Fall is a great time to get into the garden and plant some vegetables. The weather is cooling down, but there is still plenty of time to get a harvest before winter sets in.
Here are 15 crops to grow in fall. There are, of course, tons more that you can try depending on your climate, skill level, and infrastructure. (If you’re working with a greenhouse on your property, consider me jealous!) But overall, this is a solid list of crops to try to grow in the fall if you’re not sure where to start with that. Alright, let’s just get into it! 🙂
Extra context: Check out our guide on why you should grow a fall garden if gardening in fall is a new concept to you or if you’ve never tried it before. Fall gardens are honestly a blast for me without as much pest pressure and things like that.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend stuff I love and would recommend to a friend.
Tomatoes
Yes, you can grow tomatoes successfully in fall in many areas. Not all of them!
But here in Colorado, it gets pretty cold in the winter and I can still pull off a great crop of fall tomatoes by rooting suckers from my summer tomato plants or by starting seeds during summer for my fall tomato plants.
I generally have better luck with the determinate varieties in the fall like Roma, Tachi, and Early Boy Bush but there are always exceptions. Silvery Fir Tree tomatoes are another, container-friendly option that’s great for people in higher altitudes.
Just make sure that you have enough days left before your area’s average first frost date to get a harvest out of your tomatoes before planting for fall and you’re good to go.
Pole Beans & Bush Beans
Beans are a warm-season crop, but they can handle a little bit of cool weather. They’ll actually produce longer and better in cooler weather in some cases than they will in the heat of summer. My beans do SO much better in the fall because during the summertime, the grasshoppers come out in full force and beans are at the top of their list in terms of what they find tasty. Fall beans for the win.
Plant the seeds in moist soil. Bean seeds need moisture to germinate, so be sure to keep the soil moist until they sprout. A light misting with a spray bottle should suffice.
Give them plenty of space. Pole beans can grow quite tall, so be sure to give them plenty of room to sprawl. Plant them at least two feet apart. Bush beans can be planted in smaller spaces or in containers. Some say that the more beans you pick, the more you’ll get. So harvest those beans as soon as you have a second and they might start producing more vigorously.
If you have a spot in your fall garden that gets full sun, plant some beans! I love Blue Lake pole beans for something reliable and productive and Oriental Long Yard beans for taste and visual interest in the garden.
With a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of beans this fall. Nutrient-rich beans are a great addition to any meal to throw in a little protein and can be enjoyed fresh, canned, or frozen.
Carrots
Carrots are another great fall crop. They actually taste sweeter when they’re grown in cool weather. So, if you want the best-tasting carrots, plant them in your fall garden.
Carrots need about 60 days to reach maturity, so you’ll need to plant them in mid-summer at the latest. One way to ensure good germination is to soak the seeds overnight before planting.
Carrots also prefer loose, sandy soil, so if your soil is heavy or clay-based, you may want to add some sand or compost to lighten it up. Keep the seedlings well-watered, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
As far as pests go, slugs and deer can be a problem for carrots. To deter slugs, you can put out some yeast traps or use Sluggo Plus pellets around the perimeter of your garden.
The carrot root fly is an annoying pest that’s obsessed with carrots. To avoid carrot root fly problems, plant your carrots in a different spot each year. You can also try growing some fly-resistant varieties like Scarlet Nantes.
Beets
Beets are a great crop to grow in the fall. They are easy to germinate and can be planted directly into the ground. Beets require little care and can tolerate colder temperatures than many other crops. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when growing beets in the fall.
First, beet seeds should be sown about 1/2 inch deep in moist soil. Second, beets should be spaced about 3 inches apart. Finally, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Beets will thrive in the fall and provide a tasty addition to your winter meals with a little care. Roasting them is the way to go in my opinion, but you can eat them in all sorts of ways including adding them to smoothies and dehydrating them as a power to save for longer-term storage.
And don’t forget: Beet greens are fully edible, nutritious, and super tasty. Add them in with your salads, stir-fries, and smoothies, or cook them up as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
My favorite beets are golden beets because they have a different taste from red beets, which I tend to not love the taste of. Chioggia beets are crazy cool-looking and I love harvesting those and using them in meals.
Kohlrabi
Fall is the perfect time to plant kohlrabi, a cool-weather crop that thrives in cooler temperatures. Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and has a similar flavor to cabbage or broccoli, but with a slightly sweeter taste.
When choosing kohlrabi seeds, look for a variety that is suited for your climate. In general, kohlrabi prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To plant, simply sow the seeds in moist soil, about 1/2 inch deep.
Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge, then thin the seedlings so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart. For best results, water kohlrabi regularly and fertilize every few weeks.
Harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs are about 4 inches in diameter. Enjoy your fresh-picked kohlrabi raw or cooked. Try it shredded in a salad or slaw, or roast it with other fall vegetables for a delicious side dish.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a great crop to grow in the fall, and with a little care, it can be quite easy to get a good harvest.
The key to success is germination and planting without allowing your lettuce seedlings to get mauled by slugs or sizzled by the harsh summer sun.
First, it is important to start the seeds indoors in pots or trays. Be sure to use a sterile potting mix and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Once the seedlings have appeared, they can be transplanted into the garden. You can also direct sow lettuce, but they are targets for pests to snatch up, especially in their younger stages.
The best time to transplant lettuce seedlings is in the evening, as this will protect the young plants from the heat of the day. It is also important to water regularly, as lettuces are prone to bolting in dry conditions.
Staggering your plantings of lettuce and starting new seeds every couple of weeks in late summer and fall will allow you to keep harvesting lettuce for months.
Radishes
Radishes are a great fall crop because they germinate quickly and can be planted a bit later in the season than other vegetables. They love cooler weather and thrive in temperatures in the 60’s and 50’s (Fahrenheit).
I used to dislike radishes except for a bit of pickled radish on top of a taco, but homegrown radishes are the real deal, you guys. You might like them even if you think you won’t. There’s something magical about pulling a vegetable you grew yourself out of the ground.
Radishes are also relatively easy to care for – just make sure to keep them watered and weed-free, and they should do just fine.
They mature quickly, in around a month and a half, but you can get quicker maturing varieties like French Breakfast Radish and Cherry Belle that mature in around 25 days.
Perfect for an impatient gardener or a new gardener who needs a win before gathering the courage to plant more seeds the following season!
Just make sure to use a light, well-draining soil mix and give them plenty of sun.
Spinach
Fall is the perfect time to start growing spinach. The cooler weather allows the plants to grow slowly, resulting in tastier and more nutritious leaves.
Plus, spinach is relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginning gardeners. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Spinach seeds should be planted in moist, well-drained soil. They germinate best at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you live in a warmer climate, you may need to start your seeds indoors.
- Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out so that they are about six inches apart.
- Be sure to water your plants regularly – spinach loves moisture! – and fertilize them every few weeks. You can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are about four inches long.
- Simply snip them off at the base of the plant with a sharp knife or scissors.
Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the cabbage family.
It is a cool-weather crop that is usually planted in the spring but can also be planted in the fall. Kale is a hardy plant that can tolerate frost and can even taste sweeter after a frost.
One of the best things about kale is that it is a fast-growing crop. Once the seeds have germinated, kale can be harvested in as little as 30 days as baby kale. When planting kale, it is important to space the plants about 12 inches apart.
Fall is the perfect time to plant kale because it does not like hot weather. The cooler temperatures of fall help to prevent the kale from bolting, or going to seed.
Kale is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of fiber and iron. There are many different ways to enjoy kale, such as juicing it, adding it to smoothies, or simply eating it raw in a salad.
Kale is a plant that has more varieties available than you’d think if you’ve never gone kale seed shopping before.
- “Dinosaur” (Lacinato) kale is a variety that grows prolifically in most zones and is awesome in soups and salads.
- Walking Stick Kale is an insane variety that looks like a tree, almost. (I’m not joking) and can be a perennial depending on your growing conditions. I’m growing some of these right now to add to my garden space for fall!
- Red Russian kale and Vates Blue Scotch Curled kale are some popular and common varieties that you can generally count on to produce.
Chinese Cabbage
Fall is the perfect time to plant Chinese cabbage. The cooler weather prevents the leaves from wilting, and the shorter days help to promote a crisp, sweet flavor.
- When starting seeds indoors, be sure to sow them in a sterile potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate.
- Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out so that they are spaced 12 inches apart.
- When transplanting seedlings outdoors, choose a location that receives full sun, part shade, or in the shade if you live in a warm climate. Well-drained soil will help.
- Chinese cabbage is a heavy feeder, so be sure to amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
It’s not necessarily a beginner crop, but try growing them a few seasons and you’ll get into the rhythm of it.
For example, all the curled leaves of Chinese cabbage can easily hide bugs like earwigs and caterpillars that can lay eggs out of sight and it’s easy to not notice a pest problem with your Chinese cabbages before it’s too late.
I like this mini Napa cabbage, but there are lots of great Chinese cabbage varieties out there to try.
Microgreens
Microgreens are a type of baby greens that are usually harvested when they are about two inches tall. They are packed with nutrients and have a delicate, yet distinct flavor.
Microgreens are a great fall crop because they can be grown indoors, making them a perfect option for gardeners who live in colder climates.
Plus, they mature quickly, so you can enjoy your harvest in just a few weeks.
- To grow microgreens, sow the seeds in shallow trays filled with potting mix or seed-starting mix.
- Water the trays regularly, and thin the seedlings to prevent them from getting overcrowded. When the microgreens are ready to harvest, cut them just above the soil line with a sharp knife. For cut-and-come-again microgreens, leave 2-3 inches of growth below the cut and just cut the top part off and let the microgreens grow back another 2-3 times before planting new seeds.
There are many different types of microgreens, including arugula, beet greens, kale, and radish greens. I’d start with a basic salad microgreen mix or a spicy salad mix depending on your preferences (team spicy over here) and then branch out to trying different types of microgreens once you learn how to grow them.
To use them in meals, simply add them to salads, sandwiches, or soup. You can also use them as a garnish on main dishes or as a tasty way to top off a cooked egg. No matter how you enjoy them, microgreens are a nutritious and delicious way to add some extra flavor and color to your dishes.
Turnips
Turnips are a great fall crop because they are relatively easy to grow and very versatile. Sheet pan roasted root vegetables, anyone?
- The first step is to germinate the seeds. To do this, simply place them in a bowl of lukewarm water overnight.
- The next day, plant the seeds in moistened potting soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- When the seedlings are about 4 inches tall, thin them out so that they are about 6 inches apart. As the turnips grow, you may need to provide support with a tomato cage or other type of trellis.
- Harvest your turnips when they are about 4 inches in diameter. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two months. Turnips are a great source of vitamins A and C. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or mashed.
“Purple Top” turnips are my favorite for eating, but there are lots of different kinds of turnips with different colors and shapes that you could try.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are a nutrient-rich leafy green that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. They are also a good source of calcium and iron. Mustard greens have a sharp, peppery flavor that is often used in Asian cuisine.
- When planting mustard greens, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun or part shade. The soil should be well-drained and amended with compost or manure.
- Sow the seeds in moistened potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out so that they are spaced 12 inches apart.
- Harvest the mustard greens when they are about 6 inches tall. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks. Mustard greens can be eaten raw, juiced, or cooked.
Arugula
Arugula is a nutrient-rich leafy green that is high in vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of calcium and iron. Arugula has a peppery flavor that is often used in salads or as a garnish.
- When planting arugula, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun or part shade. The soil should be well-drained and amended with compost or manure.
- Sow the seeds in moistened potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out so that they are spaced 12 inches apart.
- Arugula is ready to harvest when it is about 6 inches tall. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks. Arugula can be eaten raw, juiced, or cooked.
Radicchio
Radicchio is a leafy vegetable that is often used in salads or as a garnish.
It has a crisp texture and a slightly bitter flavor, and it can be found in many different colors, including red, white, and purple. Radicchio is a cool-weather crop, which means that it thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall.
If you want to grow radicchio in your garden, it’s important to start the seeds indoors in late summer or early fall. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to be transplanted, they can be moved outdoors.
When planting radicchio, make sure to space the plants about 12 inches apart so that they have room to grow.
Radicchio is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but it does need to be well-watered during dry periods. With a little care, radicchio will thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and provide you with fresh leaves all season long.
Broccoli
Fall is the perfect time to plant broccoli. The cool weather allows the broccoli to form large, flavorful heads. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your fall broccoli crop:
- Start by preparing the soil. Broccoli prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with some compost or peat moss.
- Sow the seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. This will give the plants a head start on the growing season.
- When transplanting the seedlings outdoors, space them about 18 inches apart. This will give them room to grow and prevent them from competing for resources.
- Be sure to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Broccoli needs about an inch of water per week.
Pro tip: Broccoli and cauliflower are prone to pest issues, so check out this article to learn how to prevent your broccoli from being gobbled up by a hungry worm boi.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cool-weather crop that thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your fall cauliflower crop:
- Start by preparing the soil. Cauliflower prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with some compost or peat moss.
- Sow the seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. This will give the plants a head start on the growing season.
- When transplanting the seedlings outdoors, space them about 18 inches apart. This will give them room to grow and prevent them from competing for resources.
- Be sure to water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Consider covering your cauliflower with insect netting to help with caterpillar infestations.
Orach
Orach is a great fall crop because it germinates quickly and can withstand a light frost.
- Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep in rich, well-drained soil. This can be done directly in the garden bed or in pots that are at least six inches wide.
- Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that they are spaced six to eight inches apart for a cut-and-come-again approach. You can also use Orach as an edible ornamental because it’s super pretty and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- Orach does best in full sun, but it will also tolerate partial shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not wet.
- Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender. Cut them back to encourage new growth.
To prolong the harvest, you can also cut off the flower heads as they appear. Enjoy your orach raw in salads or cooked like spinach.
Bok Choy/Pak Choy
The cool weather allows the roots to establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant them in a sunny window or under grow lights.
- Transplant seedlings into the garden about 2 weeks before the last frost date. Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Bok Choy/Pak Choy prefers cool, moist soil.
- Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Harvest leafy greens when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Cut them back about 2 inches from the ground. New leaves will quickly regrow.
This plant called Joi Choi is mature in 40-50 days and it’s pretty delicious.
Ideas for using your bok choy in fall meals:
- Slaw: Bok choi makes an excellent base for slaw. Simply shred the cabbage and mix it with your favorite dressing.
- Stir-fry: Bok choi is a classic ingredient in stir-fries and noodle-based dishes. Try it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a tasty and healthy meal. Add it to ramen to contribute some texture and nutrients to your meal.
- Soup: Bok choi adds both flavor and nutrition to soup. Add it to your favorite recipe, or try it in a traditional miso soup.
Parsnips
Parsnips are a type of root vegetable that is typically associated with winter, but they can also be grown in the fall.
They are a hardy plant that can tolerate frost, and they taste sweeter after being exposed to cold weather.
- Parsnips can be planted in late summer or early fall, and they will need about three months to mature. They should be planted in well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter.
- Parsnips do best when they are spaced about 12 inches apart, and they should be watered regularly.
- Once they are ready to harvest, parsnips can be pulled from the ground and used in soups, stews, or roasted as a side dish.
Now that you know a little bit more about some of the best crops to grow in fall, it’s time to get planting. These vegetables are not only delicious, but they are also productive and beautiful. So don’t wait any longer – get your garden ready for an abundant autumn harvest.
