As we soak up the last month of summer, it’s easy to forget that autumn is just around the corner. But for those of us with a green thumb, August is the perfect time to start planning and planting for a bountiful fall harvest. From crunchy carrots to hearty kale, there’s a variety of delicious, nutritious produce that thrives in the cooler temperatures of autumn. In this post, we’ll explore ten crops you can start planting right now to enjoy fresh from your garden this fall.
1. Beets
Beets are a great choice for a late summer planting. These root vegetables love the cooler temperatures of fall and their sweet, earthy flavor is a wonderful addition to any autumn meal.
Start by selecting a variety that matures quickly, such as ‘Detroit Dark Red’ or ‘Bull’s Blood’. Plant your beet seeds about a half-inch deep and one to two inches apart. Beets do best in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and with regular watering. A bonus is that beet greens are also edible and quite delicious, making this a dual-purpose crop.
2. Carrots
Carrots are another root vegetable that can be planted in August for a fall harvest. They prefer cooler weather, making them a perfect choice for late summer sowing.
Choose a fast-maturing variety like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Little Finger’. Carrots need deep, loose soil to grow properly, so make sure your garden bed is well-prepared. Plant your carrot seeds about a quarter-inch deep and two to three inches apart. With regular watering and some patience, you’ll be rewarded with a crisp, sweet harvest.
3. Radishes
Radishes are a quick and easy crop to grow, making them perfect for a late summer planting. These crunchy, spicy vegetables can go from seed to plate in as little as three weeks.
There are many different varieties of radishes available, from the classic red ‘Cherry Belle’ to the white ‘Icicle’. Radishes do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant your radish seeds about a half-inch deep and one inch apart. Regular watering and thinning of the plants will ensure a good harvest.
4. Spinach
Spinach is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. This nutrient-dense leafy green is a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Choose a fast-maturing variety like ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ or ‘Tyee’. Spinach prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. Plant your spinach seeds about a half-inch deep and two to three inches apart. Keep the soil moist and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy crop of fresh spinach.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a staple in most gardens and can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. This cool-weather crop comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and flavors, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Choose a variety that is cold-tolerant and matures quickly, such as ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Winter Density’. Lettuce prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. Plant your lettuce seeds about a quarter-inch deep and one to two inches apart. Keep the soil moist and harvest your lettuce when it’s young and tender for the best flavor.
6. Kale
Kale is a hearty green that can withstand frost, making it a great choice for a fall garden. This nutrient-dense vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals and is a versatile addition to any meal.
Choose a variety like ‘Red Russian’ or ‘Lacinato’ for your fall garden. Kale prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant your kale seeds about a half-inch deep and two to three inches apart. Regular watering and some patience will yield a bountiful harvest of this superfood.
7. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a beautiful and tasty addition to any fall garden. This leafy green comes in a variety of colors, from vibrant reds to bright yellows, and its mild flavor is a great addition to a variety of dishes.
Choose a variety like ‘Bright Lights’ or ‘Fordhook Giant’ for your fall garden. Swiss chard prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant your swiss chard seeds about a half-inch deep and two to three inches apart. Keep the soil moist and you’ll be rewarded with a colorful, delicious harvest.
8. Turnips
Turnips are a dual-purpose crop, with both their roots and greens being edible. These cool-weather vegetables are a great addition to any fall garden.
Choose a fast-maturing variety like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ or ‘Golden Globe’. Turnips prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant your turnip seeds about a half-inch deep and one to two inches apart. Regular watering and thinning of the plants will ensure a good harvest.
9. Peas
Peas are a cool-weather crop that can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. These sweet, crunchy vegetables are a great addition to salads, stir-fries, or simply eaten fresh off the vine.
Choose a variety like ‘Sugar Snap’ or ‘Alaska’. Peas prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant your pea seeds about an inch deep and one to two inches apart. Provide a trellis or other support for your pea plants to climb, and with regular watering, you’ll have a plentiful harvest.
10. Broccoli
Last but not least, broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. This cool-weather crop prefers cooler temperatures, making it a great addition to any fall garden.
Choose a variety like ‘Calabrese’ or ‘Green Goliath’. Broccoli prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant your broccoli seeds about a half-inch deep and two to three inches apart. Regular watering and some patience will yield a healthy harvest of delicious broccoli.