While you are enjoying the warm days of summer, it’s hard to think of changing leaves and cooler temperatures. But fall isn’t far away, which means it’s time to plant cool-season veggies. Check out your plant hardiness zone before you get started. Those of you who live in cold climates need to start planting right away. Gardeners in warmer climates have a broader planting window. Keep in mind, however, that all of these recommended planting dates are approximate. Check with your local cooperative extension office, which should have a planting calendar for your area.
Zones 3 and 4
Though the growing season is shortest for northern gardeners, there’s still some time to grow more veggies before a hard freeze.
Vegetables to plant in August
Kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, radishes and spinach
Vegetables to plant in October
Garlic
By the way, these are the tools and gear that every vegetable gardener needs.
Zones 5 and 6
Before you plant fall veggies, add some compost to the soil to improve its texture and add nutrients.
Vegetables to plant in August
Beets, radishes, spinach and turnips
Vegetables to plant in September
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce (plant in the beginning of the month), onion sets, spinach and turnips
Vegetables to plant in October
Garlic
Zones 7 and 8
A later first frost date gives gardeners in these zones more options than their friends up north.
Vegetables to plant in August
Bush beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards and kale
Vegetables to plant in September
Beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, leaf lettuce, onion sets, radishes, spinach and turnips (plant before the 15th)
Vegetables to plant in October
Garlic, onion sets, radish and spinach (plant before the 15th)
Vegetables to plant in November
Asparagus and onion sets
Vegetables to plant in December
Asparagus
Check out the vegetables that are easiest to grow.
Zones 9 and 10
Some warm season vegetables can be planted in these southern zones in fall, and cold-hardy crops like broccoli and kale can even be planted in early winter.
Vegetables to plant in August
Broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and turnips
Vegetables to plant in September
Beets, broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions (seed & sets), radishes, summer squash and turnips
Vegetables to plant in October
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion (seed & sets), radishes, spinach, strawberries and turnips
Vegetables to plant in November
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, onions (seed & sets), radishes, spinach and strawberries
Vegetables to plant in December
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, onions (seed & sets) and radishes
These recipes will help you make the most of the fall harvest.
So, what are you waiting for? Fall will be here before you know it. Get your favorite cool-season vegetables in the ground before time runs out!
The post Here’s When to Plant Your Fall and Winter Vegetables appeared first on Taste of Home.
Birds & Blooms Editors