Are you ready to turn your garden into a fall haven of fresh, nutritious produce? While many gardeners focus on spring and summer planting, fall offers the perfect opportunity to grow cool-season crops that thrive in crisp weather. Some vegetables even perform better in the cool autumn air than in the heat of summer. Below, explore 30 amazing fall vegetables to plant for a bountiful harvest.
#1. Arugula
Arugula, or rocket, is a fast-growing leafy green with a peppery flavor perfect for salads and sandwiches. Sow seeds directly in late summer or early fall, spacing them 4–6 inches apart. Harvest the leaves while they’re young and tender for the best taste.
#2. Beets
Beets are versatile vegetables offering both sweet, earthy roots and nutrient-rich greens. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2–4 inches apart. They’re ideal for roasting, pickling, or adding raw to salads.
#3. Bok Choy
Bok choy, also known as pak choi, is a mild-flavored Chinese cabbage. It prefers partial shade and moist soil. Plant it in rows, and enjoy its crisp white stems and tender green leaves in stir-fries and soups.
#4. Broccolini
Broccolini, with its small, tender stems and florets, has a sweeter taste than traditional broccoli. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings in late summer, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. Harvest when stems are 4–6 inches long.
#5. Brussels Sprouts
These small, nutty-flavored cabbages grow along a central stalk and taste sweeter after frost. Start seeds indoors in late summer and transplant them in early fall. Space plants 18–24 inches apart for healthy growth.
#6. Cabbage
Cabbage is a classic fall vegetable, perfect for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and stir-fries. Start seeds indoors in late summer and transplant seedlings 12–18 inches apart in early fall. Harvest when the heads are firm.
#7. Carrots
Carrots come in a variety of colors, from classic orange to purple and yellow. Sow seeds 2–4 inches apart in stone-free soil to ensure straight, healthy roots. Cool weather enhances their sweetness.
#8. Cauliflower
Cauliflower forms dense white heads surrounded by protective green leaves. Start seeds indoors, then transplant them into rows spaced 18–24 inches apart. Blanch the heads by tying the leaves over them for a milky-white harvest.
#9. Celeriac
Celeriac, or celery root, is a knobby vegetable with a mild celery flavor. It thrives in cool weather and requires consistently moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
#10. Chinese Cabbage
Also called Napa cabbage, this tender leafy green is perfect for kimchi, soups, or salads. Plant it in rows with plenty of water and mulch to maintain cool soil temperatures.
#11. Collard Greens
Collard greens develop a sweeter flavor after frost, making them an ideal fall crop. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings 18–24 inches apart. Harvest the lower leaves first for continuous growth.
#12. Endive
Endive is a slightly bitter leafy green often used in salads. Plant it in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly to keep the leaves tender and flavorful.
#13. Fennel
Fennel offers a sweet, anise-like flavor and is great for roasting or raw salads. Plant seeds in rows 12–18 inches apart. Harvest the bulbs when they’re about the size of a tennis ball.
#14. Garlic
Garlic planted in the fall will be ready for harvest in the summer. Bury individual cloves 2 inches deep, pointed end up, and mulch the soil to protect it from frost.
#15. Kale
Kale is a superfood that thrives in cool weather, becoming sweeter after frost. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings 12–18 inches apart. Harvest the outer leaves as needed.
#16. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable with a bulbous stem that tastes like a mix of cabbage and radish. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing them 4–6 inches apart.
#17. Leeks
Leeks are mild and onion-like, perfect for soups and stews. Plant transplants 6 inches deep and mound soil around the stems as they grow to blanch the lower portion.
#18. Lettuce
Lettuce varieties like romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf thrive in cooler weather. Sow seeds 4–6 inches apart and harvest continuously for fresh salads.
#19. Mizuna
Mizuna is a feathery, peppery green perfect for salads or stir-fries. It grows well in partial shade and prefers cool, moist soil.
#20. Mustard Greens
With their bold, spicy flavor, mustard greens are a quick-growing fall favorite. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart.
#21. Onions
Plant onion sets in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Ensure they receive full sunlight for optimal bulb development and consistent watering.
#22. Parsnips
Parsnips are sweet root vegetables with a nutty flavor that intensifies after frost. Plant seeds in deep, loose soil to avoid misshapen roots.
#23. Peas
Peas, like snow or snap peas, are cool-season legumes that thrive in fall. Plant seeds 2–3 inches apart and provide a trellis for climbing varieties.
#24. Potatoes
Plant seed potatoes in loose, well-draining soil. Hill soil around the plants as they grow to protect them from frost and sunlight.
#25. Radicchio
Radicchio’s vibrant red or purple leaves and slightly bitter taste make it a standout fall crop. Plant seeds early in the season to ensure heads mature before the first frost.
#26. Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing and ready to harvest in as little as 3–4 weeks. Sow seeds 1–2 inches apart in loose, well-drained soil.
#27. Rutabaga
Rutabagas are larger, sweeter cousins of turnips. Sow seeds directly in the garden and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart for ample growth.
#28. Spinach
Spinach thrives in cool temperatures and is packed with nutrients. Plant seeds in rows 12–18 inches apart and thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart.
#29. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a leafy green with vibrant stems in red, yellow, and white. Harvest outer leaves as needed for continuous production.
#30. Turnips
Turnips provide both edible roots and greens, making them a versatile fall crop. Plant seeds directly in the garden, spacing them 2–3 inches apart.
Final Tips for Fall Gardening
Before planting, check your hardiness zone to select vegetables that suit your climate. With these 30 fall vegetables, you can enjoy a garden bursting with fresh produce well into the cooler months. Happy gardening!
