Gardening in the fall presents a wonderful opportunity to extend your growing season and enjoy fresh produce well into the cooler months. While summer gardens often burst with colorful fruits and vegetables, autumn gardens offer their own unique bounty that embraces the crisp, short days.
What vegetables should you consider planting to make the most of your fall garden? Understanding which crops thrive in cool weather will help you plan a successful harvest. This article explores 25 of the best vegetables to plant in your fall garden, providing you with all the information you need to get started.
In this article, we'll cover
1. Beets
- Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris
- Growing Zones: 2-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Beets are a great addition to your fall garden. They are easy to grow and packed with nutrients. Beets can be enjoyed both as a root vegetable and for their leafy greens.
Plant beet seeds directly in the garden. Make sure the soil is loose and well-drained, as beets do not like heavy, compacted soil. Space the seeds about an inch apart.
Water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. They thrive best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Harvest beets when they are about the size of a golf ball for the best flavor. Enjoy them roasted, pickled, or fresh in salads.
2. Brussels Sprouts
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
- Growing Zones: 3-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering to keep the soil moist
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Brussels sprouts are a cool-season vegetable that thrives in the cooler months. These small, cabbage-like sprouts grow best in fertile soil with good drainage.
You can start the seeds indoors or plant them directly in the garden. Transplant the seedlings about 18-24 inches apart with 2-3 feet between rows for proper air circulation.
Harvest the sprouts from the bottom up when they reach about 1 inch in diameter. You can store them in the refrigerator for several weeks or blanch and freeze them for long-term storage.
3. Carrots
- Botanical Name: Daucus carota
- Growing Zones: 3-10
- Soil Needs: Loose, sandy loam, well-drained
- Water Needs: Moderate, consistent moisture
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Carrots are a great vegetable to plant in your fall garden. They love the cooler temperatures and can handle a light frost. Start by choosing a sunny spot in your garden with loose, sandy soil.
Make sure the soil is well-drained and free of rocks, as carrots need space to grow deep and straight. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
You should provide your carrots with about 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Plant the seeds about one-quarter inch deep, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. You’ll be rewarded with a delicious, crunchy harvest in about 70-80 days.
4. Cauliflower
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
- Water Needs: Consistent moisture
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun, partial shade
Cauliflower is a great vegetable to plant in the fall. It needs cool weather to thrive and can handle light frost. The plant takes around 10 weeks to mature, so start planning early.
Make sure your soil is rich and well-drained. This helps the plant grow strong and healthy. Regular watering is important, but don’t let the soil get soggy.
Cauliflower loves sunlight. Aim for full sun, but some shade is fine too. This versatile veggie is perfect for soups and roasts, making it a fall favorite.
5. Fennel
- Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
- Growing Zones: 5-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Fennel is a versatile vegetable that’s great for fall gardens. It’s known for its strong anise flavor and can be used in many dishes.
You can plant fennel in well-drained soil and ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged for the best growth.
Fennel bulbs can be used in soups, salads, and even roasted as a side dish. The fronds can be used as a fresh herb to add flavor to recipes.
6. Garlic
- Botanical Name: Allium sativum
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, loamy soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Garlic is a fantastic vegetable to plant in the fall. It needs a period of cold to develop properly. Plant the cloves about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining and loamy. This will help the garlic grow strong and healthy.
Water the garlic moderately. Overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot, so be careful. With proper care, you’ll have a great harvest of garlic in the spring.
7. Kale
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate and consistent
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Kale is a wonderful vegetable to include in your fall garden. Being a cool-weather crop, it enjoys the mild temperatures of autumn.
Plant kale in late summer to enjoy a bountiful harvest in the fall and winter. Kale can withstand light frosts, which can even improve its flavor.
To keep your kale plants happy, provide them with rich, well-draining soil and ensure they get moderate and consistent water. Full sun is ideal, but kale can also handle partial shade. Enjoy fresh, nutritious leafy greens from your garden this fall!
8. Kohlrabi
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
- Growing Zones: 3-10
- Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Kohlrabi is a cool-season vegetable, making it perfect for your fall garden. It has a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor that you’ll love.
Start by planting kohlrabi when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F (7°C). If planting indoors, sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. For direct sowing, space seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
Harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter. You can also take up to a third of the leaves while the bulbs are still growing. This vegetable thrives in temperatures between 40℉ and 75℉, maturing in 45-60 days.
Enjoy kohlrabi raw in salads or cook it in stews and casseroles.
9. Leeks
- Botanical Name: Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8
- Water Needs: Keep soil consistently moist
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Leeks are a hardy vegetable that thrive in cool, autumn weather. Start them indoors in peat pots, and transplant them when they’re about 3-4 inches tall.
Make a long, deep trench in your garden soil. Plant leeks 4-6 inches apart in this trench and gently cover the roots with soil. As leeks grow, mound more soil around the stems to keep them white and tender. This simple process ensures healthy, delicious leeks for your fall garden.
10. Mustard Greens
- Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate, keep soil consistently moist
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Mustard greens are a nutritious and easy-to-grow fall vegetable. These greens can handle frost, making them perfect for cooler seasons. They can be planted as soon as the soil is warm enough to work in early spring or fall.
To grow mustard greens, sow seeds directly into the soil about ¼ inch deep. For baby greens, space seeds close together, around two seeds per inch. For larger greens, leave about 6 to 12 inches between plants.
Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mustard greens prefer full sun but will tolerate some light shade. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh mustard greens in your salads, soups, and stir-fries.
11. Parsnips
- Botanical Name: Pastinaca sativa
- Growing Zones: 2-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Parsnips are a great choice for your fall garden. They taste best after being exposed to cool, frosty weather.
To plant parsnips, loosen the soil to about 12 to 15 inches deep. Mix in some organic compost for better growth.
Sow the seeds half an inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. Then, lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly.
Parsnip seeds are very light, so try to sow them on a calm day to avoid them blowing away. Happy planting!
12. Radicchio
- Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus
- Growing Zones: 4-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Consistently moist, not waterlogged
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Radicchio is a leafy vegetable with a bitter taste and red-purple leaves. It’s perfect for fall gardens because it thrives in cooler weather.
In colder zones, you should start seeds in mid-summer for a fall harvest. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and keep them well-watered. Once they sprout, thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart.
Radicchio prefers temperatures between 60-75°F. If the weather gets too hot, the seeds won’t germinate properly. So, it’s best planted in spring or fall.
You can use radicchio in salads, grilling, or roasting. Its bold flavor adds a nice kick to many dishes.
13. Radishes
- Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, pH 6.0-7.0
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Radishes are a great choice for your fall garden. They grow quickly, often ready in just 22 to 35 days. This means you can enjoy fresh radishes before the first frost.
Radishes love cooler weather. You’ll find they taste better in fall compared to summer. The flavors become richer and spicier, making for a delightful addition to salads.
To get started, plant radish seeds directly into the garden. Make sure the soil is loose and well-draining. Keep them water consistently for the best growth. Radishes also need full sun to thrive.
14. Rutabaga
- Botanical Name: Brassica napus
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Rutabagas are a wonderful addition to your fall garden. They are a cross between cabbage and turnips and thrive in cool weather.
You should plant rutabagas in midsummer so they can mature before the first fall frost. They need about 10 to 12 weeks of growing time.
Rutabaga seeds germinate easily, so you can sow them directly into the soil. They do best in well-drained, fertile soil and need consistent watering to grow well.
These root vegetables enjoy full sun but can also handle some shade. Once mature, they can be harvested for delicious, long-lasting storage.
15. Spinach
- Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea
- Growing Zones: 2-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering, keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Spinach is a hardy green that thrives in the cool fall weather. It’s known for its rapid growth and nutritional value.
Plant your spinach seeds directly into the soil when the summer heat begins to fade. Spinach prefers soil temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the soil evenly moist to encourage steady growth. You can begin harvesting the leaves as soon as they are large enough to eat, allowing new leaves to continue to grow.
16. Swiss Chard
- Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Water Needs: Keep soil modestly moist
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Swiss chard is a great vegetable for your fall garden. It grows well in many climates, handling the cool weather like a champ.
Start seeds indoors in hot areas, or directly in your garden once temperatures drop. Soaking seeds in water for a day helps them sprout faster.
Space your plants about 6 inches apart. Harvest when leaves are 6-8 inches tall. Cut outer leaves and let the plant keep growing for more.
17. Turnips
- Botanical Name: Brassica rapa
- Growing Zones: 2-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Turnips are ideal for your fall garden. Plant them in late summer or early fall, around 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Make sure the soil temperature is below 75°F for best germination.
You’ll love turnips for their versatility. They grow well in cool weather and are relatively easy to maintain. Simply keep their soil moist but not waterlogged.
Turnips thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. They need moderate watering and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Start enjoying your harvest when the roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter. Enjoy your garden!
18. Endive
- Botanical Name: Cichorium endivia
- Growing Zones: 4-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Endive is a leafy green that thrives in cooler weather. It’s perfect for your fall garden. You can grow it in zones 4 through 10.
Make sure to plant endive in well-drained, fertile soil. It needs moderate watering, so keep the soil consistently moist.
This vegetable grows well in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Add some endive to your garden, and you’ll enjoy fresh, crunchy leaves throughout the fall season.
19. Collard Greens
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala
- Growing Zones: 6-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
- Water Needs: Consistent moisture, but not waterlogged
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Collard greens are a tasty and nutritious addition to your fall garden. They do best in cool weather, so plant them in early spring or late summer.
Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep. Once they sprout true leaves, thin them so they’re about 18 inches apart. Collard greens love rich soil, so think about adding compost to give them a boost.
Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. Collards can handle partial shade, but they’ll grow best with plenty of sunlight. Enjoy harvesting and eating this classic leafy green!
20. Mâche
- Botanical Name: Valerianella locusta
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Mâche, also known as corn salad or lamb’s lettuce, is a tasty leafy green that thrives in cool weather. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is great in salads.
Plant mâche seeds directly in your garden about 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade, making it a flexible choice for fall gardens.
Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged for the best growth. Mâche is a low-growing plant that also helps cover the ground, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
21. Arugula
- Botanical Name: Eruca vesicaria
- Growing Zones: 3-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering to keep soil moist
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Arugula is a leafy green known for its peppery flavor. It’s great for adding a zing to salads and sandwiches. You can easily grow arugula in the fall. It thrives in cooler temperatures, between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sow arugula seeds about ¼-inch deep and 1 inch apart. The seeds usually germinate in about a week. For a faster start, soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting. This will help them sprout more quickly.
Arugula grows fast, so you can start harvesting the young leaves in just a few weeks. Keep the soil moist, and you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the fall. Enjoy your peppery harvest!
22. Broccoli
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Growing Zones: 3-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
- Water Needs: Consistent moisture
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in the fall. It grows best when temperatures are cooler, making it perfect for your autumn garden.
You’ll want to start sowing the seeds directly or transplanting seedlings when the summer heat has passed. Ensure the plants get enough water, but avoid waterlogging.
Broccoli adds both flavor and nutrients to your meals. From soups to stir-fries, it’s a versatile veggie you can enjoy throughout the fall season.
23. Cabbage
- Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
Cabbage thrives in cool weather, making it perfect for your fall garden. You can start it from seeds or transplants.
Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Cabbage needs lots of sunlight to grow well. Make sure the soil is rich and drains well.
Water your cabbage regularly. Consistent moisture helps it grow healthy and strong. You’ll enjoy fresh, crisp cabbage that’s great for salads, stir-fries, and soups.
24. Celery
- Botanical Name: Apium graveolens
- Growing Zones: 2-10
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Consistent moisture
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Celery is a tasty addition to your fall garden. It’s packed with vitamins and adds crunch to many dishes.
Plant celery in late summer to early fall for a cool-season harvest. It needs about 16 weeks to mature.
Make sure to keep the soil moist and be patient, as celery can be slow to germinate. Your efforts will pay off with crisp, flavorful stalks.
25. Green Onions
- Botanical Name: Allium cepa
- Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Green onions, also known as bunching onions, are a great addition to your fall garden. They are easy to grow and quick to harvest.
You don’t have to wait for the bulbs to form. You can harvest them while the tops are still tender and green. This makes them a favorite for many gardeners.
These onions thrive in cooler temperatures, so fall is perfect for planting. Make sure your soil is well-drained and fertile for the best growth.