12 Easy Fall Vegetables To Grow In Your Garden
Fall is a fantastic time for growing vegetables. With a handful of seeds and a bit of planning, your garden can be brimming with delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables.
Here are the 12 easy to grow fall vegetables that are perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Short Answer
| Vegetable | Sowing Time | Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Broccoli | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Cabbage | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Carrots | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Kale | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Leeks | Early Summer | Winter |
| Lettuce | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Peas | Late Summer | Fall |
| Radishes | Late Summer | Fall |
| Spinach | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Swiss Chard | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
| Turnips | Late Summer | Fall-Winter |
12 Easy To Grow Fall Vegetables
1. Beetroot
Beetroot, boasting a rich purple hue and a sweet, earthy taste, is one of the star players in the lineup of easy-to-grow fall vegetables.
It is incredibly resilient and can endure the transition from warm summer days to cooler fall weather with ease. Sowing beetroot in late summer ensures a bountiful harvest in the fall and winter months.
Moreover, beetroot’s versatile nature is reflected in its culinary use. It can be roasted to enhance its natural sweetness, pickled for a tangy treat, or even used in baking for a nutrient-rich twist on classic desserts.
Plus, let’s not forget that the beetroot leaves are also edible and can add a flavorful punch to salads and stir-fries.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is another gem among easy-to-grow fall vegetables, often flourishing better in the autumn chill than in the summer heat. Sowing broccoli in late summer will provide a nutritious harvest throughout fall and winter.
Not only does broccoli offer numerous health benefits, including a high concentration of vitamins K and C and potent antioxidants, but it is also highly versatile in the kitchen.
Steamed broccoli makes a quick and healthy side dish, while roasted broccoli, especially when tossed with a bit of garlic and olive oil, becomes a caramelized delight. Moreover, broccoli can be incorporated into stir-fries, soups, and even baked goods for a health boost.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage, a classic ingredient in many fall and winter dishes, thrives in the colder months.
When planted in late summer, cabbage slowly matures to produce a harvest that can be enjoyed throughout the fall and well into winter. It is undeniably an easy-to-grow fall vegetable that’s worth the garden space.
From a culinary perspective, cabbage is a champion. Its sturdy leaves can withstand long cooking times, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes like soups, stews, and braises.
Cabbage also shines when pickled or fermented – think sauerkraut or kimchi, both of which are excellent for gut health. And of course, fresh cabbage adds a delightful crunch to salads and slaws.
4. Carrots
The humble carrot, known for its bright orange color and sweet flavor, stands out among fall vegetables.
Carrots sown in late summer grow steadily in the cooling soil, leading to a flavorful fall harvest. The chill of fall can even intensify their sweetness, making them a tasty treat straight out of the ground.
When it comes to cooking, carrots are a staple ingredient in countless recipes. They can be roasted to bring out their sweetness, used in soups and stews, or eaten raw for a crunchy snack.
Carrots are also perfect for juicing and can be used in baking for dishes like carrot cake or muffins. With carrots in your fall garden, the possibilities are truly endless.
5. Kale
Kale, a hardy leafy green, truly shines as one of the easy to grow fall vegetables. It stands up incredibly well to colder temperatures, with its flavor actually improving after a touch of frost, which helps to sweeten its leaves.
Planting kale in late summer will result in a healthy and robust harvest throughout the fall and even into winter.
In the kitchen, kale offers a range of uses. From fresh kale salads and sautéed kale side dishes to adding a nutrient punch to smoothies and soups, this leafy green is a true superstar.
6. Leeks
Leeks, with their sweet, onion-like flavor, are a fantastic addition to your selection.
Despite their long growing season, leeks are incredibly easy to care for and remarkably resilient, tolerating frost well.
If planted in early summer, leeks will be ready for a delightful winter harvest.
Leeks can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. They add a wonderful flavor to soups and stews, particularly the classic leek and potato soup.
Additionally, they can be braised for a side dish, used in pies and tarts, or simply sautéed with a little butter and seasoning for a tasty treat.
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7. Lettuce
Believe it or not, many lettuce varieties are well-suited for the cooler weather of fall.
Varieties such as Romaine and Butterhead enjoy the drop in temperature, and if you start sowing them in late summer, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh salad greens throughout the fall and possibly even into early winter.
Fresh, homegrown lettuce leaves are a world away from the store-bought bagged varieties. Crisp and flavorful, they make an excellent base for any salad.
But don’t limit lettuce to salad alone; try using crisp lettuce leaves in sandwiches, wraps, or even grilled for a unique and delicious side dish.
8. Peas
Peas are a cool-weather crop that can surprise many with their inclusion in the list of easy to grow fall vegetables.
When sown in late summer, peas can provide a surprisingly abundant fall harvest. They are also one of the few vegetables that can actually improve the soil they’re grown in, fixing nitrogen as they grow.
Fresh, homegrown peas are incredibly sweet and can be used in a variety of dishes. From classic pea soup to stir-fries, to simply being steamed as a side dish, peas are a versatile and delicious fall crop. And of course, eating them straight off the vine can be a real treat.
9. Radishes
Radishes are quick and reliable, and add a splash of color to your selection.
Their growing cycle is incredibly fast, with some varieties ready to harvest in just three weeks from sowing. Start planting in late summer and you can enjoy their crisp, peppery bite well into fall.
In the kitchen, radishes provide a sharp, crisp contrast to other flavors. They are a great addition to salads, can be pickled for a tangy snack, or even roasted for a unique side dish. Their leafy tops are also edible and can be cooked similarly to spinach or used in pesto.
10. Spinach
Spinach, a leafy green beloved by many, is a cold-weather champion.
It can handle lower temperatures and keep producing leaves even after a light frost, making it an easy to grow fall vegetable. Start sowing in late summer for a bountiful harvest that can last through fall and into winter.
From a culinary perspective, spinach is a superstar. Its tender leaves are perfect in salads, its sturdy texture stands up well to sautéing or steaming, and it can even be used in smoothies for a nutritional boost. From omelets to pastas to soups, spinach brings a nutritious and delicious touch to a multitude of dishes.
11. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard, known for its vibrant, colorful stems and large, dark leaves, thrives in the cool weather of fall.
It’s an excellent choice for those looking for visually appealing and easy to grow fall vegetables. Start sowing in late summer and you’ll be rewarded with a harvest that can extend well into the winter months.
Swiss chard is as versatile in the kitchen as it is beautiful in the garden. The stems can be chopped and sautéed like celery, while the leaves can be used like spinach — great in salads when young, or cooked when mature.
It can also be added to soups, stews, or stir-fries for a hearty and nutritious element.
12. Turnips
Last but not least, turnips are a great choice for fall gardening. This root vegetable, along with its edible greens, grows best in cool weather and can be sown in late summer for a robust fall and winter harvest.
In the kitchen, turnips are a versatile ingredient. The roots are excellent for roasting or mashing, while the greens can be cooked down in a similar manner to collard greens or kale.
The slightly peppery flavor of turnips adds a unique twist to traditional fall and winter dishes, making them a must-try for any fall garden.
Conclusion
Growing your own fall vegetables is a rewarding experience that provides fresh, healthy produce long after summer ends.
And remember, these “easy to grow fall vegetables” can help you maintain your gardening hobby throughout the year while enriching your meals with diverse, delicious, and nutritious options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to plant these fall vegetables is in late summer. This allows the plants to establish themselves while the weather is still warm, and then mature as the weather cools down.
Absolutely! All of the vegetables mentioned can be grown in containers. Just make sure to use a high-quality potting mix, provide adequate drainage, and choose a container that’s deep enough to accommodate the vegetable’s root system.
Covering your plants with a frost blanket or cloche can provide a level of protection against frost. Also, mulching around your plants can help keep the soil temperature more stable.
While it depends on your local weather conditions, generally fall vegetables should be watered once or twice a week. It’s best to water deeply and less frequently, as this encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Yes, many fall vegetables can also be planted in early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. These include broccoli, cabbage, peas, radishes, and spinach. However, keep in mind that these plants may bolt or develop a bitter taste if the weather gets too warm.
