Late summer and fall aren’t just harvest time—they’re also perfect for expanding your garden or balcony with fresh vegetables and fruits. Even as the days get shorter and temperatures cooler, there are still plenty of varieties you can plant to ensure fresh produce in the coming months and even throughout winter. This article explores what you can plant now and how to care for these plants to achieve the best results.
Fast-Growing Vegetables for the Fall
Some vegetables grow particularly quickly, making them perfect for planting in late summer and early fall. These plants are ideal for securing short-term fresh harvests before frost sets in.
- Radishes: Radishes are a classic fall vegetable, ready to harvest in about four weeks. They thrive in cooler temperatures and require minimal space, making them ideal for balconies or small garden beds. Be sure to plant them in well-drained soil and water them regularly.
- Spinach: Spinach is another fast-growing vegetable you can sow in late summer. It’s cold-resistant and can be harvested well into winter. Spinach thrives in slightly acidic soil, enriched with compost for best results.
- Lamb’s Lettuce: Also known as corn salad, lamb’s lettuce is frost-hardy and can continue growing well into late fall. It’s perfect for sowing in September, ensuring a winter harvest. This easy-to-grow plant needs only minimal space, making it great for balcony planters.
- Asian Greens: Varieties like Pak Choi, Mizuna, and Tatsoi are also perfect for late planting. They grow quickly, tolerate cooler temperatures, and can be harvested multiple times. These greens add variety to your kitchen and are packed with nutrients.
Cold-Hardy Vegetables for Long-Term Harvesting
For gardeners looking to enjoy fresh produce even in colder months, cold-hardy vegetables are an excellent choice. These plants can withstand frost and continue providing fresh harvests even when the rest of the garden is dormant.
- Winter Cabbage (Kale, Brussels Sprouts): Winter cabbage varieties like kale and Brussels sprouts are particularly robust, often becoming tastier after the first frost. Kale can withstand freezing temperatures, making it an excellent choice for winter growing. Brussels sprouts take a bit longer to grow but reward you with bountiful winter harvests.
- Leeks: Leeks are a versatile and cold-hardy vegetable that can be planted in late summer. They can be harvested all winter long as they endure frost well. Plant them deep in well-drained soil, and hill them up regularly during growth to keep the stalks white and tender.
- Root Vegetables (Carrots, Parsnips): Carrots and parsnips are ideal for fall and winter harvesting. These root vegetables can be sown in late summer and grow slowly, making them perfect for winter harvests. They stay fresh in the ground as long as it doesn’t freeze, allowing you to harvest them as needed.
Fruits to Plant in Fall: Preparing for Next Year
While spring is the main planting season for many fruit varieties, there are still options for planting fruit shrubs and trees in fall. Late summer and early fall offer ideal conditions for these plants to establish roots before winter and bear fruit the following year.
- Strawberries: Strawberries planted in late summer have plenty of time to root before spring arrives. These plants will reward you with a bountiful harvest next year. Plant them in a sunny spot and provide good ground cover to protect the roots from frost.
- Raspberries (Autumn Varieties): Autumn raspberries can still be planted now. These varieties are particularly low-maintenance and often bear fruit in the same year. Choose well-drained, slightly acidic soil and a sunny location for the best results.
- Apple and Pear Trees: Fruit trees like apples and pears can also be planted in the fall. These trees need more space and should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Fall is ideal because mild temperatures and regular rainfall help the trees establish themselves before winter.
Tips for Planting in Late Summer and Fall
Successful gardening in late summer and fall requires some special considerations to ensure your plants thrive.
- Location and Light: Ensure your plants still get enough sunlight in fall. Shorter days mean fewer sunlight hours, so it’s important to position plants to maximize light exposure.
- Soil Preparation: The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and provide the necessary nutrients for your plants.
- Cold Protection: Even though many of the mentioned plants are cold-resistant, a sudden cold snap can still affect them. Use mulch to protect the roots, or set up simple protections like cold frames or row covers to encourage growth and shield your plants from frost.
- Regular Care: Plants need care even in fall. Ensure they get enough water, especially if the fall is dry. Regularly remove dead leaves and weeds to prevent diseases and give your plants room to grow.
The Garden Thrives in Late Summer and Fall
Late summer and fall offer plenty of opportunities to enrich your garden or balcony with fresh vegetables and fruits. Whether it’s fast-growing fall vegetables, cold-hardy varieties, or preparing for next year’s fruit harvest, with the right plants and a bit of care, you can enjoy abundant harvests even in cooler months. Use this time to tend to your garden and prepare for the future, ensuring that you reap the benefits not only now but also in the coming spring and summer.