There’s something refreshing about getting my hands dirty in the garden, and it’s become a part of my (almost) daily routine. The kids love joining in too! Gardening not only reduces stress and boosts the immune system, but it also provides delicious, healthy vegetables. It doesn’t need to be just a summer activity either. You can extend your growing season with fall gardening!
Most people think of vegetable gardens filled with zucchini and cucumbers thriving in the summer sun. Seeds often begin in late spring, depending on your climate and what you’re growing. By autumn, after all the summer squash has been turned into zucchini bread, many think it’s time to stop.
But you don’t have to wait until next year to plant more! Some veggies and herbs continue to thrive even in the cooler seasons of fall and winter.
Our family makes an effort to eat seasonally as much as we can. That means enjoying cold watermelon in the summer and pumpkin pie in October. Some plants flourish in cooler weather or even prefer it. For instance, spinach thrives in early spring and fall, but once summer arrives, it can bolt and become nearly inedible.
Fall gardening has its perks. In summer, I tend to the garden early in the morning to avoid the heat. But fall crops grown in cooler temperatures don’t have this issue. They also face fewer pests and weeds compared to summer vegetables. Not only do some plants grow better in cooler weather, but they also taste better. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts and kale become sweeter after a frost because they produce more sugars. Dandelions are another plant that sweetens in fall, perfect for harvesting for dandelion root tea.
If you’re ready to start a fall garden, the first step is deciding what you want to grow. Choose plants with a shorter growing season or those listed as fall vegetables. The best choices are frost-tolerant plants that can handle colder weather. Some plants, like spinach, are great for a fall planting and can even survive the winter.
Consider planting these in a fall garden:
Herbs don’t just add flavor to dishes; they make great companion plants for your vegetables. You might see basil tucked between tomato plants and nasturtiums around squash. Some herbs and flowers have a short growing season, but others can last through cool weather. A great tip is to plant your herb garden in pots so you can bring them inside during the coldest months. Annual herbs in some climates can become perennials with a bit of care, and many pollinators rely on these plants to get nutrients before winter.
When you start planting seeds and schedule planting dates, it depends on your USDA hardiness zone and first frost dates. Remember to add an extra two weeks to the growing time because plants mature more slowly in cooler weather. For instance, if a seed packet states that a plant will be ready for harvest in 60 days, expect it to be closer to 74 days.
Some seeds, like bush beans and lettuce, can begin indoors and then be transplanted outside. Others can be directly sown in the ground, like root vegetables. Starting them indoors allows you to have summer veggies growing outside while you get a head start on fall ones. Transplants should go in the ground in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest.
It’s wise to rotate your plant families to avoid planting the same crop in the same soil year after year. This practice prevents nutrient depletion and supports healthy plant growth. For example, if you planted tomatoes (a nightshade) during summer, you could plant bush beans (legumes) there in the fall.
There are also ways to extend your growing season further, especially in areas with short summers. Cold frames and row covers can protect plants from cold weather or light frost. A greenhouse is even better for extending harvest into winter.
Cold frames are a cost-effective way to insulate plants, acting as a mini-greenhouse, and are ideal for smaller plants. Row covers work better for larger spaces, and those made with heavier fabric can raise the temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you know your area’s frost dates and have selected your plants, it’s time to get planting!
I live in a warmer area where I can garden almost year-round. As summer crops finish, they’re replaced by frost-hardy ones. But even if you don’t live in the south, there are plenty of ways to extend your gardening season!
Have you ever planted a fall garden? What are your favorite cool-weather crops to grow? Let us know!
