Fall is seriously underrated when it comes to gardening! Most people think spring is prime time, but fall brings so many perks. Cooler temps, fewer pests, and plants that actually love the chill? Yes, please! Plus, there’s just something cozy about growing your own veggies as the leaves start turning. A fall vegetable garden can easily carry you through winter with a good harvest, and some of these crops are even sweeter after a light frost.
Now, you might be wondering, “What are the best vegetables to plant in the fall?” Stick around! We’re diving into which veggies love the cool weather and giving you all the tips on how to grow them.
Best Vegetables to Plant in the Fall
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is a classic fall veggie. It thrives in cooler temperatures and is easy to grow as long as you plant it in early fall. Broccoli needs about 10-12 weeks to fully mature, so timing is key! Plant the seeds indoors in late summer and transplant when they’re sturdy. It loves rich soil that drains well and enjoys much sun.
Common Mistake: Planting too late! If you start too close to the first frost, you’ll end up with stunted plants. Fun fact: Broccoli’s flavor actually improves after it’s been kissed by a light frost.
Plant seedlings about 18 inches apart to give them enough space to spread. Set them slightly deeper than they were in their seed trays to help support the stem.
2. Kale
Kale is the true champ of fall landscaping. This leafy green thrives in cool weather and can tolerate light frost like a boss. It’s best to plant its seeds directly into the garden in late summer to have time to establish before the cold hits. Once it gets colder, its leaves get sweeter, giving you that perfect green for salads or smoothies.
Common Mistake: Neglecting to pick the older leaves first. Always harvest from the outside in to keep the plant thriving! If cared for properly, it can keep producing into the winter months.
3. Carrots
Carrots are one of the best root vegetables for a fall vegetable garden. They love the cooler weather and develop a richer flavor when planted in early fall. Sow the seeds directly into loose soil, and don’t forget to thin them out once they sprout. Carrots need about 10 weeks before the ground freezes for a full harvest, so get them in early!
Common Mistake: Not thinning out your seedlings—overcrowded carrots won’t grow well. Fun fact: A bit of frost can make carrots taste even sweeter, perfect for fall soups and stews!
4. Perpetual Spinach
Spinach is a cool season vegetable that loves growing in fall gardens. Grow it in late summer or early fall, and you’ll be harvesting tender baby leaves in no time. This green grows fast, so it’s ideal for a quick crop before the first frost. Spinach is also a great option for container gardening if you’re short on space.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to water regularly. Even though the temperatures are cooler, spinach still needs consistent moisture.
Pro tip: If you pick the leaves regularly, it can keep producing well into the fall harvest. Sow the seeds about ½ inches deep in well-prepared garden soil. Space the seeds 12 inches apart to give each plant enough room to spread and grow without competing for nutrients.
5. Onions
Fall is prime time for planting onions! You can start with sets (small onion bulbs) or direct seed them in your garden. They’ll establish roots in the fall and grow more vigorously when spring rolls around. These bad boys love well-drained, loose garden soil, so mix in some compost to keep them happy.
Common Mistake: Planting in poor soil. Onions need fertile soil to grow into the giant bulbs we all love. Fun fact: Onions are a long-term investment—they won’t be ready until late winter or starting spring, but they’re worth the wait!
6. Garlic
Who doesn’t love garlic? Fall is the perfect time to grow this aromatic bulb. You’ll want to plant individual cloves in the late fall, right before the ground freezes. They’ll sprout in spring and give you a full harvest by summer. Just make sure to cover them with mulch to protect from hard frosts.
Common Mistake: Not spacing your cloves enough. Crowded garlic won’t produce large bulbs. Fun fact: Garlic planted in fall gardens tends to have a stronger flavor than spring-planted garlic!
7. Turnips
Turnips are another classic cool season vegetable that thrives in fall gardens. Sow the seeds in early fall, and you can harvest the roots in about 60 days. They love the cold weather and can survive a bit of light frost.
Common Mistake: Not thinning out the rows. If they are too crowded, they won’t grow large enough. Fun fact: Both the roots and the greens are edible, giving you a two-in-one harvest!
8. Asparagus
Asparagus is a bit of a long game, but fall is a great time to get it started. Grow the crowns (young plants) in well-drained soil, and they’ll establish roots before winter. You won’t harvest until next year, but once it gets going, asparagus will keep producing for 10-20 years!
Common Mistake: Planting too deep. Asparagus needs to be just below the surface, or it’ll struggle to grow. Fun fact: Asparagus is one of the first crops to pop up in early spring, making it a great investment.
9. Chard
Chard is another leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. Plant it in late summer, and it’ll grow right through fall and even into winter months if the weather stays mild. You can harvest the outer leaves continuously, leaving it to keep growing.
Common Mistake: Not harvesting regularly. If you don’t pick the leaves, they’ll get tough and bitter. Fun fact: Chard comes in a rainbow of colors, making it a gorgeous addition to your vegetable garden!
10. Pumpkins
Who can forget pumpkins? Although usually associated with summer planting, pumpkins love the fall harvest. Plant them in late summer, and they’ll be ready just in time for Halloween. They need plenty of space and sunshine, so make sure they have room to sprawl.
Common Mistake: Overwatering. Pumpkins need lots of sun and moderate watering—too much water can lead to rot. Fun fact: The seeds are edible, so don’t throw them out after carving!
Conclusion
Fall is seriously where it’s at for growing your own food. The cooler temperatures, fewer pests, and delicious veggies make it the perfect time to plant. Whether you’re growing broccoli, kale, or a full patch of pumpkins, there’s no shortage of options for your fall vegetable garden.
Start planting now, and by the time spring rolls around, you’ll be munching on fresh, homegrown produce all winter long.
