Have you ever wondered how to continue growing tasty veggies in your garden when the weather becomes colder?
To extend your growing season and continue to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the cooler months, plant veggies in your fall garden.
We’ll go over when to plant, how to get your fall garden started, and 28 of the greatest vegetables for a fall garden this year in this guide.
When to Plant a Fall Garden
When planting veggies for an autumn garden, timing is crucial. Making sure your veggies are fully grown before the first frost is the aim.
Fall planting usually starts in early to late summer, depending on your USDA hardiness zone.
Late July through September is the best time for most areas.
Beginning with the earliest anticipated frost date in your location, count backward from the days to maturity for each vegetable.
This will provide you with a planting timetable that you can adhere to and guarantee adequate time for your crops to grow and flourish.
How to Start A Fall Garden
To assure success, there are a few essential measures to starting an autumn garden.
Start by removing any summertime weeds and plants from your garden beds.
Compost can be added to the soil to improve its quality and supply vital nutrients for your fall crops.
To prolong the growing season and shield plants from early frosts, think about utilizing row covers or cold frames.
Because late summer heat can still be rather strong, select seeds or transplants that are meant to be grown in the fall and give them regular watering.
Mulching around plants aids in soil temperature regulation and moisture retention.
Here are a few of the top fall vegetable plants to grow in your garden:
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are an iconic part of autumn, ideal for making pies, soups, and decorating your home. These large, sprawling plants need plenty of space and thrive in full sunlight. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide the necessary nutrients. Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy growth and prevent blossom end rot. Harvest pumpkins once they have a rich, consistent color and a hard rind. To prolong their storage life, cure them in a warm, dry location for a couple of weeks.
Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties, such as butternut and acorn, are resilient and store well throughout the winter. These squashes thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. Ensure ample space between plants to allow their vines to spread and produce a good yield. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will support their robust growth. Harvest winter squash when the skin is tough and fully colored. Store in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for several months.
Spinach
Spinach is a quick-growing leafy green that flourishes in cooler weather. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil and does best in partial shade to full sun. Plant seeds directly in the ground and keep the soil consistently moist. Thin the seedlings to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to disease. Harvest spinach by picking the outer leaves, allowing the inner ones to continue growing. This method provides a continuous supply of fresh greens for salads, soups, and sautéed dishes.
Lettuce
Lettuce varieties such as romaine and butterhead are well-suited for fall gardens. They grow quickly and prefer the cooler temperatures of autumn, making them ideal for successive planting throughout the season. Lettuce needs well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin the seedlings to encourage healthy development. You can start harvesting leaves when they reach a usable size or wait for full heads to form. To extend the harvest, plant new seeds every couple of weeks.
Carrots
Carrots are a versatile root vegetable that develops a sweeter flavor as the weather cools. Sow seeds directly into the garden and thin them to ensure adequate space for proper root growth. They prefer loose, well-drained soil free of stones, which can cause deformities. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture and prevent the roots from becoming tough. Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size, enjoying them fresh, roasted, or in hearty soups and stews.
Broccoli
Broccoli thrives in the cooler fall temperatures. Plant transplants in late summer to ensure a steady supply of nutritious florets, perfect for roasting, steaming, or stir-fries. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and requires consistent moisture. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest the main head when it is fully developed but before the buds start to flower. Side shoots will produce smaller heads, extending the harvest period.
Beets
Beets are a dual-purpose vegetable, offering both flavorful roots and nutritious greens. They grow well in cooler temperatures and can be harvested from late fall into winter. Beets thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to allow room for root development. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Harvest beets when they are about the size of a golf ball for optimal flavor and texture. Beet greens can be picked as needed and used like spinach or Swiss chard.
Radish
Radishes are quick to grow and can be planted multiple times during fall. Their crisp, peppery flavor is perfect for adding to salads and sandwiches. Radishes prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Water regularly to keep the soil moist and avoid tough, bitter roots. Harvest radishes when they reach the desired size, usually three to four weeks after planting.
Kale
Kale is a hardy green that becomes sweeter after exposure to frost. Packed with nutrients, it can be harvested well into winter in many regions. Kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start transplants indoors and move them outside. Water regularly and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth. Harvest kale leaves from the bottom of the plant as needed, allowing the central bud to keep producing new leaves.
Turnips
Turnips yield both edible roots and greens. They grow quickly and are excellent for roasting, mashing, or adding to soups and stews. Turnips prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to give roots space to develop. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, preventing tough and woody roots. Harvest turnips when they are about the size of a tennis ball for the best flavor and texture.
Peas
Peas, including sugar snap and snow peas, thrive in the cooler fall temperatures. They add a crisp, sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. Peas prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Sow seeds directly in the garden and provide a trellis or support for the vines. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist. Harvest peas when the pods are plump and full but before they start to harden. Enjoy them fresh, steamed, or incorporated into stir-fries and salads.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful leafy green that performs well in cooler weather. It’s versatile and can be used in salads, sautés, and as a substitute for spinach. Swiss chard thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to promote healthy growth. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest leaves from the outer part of the plant as needed, allowing the central bud to continue producing new leaves.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts develop a sweeter flavor after exposure to light frost. They require a long growing season, so start them in mid-summer for a fall harvest. Brussels sprouts prefer well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. Plant transplants in the garden and water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards as they mature, usually around three months after planting. Enjoy them roasted, steamed, or sautéed.
Cabbage
Cabbage heads develop well in cooler weather, adding a crunchy texture to salads and slaws. It also stores well for winter use. Cabbage prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun but can tolerate clay soil. Plant transplants in the garden and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and control weeds. Harvest cabbage heads when they are firm and fully formed. Store them in a cool, dry place for several weeks.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower prefers the cool temperatures of fall. Plant transplants in late summer and enjoy this versatile vegetable roasted, mashed, or in casseroles. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. Plant transplants in the garden and water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and control weeds. Harvest cauliflower heads when they are firm and compact, before the curds begin to separate.
Collards
Collard greens are frost-tolerant and their flavor improves after exposure to cold. They’re nutritious and can be used in various dishes. Collards prefer well-drained, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start transplants indoors and move them outside. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest collard leaves from the bottom of the plant as needed, allowing the central bud to continue producing new leaves.
Garlic
Plant garlic cloves in the fall for a summer harvest. Garlic is easy to grow and adds robust flavor to your dishes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant individual cloves with the pointed end up, about two inches deep and six inches apart. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and control weeds. Water regularly until the ground freezes, then reduce watering. Harvest garlic when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Cure the bulbs in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, with its distinctive bulbous stem, thrives in cooler weather. It’s excellent raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries and soups. Kohlrabi prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start transplants indoors and move them outside. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs are about the size of a tennis ball for the best flavor and texture.
Arugula
Arugula grows quickly and enjoys cool weather, offering a peppery kick to salads and sandwiches. Plant successively to ensure a continuous harvest. Arugula thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to encourage healthy growth. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor.
Bok Choy
Bok choy is a favorite for fall gardens, thriving in cooler temperatures. Its crisp, tender stalks and leaves are ideal for stir-fries and soups. Bok choy prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start transplants indoors and move them outside. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest bok choy leaves and stalks as needed or wait for the entire plant to mature.
Onions
Plant onion sets in the fall to harvest in early summer. Onions need a long growing season and store well for winter use. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Plant sets about one inch deep and six inches apart. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest onions when the tops start to yellow and fall over. Cure the bulbs in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing.
Scallions
Scallions, or green onions, grow quickly and add a fresh, mild onion flavor to dishes. They are easy to grow and can be harvested throughout fall. Scallions prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to promote healthy growth. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Harvest scallions when they reach the desired size, usually three to four weeks after planting.
Asian Greens
Asian greens, such as mizuna and tatsoi, thrive in cool weather. They are versatile and can be used in salads, stir-fries, and soups. Asian greens prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to encourage healthy growth. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest leaves from the outside of the plant as needed, allowing the central bud to continue producing new leaves.
Potatoes
Plant late-season potatoes in early fall for a fall harvest. They store well and are a staple in many hearty dishes. Potatoes prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Plant seed potatoes about four inches deep and twelve inches apart. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Harvest potatoes when the plants begin to die back and the skins are firm. Cure the tubers in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before storing.
Parsnip
Parsnips require a long growing season and are best after a frost. They are ideal for roasting, mashing, and adding to soups and stews. Parsnips prefer well-drained, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to allow space for root development. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Harvest parsnips after a few frosts for the best flavor and texture.
Zucchini
Plant zucchini in early fall for a late harvest. They are prolific producers and versatile in the kitchen. Zucchini prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to promote healthy growth. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest zucchini when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Enjoy them fresh, grilled, or in baked goods.
Leeks
Leeks are frost-tolerant and grow well into winter. They add a subtle, onion-like flavor to soups, stews, and casseroles. Leeks prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Plant transplants in the garden and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest leeks when they reach the desired size, typically around three to four months after planting.
Fennel
Fennel bulbs thrive in the cool fall weather. They impart a distinctive flavor to dishes and can be roasted, grilled, or used raw in salads. Fennel prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start transplants indoors and move them outside. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Harvest fennel bulbs when they reach the desired size, typically around three to four months after planting.