At Bunny Garden, we’re passionate about helping gardeners make the most of their growing seasons. As summer transitions into fall, there’s still ample time to plant a second crop and enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Discover the best vegetables for your fall garden and learn when, how, and why to plant them.
Why plant a garden for fall?
While many gardeners focus their efforts on spring and summer planting, fall gardening offers a host of benefits
Continual Harvest
Extend your gardening season and enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce well into the fall months.
Increased Productivity
By planting a fall garden, you can make the most of your garden space and maximize your yields throughout the year.
Cooler Temperatures
Fall gardening often means less watering and less maintenance, as cooler temperatures create optimal growing conditions for many vegetables.
Variety of Options
Explore a wide range of cool-weather vegetables that thrive in the autumn months and add diversity to your garden.
What vegetables can be planted for a fall harvest?
At Bunny Garden, we recommend planting a variety of vegetables that are well-suited to cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts. Some of the best vegetables for a fall garden are:
- Lettuce & Arugula: Leafy greens that thrive in cool weather, perfect for salads and quick meals.
- Radishes: Enjoy a spicy harvest in just a few weeks with these fast-growing root veggies.
- Spinach: A superfood packed with vitamins, great for salads and stir-fries.
- Swiss Chard: Similar to spinach but with vibrant stalks, delicious in sauteed dishes.
- Kale & Collard Greens: Cold-tolerant greens perfect for adding to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
- Mustard Greens: Peppery bite and vibrant color, excellent for adding zip to dishes.
- Green Onions: Add a fresh onion flavor to your meals all fall long.
- Beets & Turnips: Sweet and colorful root vegetables, delicious roasted or added to soups.
- Carrots: Enjoy their sweetness all season long, benefit from a light frost.
- Broccoli & Cauliflower: Develop delicious florets in the cooler fall weather.
- Brussels Sprouts: Miniature cabbages on a stalk, add a unique flavor to autumn dishes.
- Cabbage: Versatile vegetable, perfect for storing and enjoying throughout winter.
These vegetables not only thrive in cooler weather but also offer delicious flavours and nutritional benefits for you and your family.
When to Plant
Timing is key when planting your fall garden. Here’s a general guide to help you determine when to plant your vegetables
10-12 weeks before the first frost
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, and celery.
8-10 weeks before the first frost
Arugula, Chinese cabbage, collards, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips.
6-8 weeks before first frost: Beets, radishes.
By calculating your local frost date and counting back from there, you can ensure that your fall vegetables have ample time to mature before colder weather sets in.
Fall Gardening Care Tips
To ensure a successful fall harvest, follow these care tips for your Bunny Garden
Mulch
Mulch your root vegetables, like beets, carrots, and turnips, before the ground freezes to protect them and extend their harvest window.
Stagger Plantings
Plant small batches of fast-maturing crops like lettuce and greens every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the fall.
Provide Good Soil
Ensure your garden beds are well-amended with organic matter and provide supplemental fertilisation if needed.
Pest Management
Keep an eye out for common fall pests like slugs, cutworms, and cabbage worms, and take appropriate measures to protect your plants.
Use Garden Planning Tools
Utilise tools like the Bunny Garden online garden planner to help you plan and organise your fall garden effectively.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a thriving fall garden at Bunny Garden and enjoy an abundance of fresh, homegrown vegetables throughout the autumn months. Happy gardening!
