In many areas, fall is another growing season for vegetables that actually prefer cool weather. Some vegetables even taste better when grown in autumn than in spring.
The end of summer doesn't mean the end of fresh local produce. There are many cool season crops that can be grown in the fall and into winter.
The trick to successful fall vegetable gardening is timing. Crops need to be in the ground early enough to produce before a freeze, but late enough that summer heat doesn’t diminish productivity. Many cool season vegetables will tolerate some frost.
When to Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden
First, it is important to know the first frost date for the growing zone. Then estimate the planting date by doing the following:
- Add 21 days to the estimated days to maturity on the seed packet. For example: if the seed packet estimates 55 days to maturity, then add 21 days to get the sum of 76 days.
- Count back from the frost date to establish a planting date. Using the example above: if the frost date is Oct 15, then count back 76 days to July 31 and that is the planting date.
- For a fall planting of warm season crops such as cucumbers, beans, or squash count back an additional 14 days to figure a planting date.
* Note: Many seeds, especially cool season seeds, will not germinate in hot temperatures. If it is too hot to direct seed them outside, try starting the seeds inside where it is cooler, and transplant the seedling when they are about 30 days old.
Vegetables for Fall Gardens
Direct Seed
- Arugula
- Carrots
- Chard
- Collards
- Fennel
- Kale (cold hardy)
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce (cold hardy)
- Mesclun
- Mustard
- Parsnips (cold hardy)
- Radishes
- Spinach (cold hardy)
- Turnips
Transplant in Late Summer
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts (cold hardy)
- Cabbage (cold hardy)
- Cilantro
- Cauliflower
- Parsley
- Scallions
Fall Garden Frost Protection
Cool weather crops can tolerate a light frost and many taste better after a frost. However, if a hard freeze should come early and unexpectedly, here’s what to do:
- Use row covers to protect cool season crops. Temporary, homemade row covers of cardboard, blankets or old sheets should be adequate. Remove them when temperatures warm back up.
- Water crops the evening before the freeze. Soil saturated with moisture will freeze more slowly than dry soil.
- Use cloches to protect small seedlings. Simply use a plastic milk jug with the bottom cut out that will cover the plant.
- Use a thick layer of mulch around the plants to keep the ground from freezing.
It really is that simple to enjoy the bounty of a fall garden. Just remember, the key to success is timing the planting.
