Autumn’s Bounty: What Crops to Plant in the Fall

Planting crops for a fall harvest is a great way to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh produce even as the weather cools down. The specific crops you can plant for a fall harvest will depend on your location, as the timing of the first frost varies from region to region. However, here are some popular crops that you can consider planting for a fall harvest:

Leafy Greens: Many leafy greens thrive in cooler temperatures. Options include lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, and mustard greens. These can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.

Onions and Garlic: These alliums can be planted in the fall for a spring harvest. However, you can also plant short-day onion varieties in late summer for a fall or early winter harvest.

Peas: Some pea varieties, such as sugar snap peas and snow peas, can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.

Herbs: Herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill can be grown from late summer into the fall. They can be harvested as needed and may continue to grow indoors during the winter if brought inside. If your able to bring your herb garden inside and keep the party going!

Cauliflower: This cool-season crop can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. It's important to ensure they mature before the first hard frost.

Radishes: Radishes are a quick-growing crop that can be planted in late summer and harvested within a few weeks.

Turnips: Turnips can be grown in late summer for a fall harvest. You can eat both the roots and the greens.

Beets: Plant beets in late summer for a fall harvest. The greens are also edible and nutritious.

When planning your fall garden, consider your local climate and the average first frost date in your area. You may need to use row covers or other protective measures to extend your growing season and protect your crops from frost. Additionally, selecting varieties that are well-suited to fall planting and have shorter maturity times can increase your chances of a successful fall harvest. Happy Planting!