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5 Summer Vegetables To Plant in Your Garden for Fall Harvest

Mike Dover
Written By Mike Dover
Original Publish Date: Jul 4, 2024, 09:43 AM
Last updated: Sep 22, 2024, 12:27 AM
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Summer Vegetables To Plant in Your Garden
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What a year it’s been so far in the garden! As we move past the peak of summer, it’s tempting to think the growing season is winding down. Not so fast—there’s a whole roster of vegetables perfect for planting now that will ensure your garden remains vibrant and productive into the fall.

Summer isn’t just for enjoying the fruits of early labor in the garden; it’s also an ideal time to start planting for a fall harvest. This period allows gardeners to take advantage of cooler days that are just around the corner, which some plants prefer. It’s a shift in focus, from the sun-loving tomatoes and cucumbers to more tolerant and sometimes hardier varieties that thrive in the milder fall temperatures.

Selecting the Right Plants for Late Planting

When choosing vegetables for late summer planting, three characteristics are vital: fast-growing cycles, leafy, non-fruiting habits, and a robust tolerance to colder temperatures. These traits ensure that plants not only survive but thrive as the days grow shorter and cooler. Here’s a rundown of ten fantastic vegetables to get into the ground now:

1. Carrots

Planting carrots in late summer is a savvy strategy for gardeners looking to enjoy a fresh, sweet harvest well into fall or even winter. The cool temperatures of fall can enhance the sugar content of carrots, making them delightfully sweeter than those harvested during warmer months.

The perfect time to plant carrots for a fall harvest is about 10-12 weeks before your first expected frost date. This timing allows the carrots to mature fully before winter sets in. In many regions, this means sowing seeds from mid to late summer, ensuring they have enough time to develop.

Carrots thrive in loose, well-draining soil as they require space to expand and grow downwards. Prepare your garden by loosening the soil up to 10-12 inches deep and removing any stones, pebbles, or hard clumps that could obstruct growth. Adding a layer of compost can provide a nutrient-rich boost, helping to stimulate robust growth.

Planting: Sow carrot seeds directly into prepared beds, spacing them about a half inch apart. Cover lightly with soil—no more than a half inch deep. Carrots have a reputation for being somewhat finicky when it comes to germination, which can be improved by ensuring the soil remains moist throughout the germination period. Typically, carrot seeds begin to sprout within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on soil temperature and conditions. Using a light mulch or vermiculite can help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature stable.

Growing: Carrots generally take about 70 to 80 days to reach maturity, but this can vary slightly depending on the variety. Varieties like ‘Chantenay’, ‘Danvers’, and ‘Nantes’ are known for their robust flavor and adaptability to a range of soil conditions. ‘Mini’ carrots or ‘baby’ carrots are quicker to mature and are ideal if you’re looking for a speedy harvest.

As carrots develop, it’s crucial to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during spells of dry weather. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to split roots. Thinning the seedlings early can help reduce competition for nutrients and space, allowing for healthier and larger carrots. As they grow, gradually thin the seedlings to about 2 to 4 inches apart, depending on the carrot variety’s mature size.

Harvesting: Carrots can be harvested when they’ve reached the desired size, but leaving them in the ground until after the first frost can improve their flavor significantly. The cold environment enhances their natural sugars, giving them a richer, more concentrated taste. When pulling carrots from the ground, be gentle to avoid damaging the root.

2. Beets

 

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Beets are an excellent choice for a late summer planting, aiming for a bountiful and sweet fall harvest. The cooler temperatures of fall not only enhance their flavor but also improve the texture of both the roots and the greens.

Ideal timing for planting: Late summer. Specifically, you should aim to plant beet seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected frost date. This timing ensures that the beets have sufficient time to mature before the cold sets in. In many regions, this means sowing seeds from mid to late August or even early September.

Soil and site preparation: Beets thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Preparing your garden with rich, fertile soil that has been loosened and cleared of rocks or large debris is crucial, as beets develop underground and need unobstructed growth space. Adding a layer of compost can enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting better growth.

Planting and care: When planting beets, sow the seeds directly into the prepared beds at a depth of about 1/2 inch, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Once the seedlings have emerged and are about 1 to 2 inches tall, thin them to about 3 to 4 inches apart. This spacing allows each beet plant enough room to mature properly.

It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the beet plants can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, providing a more stable growing environment for the roots.

Growth: Beets generally take about 55 to 70 days to reach harvest size, depending on the variety and growing conditions. As the days begin to shorten in the fall, growth may slow slightly, so adding about a week to your expected maturity date can give a more accurate harvest time. Once the beetroots begin to protrude from the soil and are about 1 to 3 inches in diameter, they are usually ready to harvest. Pulling them at this size ensures they are tender and not overly fibrous.



3. Swiss Chard

 

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Swiss chard is a robust leafy green that excels when planted in the late summer, offering a harvest that extends well into the cooler months. It is not only fast-growing and cold-tolerant but also adapts well to shorter days, making it an ideal crop for extending the gardening season.

Planting Swiss chard: For a successful fall harvest, the best time to plant Swiss chard is about 40 days before the first expected fall frost. This timing allows the plants to establish themselves while the weather is still warm, and mature as the temperatures begin to drop, which can sweeten the leaves.

Preparing the soil: Swiss chard thrives in well-draining soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, amend your garden beds with compost to boost nutrient levels and improve soil structure. This will help the chard grow vigorously and ensure tender, flavorful leaves.

Sowing the seeds: Plant Swiss chard seeds half an inch deep, spacing them about two to six inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing allows for ample growth and adequate airflow around the plants, which is crucial for healthy development. If you’re aiming for smaller or baby greens, you can sow the seeds more densely and begin harvesting the leaves earlier.

Growth: Swiss chard seeds typically germinate within 5 to 7 days, especially in the warm soil of late summer. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about six inches apart. This ensures that each plant has enough space to grow large, robust leaves. Regular thinning also encourages new growth, allowing you to harvest continually.

Watering and care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Swiss chard requires ample water to develop its leafy greens but can suffer in soggy conditions. During the hot parts of late summer, mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.

Harvesting: You can start harvesting Swiss chard as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat, typically about six weeks after planting. Cut the outer leaves first, allowing the younger inner leaves to continue growing. This cut-and-come-again method can provide multiple harvests from the same plant. If you allow the plants to mature fully, they can grow up to 20 inches tall and will produce large, broad leaves that are ideal for cooking.

4. Lettuce

 

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Planting lettuce in late summer is an excellent strategy for gardeners looking to extend their harvest into the cooler months. The drop in temperature can prevent bolting (where the plant goes to seed prematurely), which is common in the summer heat, and can result in lush, flavorful lettuce leaves.

Selecting the right lettuce varieties is crucial for a fall harvest. Opt for heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant varieties to ensure they can handle any residual summer warmth. Loose-leaf and Romaine lettuces are particularly resilient and can tolerate partial shade, which helps protect them from any unexpected heat waves

Ideal planting time: To achieve a successful fall harvest, it’s best to plant lettuce seeds in late summer, ideally 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date in your area. This timing allows the lettuce to mature in cooler weather, which is crucial for optimal growth and flavor.

Soil preparation: Lettuce thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Prepare your garden bed by incorporating plenty of organic matter such as compost. This will not only improve soil fertility but also enhance moisture retention, which is essential for lettuce growth.

Sowing: Sow your lettuce seeds directly into the soil, lightly covering them with a fine layer of soil or compost. Since lettuce seeds need light to germinate, avoid burying them too deeply. Water the soil gently but thoroughly to encourage germination without washing away the seeds. Lettuce typically germinates within 7 to 10 days under ideal conditions.

Watering and care: Maintaining consistent soil moisture is key to growing healthy lettuce. Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Regular watering is crucial, especially as the plants establish themselves. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Harvesting: You can begin to harvest your lettuce as soon as the leaves reach a desirable size. For cut-and-come-again varieties, pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. This method can provide multiple harvests from a single plant. Head lettuces will take longer to mature and should be harvested once the head feels firm and tightly packed.

5. Brassicas

Planting brassicas in the late summer is a strategic choice for gardeners aiming for a robust fall harvest. This family of vegetables, which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower, thrives in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for fall harvesting.

One of the main advantages of planting brassicas for a fall harvest is the improvement in flavor after exposure to mild frost. Brassicas are notably cold-tolerant. Many varieties can withstand light frosts without damage, and some, like kale, can even survive temperatures well below freezing, provided they are mature enough before the deep cold sets in.

Ideal timing for planting: For a successful fall harvest, it’s crucial to time your planting of brassicas correctly. You should start planting these vegetables in mid to late summer, usually from July to August, depending on your local climate and the first expected frost date. This timing ensures that the plants have enough time to establish themselves before the temperatures drop.

Soil and planting requirements: Brassicas require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. Preparing your garden with ample organic matter and ensuring the soil is loose enough to promote good root development is essential. You can start seeds indoors or sow them directly into the soil. If planting directly, seeds should be sown about 1/4 inch deep in rows, ensuring each plant has enough space to grow without overcrowding.

Germination and growth: Brassica seeds typically germinate within four to eight days after planting, provided the soil temperature is around 45°F or warmer. The germination can be faster in late summer due to the residual warmth in the soil, which can help accelerate the initial growth phase.

Harvesting: The maturation time for brassicas varies by type but generally ranges from 60 to 100 days. Fast-maturing varieties, such as certain types of kale and broccoli, can be ready in about two to two and a half months, while others, like Brussels sprouts, might take a bit longer. It’s important to monitor the plants as they grow, ensuring they receive consistent moisture and are protected from pests.

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Mike Dover
Mike Dover
Vegetables
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