We’re in the heat of harvest season, and if you’re anything like us, the canning pot hasn’t left the stove in weeks.
With baskets of tomatoes, armloads of beans, and zucchini piling up on the porch, it’s easy to forget: now is also the perfect time to sow your fall garden.
Amid the frenzy of preserving summer’s bounty, don’t miss the window for planting cool-weather crops. We’ve specifically selected a variety of broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, greens, beets, collards, mustards, kohlrabi, lettuces, and so much more that thrive in the upcoming fall growing season.
Why Fall Gardening?
The fall garden is our favorite at TFC. Many crops that struggle in spring heat prefer maturing in the fall. Cool nights and shorter days bring out the sweetness in carrots and brassicas, and pest pressure drops dramatically after late summer.
Fall gardening means fewer bugs, easier maintenance, and a steady harvest right through frost (and beyond with row cover!).
Transitioning from Summer to Fall
One of the best parts of fall planting is how easily it overlaps with your summer crops. As tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash finish up their season, you can begin interplanting fall crops like carrots, beets, radishes, and greens between them.
These small, quick-growing crops serve a dual purpose: they keep the soil covered (helping with weed suppression and moisture retention) and take advantage of the shade cast by taller plants during the hottest weeks of summer.
Fall gardening doesn’t require a full reset, just a bit of thoughtful layering.
What to Sow Now
Late summer is the ideal time to direct sow:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Arugula
- Lettuce
- Mustards
- Spinach (closer to mid-August)
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale do best when transplanted. Our fall veggie starts will be available in-store by mid-August, timed just right for the best planting.
Remember to keep soil consistently moist during germination and use light row cover to help block intense sun and deter pests.
For added protection, consider using Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars like cabbage loopers and hornworms without harming beneficial insects. We carry it in-store and are always happy to talk you through how and when to apply it.
Turning Beds & Amending Soil
To transition beds from summer to fall, remove spent plants, chop and drop healthy residues, and top with worm castings, compost or a balanced organic fertilizer. Loosen soil with a fork if needed, and water well after planting.
Planting a fall crop keeps biology active and covers the ground as the seasons change.
Need Seeds?
We’ve stocked our online store with fall favorites ready for your garden now.
And make sure to check out our fall veggie starts! Available in-store mid-August.
Come see us and get a head start on your best fall garden yet!