What to Plant in a Fall Garden: Best Choices for Late Season

As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, many gardeners think their planting days are over. But savvy green thumbs know that fall is the perfect time to get a second crop in the ground! Believe it or not, a fall garden can be even more productive than a spring one. The cooler temps and moisture make for happy plants, and you’ll be harvesting fresh veggies when others are packing it in for the year.

1. Why a Fall Garden is Worth Planting

Sure, fall gardening takes a little extra effort, but the rewards are oh-so-worth-it. You’ll get to enjoy garden-fresh produce well into the colder months, which means more homegrown nutrition on your plate. And let’s be real—those store-bought veggies can’t hold a candle to the flavor of something you grew yourself. Plus, there’s a certain pride that comes with harvesting your own food when everyone else’s gardens have gone dormant.

2. Leafy Greens for the Fall Garden

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale absolutely thrive in the cooler fall temps. In fact, many of them taste sweeter when nipped by a light frost. Toss a salad with fresh-from-the-garden greens, and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to farmer’s market heaven.

3. Root Vegetables to Grow in the Fall

When it comes to fall crops, root veggies like carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are the unsung heroes of the garden. Not only do they store well for months, but their vibrant colors and earthy flavors make them perfect for heartier fall dishes. Can’t you just taste that roasted medley now?

4. Brassicas: Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower

If you’re a fan of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and their cruciferous cousins, then fall is definitely the time to sow these cold-hardy crops. They actually prefer the cooler fall temps over summer’s sweltering heat. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of fresh-from-the-backyard broccoli on Thanksgiving?

5. Herbs to Extend Your Garden Season

Don’t forget about the herbs! Hardier varieties like parsley, cilantro, dill, and chives can often withstand a frost or two, extending your gardening season by weeks. And just think of all the soups, stews, and holiday dishes you can spruce up with fresh-snipped herbs from your own backyard patch.

6. Tips for Planting and Caring for a Fall Garden

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost date.
• Amend your soil with compost or manure to replenish nutrients.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Use row covers or cold frames to protect crops from early frosts.
• Water consistently, as fall air can be quite dry.

Conclusion

So don’t hang up those gardening gloves just yet! A fall garden is a delicious way to make the most of the growing season. With a little planning and some cold-hardy crops, you could be harvesting your own fresh veggies long after the first snowfall. Who knows, you might just become a year-round gardening addict!

Stop waiting and dive right in! Watch the video below now to see how all of this comes to life!