What to Plant in Fall? 5 Tips to for a Fruitful Fall Garden

There’s something about the crisp air of fall that makes it the perfect time to start thinking about the garden again. I know, summer is usually the season that comes to mind when you think about planting, but trust me, there’s something special about getting your hands dirty in the cooler months. Fall might not be the most obvious choice for gardening, but it’s actually a great time to plant certain crops. If you’re looking to plant in fall, whether it’s to extend your growing season or to give your spring garden a head start, you’re in the right place.

Fall gardening is like that underappreciated middle child—often overlooked, but when given the attention it deserves, it can really shine. The key is understanding what works best in the cooler temperatures and shorter days of the season. So, let’s dig into what you need to know to make your fall garden flourish.

When to Plant in Fall

Planting in fall isn’t just about throwing seeds in the ground and hoping for the best. Timing is crucial. The window for planting in fall can be a bit tricky because it depends heavily on your local climate and the first expected frost date. The general rule of thumb is to figure out when your first frost is likely to occur—this can usually be found with a quick search based on your zip code—and work backward from there.

For many fall crops, you’ll want to plant them about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. This gives them enough time to establish themselves before the cold really sets in. But remember, not all plants are created equal. Some crops, like root vegetables and leafy greens, can actually thrive in cooler temperatures and might even improve in flavor after a light frost. On the other hand, more delicate plants will need to be in the ground earlier to avoid being zapped by the cold.

One of the biggest challenges with fall planting is managing the transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler days of fall. This is where knowing your crops comes in handy. For example, brassicas like broccoli and kale are cool-weather champions. They don’t just survive in the cold—they thrive. But for something like spinach, which prefers a soil temperature between 45-65 degrees, you might need to start it indoors or in a shaded area if your early fall days are still too warm.

What to Plant in Fall

Fall gardening is all about picking the right plants for the season. The stars of the fall garden are typically cool-season crops, which means anything that can handle a bit of chill in the air. Think leafy greens, root vegetables, and some herbs.

Let’s start with the leafy greens. Kale, spinach, and lettuce are your best friends when it comes to fall planting. These greens don’t just tolerate cooler weather—they love it. In fact, kale gets sweeter after a frost, making it perfect for those hearty fall salads. Spinach is another great choice, though it can be a bit fussier about temperature. It’s best to get it in the ground early enough that it has time to establish before the temperature drops too much.

Root vegetables are another must for the fall garden. Carrots, beets, and radishes are all excellent choices. Carrots, in particular, benefit from a longer growing season and can actually be left in the ground well into winter if you cover them with mulch. This allows for a harvest of sweet, crunchy carrots long after the snow starts to fall. Just make sure you’re choosing varieties with a shorter maturation period if you’re planting later in the season.

Herbs can also do well in the fall, especially if you have a mild climate. Parsley and cilantro are two that can handle a bit of cool weather. These herbs are not only great for cooking, but they also make your fall garden smell amazing.

Soil Preparation

One of the most important steps in planting a fall garden is making sure your soil is ready to support new growth. After a long summer of growing, your soil might be a bit tired, and it’s crucial to replenish its nutrients before planting.

Start by clearing out any remaining summer crops, spraying weeds, and removing debris from your garden beds. This gives your new plants a clean slate to grow. Once you’ve cleared the space, it’s time to dig into the soil—literally. Turn the soil over and assess its condition. If it’s looking dry and compacted, it’s time to amend it.

Adding compost is a great way to rejuvenate your soil. Compost not only adds nutrients but also improves soil structure, helping it retain moisture better—something that’s especially important as the days get cooler and the air gets drier. If your soil tends to be heavy and clay-like, consider adding some sand or perlite to improve drainage. On the other hand, if your soil is too sandy, adding organic matter will help it retain moisture.

Another thing to consider is mulching. Mulch is your garden’s best friend in the fall. It helps regulate soil temperature, keeps moisture in, and adds an extra layer of protection for your plants as temperatures drop. You can use straw, leaves, or even a layer of compost as mulch. Just make sure to keep the mulch away from the stems of your plants to prevent rot.

Protecting Your Plants

Fall might bring cooler temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to pests. In fact, some pests thrive in the cooler months, and your young, tender fall crops can be particularly vulnerable.

One of the most common fall garden pests is the cabbage worm, which loves to munch on brassicas like broccoli and kale. To protect your plants, consider using row covers or insect netting. These barriers not only keep pests out but can also provide a bit of extra warmth on cooler nights.

Speaking of warmth, don’t forget about the unpredictable fall weather. While the cooler temperatures are generally a good thing for fall crops, an unexpected frost can be disastrous if your plants aren’t ready for it. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and be prepared to cover your plants with frost blankets or old sheets if a sudden cold snap is predicted. This can make the difference between a thriving fall garden and one that’s cut short too soon.

Another great tool for fall gardening is the shade cloth, especially if you’re planting early in the season when the sun can still be quite intense. A shade cloth helps protect young seedlings from getting scorched and can create a more controlled environment as your plants get established.

Extending Your Harvest

One of the joys of planting in fall is the potential to extend your harvest well beyond the typical growing season. With the right techniques and a bit of planning, you can enjoy fresh vegetables from your garden all the way into winter.

One strategy is to stagger your plantings. Instead of planting everything at once, try sowing seeds every couple of weeks. This way, you’ll have a continuous harvest rather than all your crops maturing at the same time. This is particularly effective with fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce, which can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.

Another tip is to choose cold-hardy varieties that can withstand light frosts. Vegetables like kale, collards, and Brussels sprouts actually improve in flavor after a frost, making them perfect for late-season gardening. If you’re really committed to extending your harvest, consider building a simple cold frame or hoop house. These structures create a microclimate that can keep your plants growing even when the temperatures outside start to dip.

And don’t forget about overwintering. Some crops, like garlic and onions, can be planted in the fall and harvested the following spring or summer. This not only saves you time during the busy spring planting season but also gives you a head start on your harvest.

So there you have it—a detailed guide to planting in fall that will help you get the most out of your garden this season. With the right timing, crop selection, soil preparation, and protection, your fall garden can be just as productive and rewarding as your summer one.