Extend Your Growing Season
As the warm days of summer gradually fade, it’s the perfect time to shift your focus to fall planting. While many associate Labor Day with the end of summer, for avid gardeners, it marks the beginning of a new and exciting season of planting opportunities. Fall gardening can be incredibly rewarding, offering a chance to enjoy fresh produce well into the cooler months.

Why Fall Gardening?
Fall gardening comes with a host of benefits. The cooler temperatures of autumn are less stressful on many crops, reducing the risk of bolting—when plants prematurely flower and set seed. This makes fall an excellent time for growing leafy greens and herbs that might struggle in the intense heat of summer. Additionally, fall often brings fewer pests, meaning less time spent on pest control and more time enjoying your garden.
Another significant advantage of fall gardening is that many vegetables are frost-tolerant, with some crops even improving in flavor after a frost. For instance, the cool temperatures enhance the sweetness of leafy greens, and root vegetables like carrots and beets develop a richer flavor profile after exposure to frost.
Best Crops for Fall Planting
From early fall through most of November, you can successfully plant and harvest a variety of cool-season vegetables. The general rule is to plant your fall vegetables about 60 days before the first expected frost in your area. This gives the plants enough time to mature before the coldest weather sets in.
Here are some of the best cool-weather crops that thrive in the crisp fall air:
- Arugula: A peppery green that adds a zing to salads.
- Beet Greens: The tender tops of beets, delicious when sautéed.
- Braising Greens: A mix of hearty greens perfect for stir-fries.
- Broccoli: Tastes even better when grown in cool temperatures, and its heads remain compact.
- Brussels Sprouts: These mini cabbages develop a sweet, nutty flavor after a light frost.
- Bush Beans: Quick to grow, these beans are perfect for a fast fall harvest.

- Leeks: A mild, onion-like vegetable that adds depth to soups and stews.
- Lettuces: From romaine to butterhead, fall is a great time to grow a variety of lettuces.
- Mizuna: A Japanese mustard green with a mild, peppery flavor.
- Mustard Greens: These spicy greens are perfect for adding a bit of heat to your fall dishes.
- Parsley: A versatile herb that can be harvested well into the winter.
- Peas: Enjoy fresh peas before the first hard frost.
- Radicchio: A bitter green that pairs well with sweet fall flavors.
- Sorrel: A tangy green that adds brightness to any dish.
- Spinach: A cool-season favorite that thrives in the fall.
- Swiss Chard: A colorful green that adds beauty and nutrition to your garden.
- Top Bunch: Known for its vigorous growth and tender leaves.

- Cabbage: A hardy vegetable that stores well for winter use.
- Cauliflower: This versatile vegetable is excellent for roasting and mashing.
- Chives: These onion-flavored greens are great for garnishing fall dishes.
- Cilantro: Enjoy fresh cilantro well into the cooler months.
- Collard Greens: A Southern favorite, collards are sweet and tender in the fall.
- Cress: A spicy green that adds a kick to salads and sandwiches.
- Dill: Ideal for fall pickling projects and flavoring soups.
- Green Onions: These mild onions are perfect for fall salads and soups.
- Kale: A nutrient-packed green that becomes sweeter after frost.


Preparing Your Garden for Fall
As you transition from summer to fall, take the following steps to ensure a successful growing season:
- Harvest your summer crops: Clear out the remains of your summer garden to make space for new plantings.
- Clean your tower: Whether you’re using traditional garden beds or vertical towers, give them a good cleaning to remove any leftover debris or pests.
- Refill your reservoir: Ensure your plants have a steady supply of water, especially as the weather starts to cool and dry out.
- Purchase your cool-weather seedlings: Now is the time to stock up on seedlings or start your seeds indoors for transplanting.
Extending Your Growing Season
To make the most of the fall gardening season, consider ways to extend your growing time even further. Adding a submersible heater to your reservoir can keep water temperatures optimal for your plants, preventing cold stress. Additionally, having a frost kit cover on hand allows you to protect your plants from unexpected early frosts, giving you a few extra weeks of growth.

Fall gardening is a wonderful way to extend the harvest season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce when others are winding down for the year. Embrace the cooler temperatures, and you might find that fall becomes your favorite gardening season.
Remember, with the right crops and a little preparation, fall can be your second spring!