As the summer is slowly coming to an end, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your fall garden plants, especially if you’re looking to have fresh veggies on your table by the time the cool weather arrives. Both fall and winter crops are typically planted at the same time because your winter garden is an extension of your fall gardening efforts and you’re going to want to start early!

Knowing the average first frost date in your area is important because this will help calculate when to plant these vegetables so they will mature before cold weather damage. Here in Western North Carolina, there a couple of growing zones, but most areas fall within 7a-7b.

The average date to planting seeds is between 6 and 8 weeks before your average first frost date. The easiest way to figure out the frost date is simply googling it, looking through the most current version of the Farmer's Almanac,  or asking other gardeners in your area or calling your local agricultural extension agency (if you have one) to help retrieve that date. 

Part of planning when to plant your harvest is choosing the type of crops you want to grow. Keep reading to find out what you can plant now for a fall harvest!

- Broccoli can be sown in late summer for a fall harvest allowing it plenty of time to mature.

- Brussels Sprouts love cool weather and are often grown in cooler climates as a spring crop that holds in the garden through the summer. Start from seed indoors and transplant outside when weather cools, or buy transplants at your local garden center!

- Beans of all types grow quickly and can be harvested up until the first frost. You can even start beans in the heat of summer.

- Beets are an ideal fall crop. You can pre-soak seeds help with germination.

- Radishes are one the quickest maturing crops at four weeks from seed to harvest. Like beets, you can sow under taller summer crops to provide shade.

- Turnips are easy to grow in both the fall and winter! Plant in late summer to early fall and those roots will be ready to harvest!

-Carrots can be started in the fall or in early spring, just make sure you have a raised bed, bucket, or in-ground garden bed to accomodate for the often long roots. 

- Collards are pretty easy to grow almost anywhere as long as they’re planted in the cool weather of spring or fall.

- Green Onions can be direct sown in late summer and harvested through fall and early winter.

- Lettuce loves the cool weather. Plant in late summer to early fall!

- Cauliflower can be grown in both spring and fall, but is temperamental about heat and cold. Prefers mild temperatures!

- Kale is another plant that thrives in cool weather and keeps in the garden even through the winter.

TPS can help prepare you for all of your lawn and garden needs! Call us today for more information or to book a FREE, no-obligation consult!