Preparing Your Autumn Vegetable Patch: Guide for Planting in Fall
With the arrival of autumn, it's time to consider what to plant in your garden. Cool-season crops thrive in the cooler weather, and there's a wide variety to choose from. Here's a list of some of the best fall vegetables to plant, along with options for flowering plants and grass seeds.
Vegetables for Autumn Gardening
Autumn is an ideal time to grow cool-season crops such as leafy greens, brassicas, root vegetables, and more. Some examples include:
- Arugula
- Beets
- Bok choy, tatsoi, and other Asian greens
- Broccoli and broccoli raab
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage (regular and Napa varieties)
- Carrots (storage types and smaller varieties)
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Fava beans
- Garlic (planted for harvest next spring or summer)
- Kohlrabi
- Kale
- Lettuce (leaf, head, and mesclun mixes)
- Mustard greens
- Onions and leeks
- Peas (snap, snow, and shelling)
- Radishes (including daikons)
- Romanesco
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
These crops can be started either by direct sowing or transplanting in late summer to early fall, depending on the vegetable and your local frost dates. Many of these respond well to cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, sometimes even improving in flavor after a frost.
Extending the Growing Season
To get the best results, choose varieties suited for fall growing, start seeds indoors if needed, and amend your garden soil before planting. Protecting young plants from late summer heat and early frosts can also help extend the growing season.
Flowering Plants and Grass Seeds
If you're looking to add some colour to your garden, Growing Wishes offers a Flower Garden, while Wildflower Farms sells a 5-pound bag of Eco-Lawn Grass Seed. For those seeking flowering bushes, Bower & Branch has a selection including Highbush Blueberry Bushes, Raspberry Bushes, Seedless Grape Vines, and Lowbush Blueberry Bushes.
Additionally, if you're interested in a microclover lawn, MicroLawn Grass Seed & Microclover Blend is available in a 5-pound bag.
With these options, you can create a beautiful, productive autumn garden that will provide fresh produce and vibrant colours throughout the season. Happy gardening!
[1] Gardening Know How: Fall Vegetable Gardening [2] Almanac: Late Summer Vegetable Gardening [3] The Spruce: Fall Vegetable Gardening
- To complement your bountiful autumn vegetable garden, consider adding color with flowering plants like those offered by Growing Wishes in their Flower Garden or opt for Eco-Lawn Grass Seed from Wildflower Farms.
- For a more diverse landscape, explore Bower & Branch's selection of flowering bushes, such as Highbush Blueberry Bushes, Raspberry Bushes, Seedless Grape Vines, and Lowbush Blueberry Bushes, or try a microclover lawn with the MicroLawn Grass Seed & Microclover Blend.
