5 Fall Vegetables to Plant for a Spring Harvest

What to Plant in Fall for Spring Harvest

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler, and the leaves are starting to change. That can only mean one thing: fall is here! And with fall comes the perfect opportunity to start planning your garden for next spring.

One of the best things about fall gardening is that you can get a head start on next year’s harvest. By planting certain crops in the fall, you can ensure that you’ll have fresh, homegrown produce to enjoy all winter long.

So what should you plant in fall for spring harvest? Here are a few of our top picks:

  • Root vegetables: Root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and beets, do well when planted in the fall. They’ll overwinter and be ready to harvest in the spring.
  • Brassicas: Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are also good choices for fall planting. They’ll withstand the cold weather and produce a bountiful harvest in the spring.
  • Leafy greens: Leafy greens, such as spinach, lettuce, and kale, can be planted in the fall and harvested throughout the winter.
  • Herbs: Herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, can be planted in the fall and harvested all year long.

With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long by planting the right crops in the fall. So get out there and start digging!

| Crop | Planting Time | Harvest Time |
|—|—|—|
| Broccoli | September to October | March to April |
| Cabbage | September to October | March to April |
| Carrots | September to October | April to June |
| Cauliflower | September to October | March to April |
| Kale | September to October | March to April |
| Lettuce | September to October | February to April |
| Onions | September to October | June to July |
| Peas | September to October | May to June |
| Potatoes | September to October | June to July |
| Radishes | September to October | February to April |
| Spinach | September to October | February to April |
| Swiss Chard | September to October | March to April |

Fall is the perfect time to start planning your garden for spring harvest. By planting cool-season crops in the fall, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long.

This guide will provide you with a list of cold-hardy crops that are ideal for planting in fall, as well as tips on how to grow them successfully.

Cold-hardy crops

The following is a list of cold-hardy crops that can be planted in fall for a spring harvest:

  • Vegetables
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Turnips
  • Fruits
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Raspberries
  • Herbs
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Rosemary

Tips for growing cold-hardy crops in fall

When planting cold-hardy crops in fall, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. The soil should be amended with compost or manure to improve its fertility.

Plant seeds or transplants at the recommended spacing for the crop. Be sure to water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

Once the plants have established themselves, you can begin to harvest them. Most cold-hardy crops can be harvested throughout the winter months, but some crops, such as peas and radishes, are best harvested in early spring.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow a variety of cold-hardy crops in your fall garden. Enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long!

Additional information

In addition to the crops listed above, there are a few other cold-hardy crops that you may want to consider planting in fall. These include:

  • Vegetables
  • Beets
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Chard
  • Collard greens
  • Endive
  • Escarole
  • Swiss chard
  • Fruits
  • Grapes
  • Honeyberries
  • Kiwifruit
  • Herbs
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Sage
  • Sorrel
  • Winter savory

When choosing cold-hardy crops to plant in fall, it is important to consider the climate in your area. Some crops, such as broccoli and cabbage, are more cold-hardy than others, such as tomatoes and peppers.

It is also important to consider the amount of space you have available. Some crops, such as broccoli and cabbage, require a lot of space, while others, such as radishes and peas, can be grown in a small space.

With a little planning, you can grow a variety of delicious, nutritious cold-hardy crops in your fall garden. Enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all winter long!

What To Plant In Fall For Spring Harvest?

Fall is the perfect time to start planning your garden for spring harvest. By planting your seeds or seedlings in the fall, you can give them a head start on the growing season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce early in the year.

There are many different vegetables that you can plant in the fall for a spring harvest. Some of the most popular choices include:

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Radishes
  • Turnips
  • Onions
  • Garlic

When choosing which vegetables to plant, keep in mind the following factors:

  • Hardiness zone: The hardiness zone is a measure of the average annual minimum temperature in a given area. You can find your hardiness zone by using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
  • Sunlight: Most vegetables need full sun to thrive. However, some vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, can tolerate partial shade.
  • Soil: Vegetables need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve it by adding compost or manure.

Once you have chosen the right vegetables for your garden, you can start planting them in the fall. Here are a few tips:

  • Start seeds indoors: If you live in a cold climate, you will need to start your seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date.
  • Plant seedlings outdoors: Once the weather has warmed up and the last frost date has passed, you can transplant your seedlings outdoors.
  • Water your plants regularly: Vegetables need regular watering to stay healthy and productive.
  • Mulch around your plants: Mulching helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Inspect your plants for pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can damage your plants and reduce your harvest. Be sure to inspect your plants regularly and treat them for pests and diseases as needed.

With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables from your garden early in the year.

Planning your garden

The first step to planting a successful fall garden is to plan ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Choose a location: The best location for a fall garden is one that gets full sun for at least 6 hours per day. If you don’t have a spot in your yard that gets enough sun, you can grow your vegetables in containers.
  • Prepare the soil: Before you plant your seeds or seedlings, you need to prepare the soil by tilling or digging it up and adding compost or manure. This will help to improve the drainage and fertility of the soil.
  • Plant your seeds or seedlings: Once the soil has been prepared, you can start planting your seeds or seedlings. Be sure to follow the instructions on the seed packet for spacing and depth.

Caring for your garden

Once your seeds or seedlings have been planted, you need to care for them properly to ensure a bountiful harvest. Here are a few tips:

  • Water your plants regularly: Vegetables need regular watering to stay healthy and productive. Water your plants deeply, but not so often that the soil becomes soggy.
  • Mulch around your plants: Mulching helps to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around your plants.
  • Inspect your plants for pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can damage your plants and reduce your harvest. Be sure to inspect your plants regularly and treat them for pests and diseases as needed.

Harvesting your vegetables

The best time to harvest your vegetables is when they are ripe. Most vegetables are ready to harvest when they are firm and have a bright color. Be sure to harvest your vegetables before they become overripe, as this will reduce their flavor and nutritional value.

With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables from your fall garden early in the year. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

What are some vegetables that can be planted in fall for spring harvest?

  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Swiss chard

What are some fruits that can be planted in fall for spring harvest?

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Apricots

What are some tips for planting vegetables in fall?

  • Choose varieties that are specifically suited for your climate.
  • Plant seeds or transplants about 6 weeks before the first frost date.
  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and protect the roots from frost.
  • Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

What are some tips for planting fruits in fall?

  • Choose varieties that are specifically suited for your climate.
  • Plant bare-root trees or shrubs in the fall, after the leaves have fallen.
  • Container-grown trees or shrubs can be planted at any time of year.
  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and protect the roots from frost.
  • Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

What are some common mistakes people make when planting vegetables and fruits in fall?

  • Planting too early or too late.
  • Not choosing varieties that are suited for your climate.
  • Not watering the plants regularly.
  • Not mulching around the plants.
  • Not protecting the plants from pests and diseases.

What are the benefits of planting vegetables and fruits in fall?

  • You can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce earlier in the season.
  • You can save money on groceries.
  • You can get involved in the gardening process and learn new skills.
  • You can help to create a healthier environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

    there are many different vegetables and fruits that can be planted in the fall for a spring harvest. By following these tips, you can have a successful harvest of fresh, healthy produce. Be sure to do your research before planting, and choose varieties that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.