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Image Credit: Dougal Waters/Getty ImagesAutumn ushers in cozy sweaters, spooky festivities, and the perfect opportunity to cultivate plants that flourish in chilly climates. Whether you aim to grow your favorite veggies or diversify your garden, these selections are ideal for ensuring a rich harvest this fall.
“For a thriving fall garden, there are excellent choices that not only excel in cooler conditions but also prepare your garden for future seasons,” explains Brock Ingham, owner and editor of Bigger Garden. Here, experts highlight eight fall vegetables to plant as summer fades into autumn.
1. Carrots
samael334/getty imagesCarrots are an excellent choice for the autumn growing season. They thrive in cooler climates and face fewer pest issues during the fall. These nutrient-rich vegetables develop a sweeter taste when grown in lower temperatures, making them ideal for a late autumn harvest.
“Carrots are a root crop that truly excels in the fall,” notes Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible. “The colder weather intensifies their inherent sweetness, and their long shelf life makes them a practical option for the season.”
- Sun: Full
- Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8
- Maturity date: 50 to 80 days
- Zones: 3 to 11
2. Spinach
Crispin la valiente/getty images“Spinach is a fantastic choice for autumn,” says Tammy Sons, owner of TN Nursery. “It flourishes in the cooler fall climate and is ideal for salads or cooked dishes.”
Spinach performs best in well-drained soil and under full to partial sunlight. Ensure you plant these resilient greens at least six weeks before the first frost to enjoy a bountiful fall harvest.
- Sun: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil with soil pH between 6.5 and 8
- Maturity date: About 30 to 45 days.
- Zones: 2 to 11
3.
Kale
Ernesto r. Ageitos/Getty Images“Kale stands out as one of the most dependable and nutrient-packed vegetables for fall planting,” Adnan explains. “It’s remarkably frost-resistant and develops a sweeter flavor after frost exposure. This happens because the plant transforms starches into sugars as a defense mechanism against the cold, resulting in tender and delicious leaves.”
To fully enjoy the benefits of this nutrient-rich superfood, ensure you plant your kale at least 8 weeks before the first frost for a successful harvest.
- Sun: Full sunlight is ideal, but it can also thrive in partial sun.
- Soil: Kale favors well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Maturity date: Approximately 90 days
- Zones: 7 to 9
4. Peas
ksena32/getty imagesPeas flourish in cooler climates and have a brief growth cycle, making them ideal for autumn planting. Sow your peas in early fall and gather them before the first frost to savor delicious, nutrient-packed meals.
“Peas are a fantastic option for fall planting, particularly because they contribute to nitrogen fixation in the soil, enhancing it for upcoming crops,” Ingham explains. “This is highly advantageous if you’re planning for your winter or spring garden.”
- Sun: Full sunlight is best, but peas can grow in partial shade.
- Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Maturity date: Around 60 days for most pea varieties.
- Zones: 2 to 10
5. Brussels Sprouts
littlekiss photography/getty images“Brussels sprouts are another excellent choice for fall,” Sons notes. “They become sweeter after a light frost and thrive in nutrient-rich soil with steady moisture and full sunlight.”
The cooler weather and shorter days of autumn create ideal conditions for Brussels sprouts to achieve their optimal flavor and size. Since they have a lengthy growing period, begin cultivating them in early fall or start them indoors in late summer for a late autumn harvest.
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Maturity date: At least 80 days
- Zones: 2 to 10
6. Broccoli
Toni Jardon/getty images“Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that thrives in autumn, producing its finest heads when temperatures range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Adnan. “It’s a nutrient-rich vegetable that’s ideal for fall gardening.”
Broccoli belongs to the Brassicaceae family, a resilient group that includes Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. These healthy greens grow best in mild to cool autumn temperatures with plenty of sunlight. For optimal growth, plant broccoli 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost.
- Sun: Full
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Maturity date: 60 to 85 days
- Zones: 2 to 11
7. Cauliflower
Mypurgatoryyears/getty images“Cauliflower is an excellent choice for a fall garden,” Ingham explains. “It thrives in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frost, which often enhances its flavor. Once established, it requires minimal care and provides a tasty harvest well into late fall or early winter.”
Cauliflower grows best in nutrient-dense soil, which can be achieved by incorporating compost into your garden. Ensure consistent moisture through regular watering to help cauliflower thrive.
- Sun: Full
- Soil: Rich and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5
- Maturity date: 60 to 90 days
- Zones: 2 to 11
8. Radishes
Toni Jardon/Getty ImagesRadishes are an excellent choice for fall planting, especially if you’re short on time. These quick-growing root vegetables can be harvested in as few as 30 days. They flourish in cooler weather, and fall radishes boast a deeper, more pungent flavor compared to those grown during the summer.
- Sun: Full
- Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0
- Maturity date: 30 to 60 days
- Zones: 2 to 11
