions for many plants to thrive. So, what should you plant in Tennessee during the fall?

Fall planting in Tennessee offers a unique opportunity to grow a variety of vegetables, flowers, and shrubs that may not fare as well in the summer heat. By understanding what to plant and when, you can create a vibrant and productive garden that will carry you through the winter and into the next growing season.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Fall is the perfect time to plant cool-season vegetables, which thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days of autumn. These vegetables will mature just in time for you to enjoy fresh produce throughout the winter.

Some cool-season vegetables that do well in Tennessee's fall climate include:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and collards
• 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 vegetables to grow in the fall. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, making them well-suited to Tennessee's autumn climate.

To ensure a continuous harvest, plant leafy greens in succession, spacing plantings about two weeks apart. This will allow you to enjoy fresh greens throughout the fall and winter. Some popular leafy greens to consider include:

• Lettuce: 'Black-Seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', and 'Red Sails'
• Spinach: 'Bloomsdale Long Standing', 'Space', and 'Baby's Leaf Hybrid'
• Kale: 'Lacinato', 'Red Russian', and 'Winterbor'
• Collards: 'Georgia Southern', 'Vates', and 'Champion'

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are excellent choices for fall planting in Tennessee, as they can be stored for later use and often improve in flavor after a light frost.

When planting root vegetables, be sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds and working in plenty of organic matter. Some popular root vegetables to consider include:

• Carrots: 'Nantes', 'Danvers 126', and 'Chantenay Red Core'
• Beets: 'Detroit Dark Red', 'Chioggia', and 'Red Ace'
• Radishes: 'Cherry Belle', 'French Breakfast', and 'Watermelon'
• Turnips: 'Hakurei', 'Tokyo Cross', and 'Purple Top White Globe'

Fall-Blooming Flowers

Fall is also an excellent time to plant flowers that will add color and beauty to your garden during the cooler months. Many of these flowers will also provide nectar for pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.

Some fall-blooming flowers that do well in Tennessee include:

• Asters: 'New England Aster', 'Purple Dome', and 'Sugar Snap'
• Mums: 'Chrysanthemum', 'Potsy', and 'Hardy Garden Mum'
• Pansies: 'Matrix', 'Cool Wave', and 'Whiskery'
• Snapdragons: 'Tetra', 'Rocket', and 'Sonnet'

Asters

Asters are late-blooming perennials that provide essential nectar for migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

When planting asters, space them 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly until they become established. Some popular asters to consider include:

• 'New England Aster' (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
• 'Purple Dome' (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome')
• 'Sugar Snap' (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Sugar Snap')

Mums

Mums, or chrysanthemums, are popular fall-blooming flowers that come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

When planting mums, space them 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly until they become established. Some popular mums to consider include:

• 'Chrysanthemum' (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
• 'Potsy' (Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Potsy')
• 'Hardy Garden Mum' (Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Hardy Garden Mum')

As you prepare your Tennessee garden for the fall, remember that proper planning and preparation are key to a successful and productive season. By understanding what to plant and when, you can create a beautiful and bountiful garden that will carry you through the winter and into the next growing season.

So, get out there and start planting! Your garden will thank you, and you'll be rewarded with fresh produce and beautiful flowers all season long.