Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden

Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean your gardening days are over. You can still start many autumn crops by sowing or transplanting now, and being able to harvest before the first snowfall. When planning a fall garden, it’s important to plant hardy vegetables that can withstand the first frosts of a Midwest autumn. Plant the following in late August or September while the soil is still good and warm. If frost comes early (as it often does), these varieties will not be damaged and will continue to grow after the first hard frost: 

Kale

Healthy kale is the most tolerant of the cool weather crops and will survive down to 20 F. (-7 C). Kale matures in 40-65 days. Kale will tolerate hard frost but do cover if the cold is severe or prolonged.

Collards

Collard greens come in second after kale for tolerant cool weather crops, and fare well down into the 20’s. They also mature in 40-65 days.

Broccoli

Broccoli will tolerate hard frost. Broccoli that matures during cool weather produces healthy heads that taste sweeter than those you pick at any other time.

Cabbage

Certain varieties of cabbage are well suited to spring, some better suited to fall, so make sure you do your research on which to plant this autumn.

Turnip

Kohlrabi and Turnip tolerate hard frost and produce sweet flavor in cool weather.

Peas

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your crop of sweet peas is over, too. Plant a second crop of sweet garden peas in the fall, as they tolerate temperatures down into the 20’s as well. Peas mature in 70-80 days.

Spinach

Most spinach varieties will tolerate a hard frost. Plus, spinach is so versatile. It can be eaten fresh, cooked, and even frozen for later use!

Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

In the fall there is still time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials as well. The cooler temps, warm soil, and additional rain help give the trees and shrubs extra time to grow strong roots. If you are unsure about what to plant this fall, our certified nurseryman can help you. Don’t forget to pick up some Fertilome Root Stimulator for stronger root development.

If you’re ready to plant your fall crops, purchase your fall vegetable seeds at Winding Creek Nursery. Our certified staff and Illinois Certified Nurseryman can answer all your landscaping and gardening questions. Stop by Winding Creek Nursery for a variety of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and vegetable plants as well as home and garden decor. Visit our website or call us at (630) 553-7211.

Sources: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706315/growing-broccoli/

https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/top-of-the-crop/top-7-end-of-summer-vegetables/

https://www.midwestgardentips.com/edibles/cool-season-vegetables