7 Essential Vegetables to Plant This Fall

It’s that time again.

Now it’s time to pull up old plants and start new seeds for a fall harvest.

If you’re wondering what vegetables to plant in the fall, start with hardy crops.

Don’t let cooler weather fool you.

You can achieve a harvest as big in fall as in summer.

It’s been a hot year.

As I type, the heat index climbs to 107 degrees.

The plants are having a hard time, to say the least.

Additionally, it hasn’t rained in weeks.

Now I count the days until fall.

Motivation to tend the garden in the morning is hard in this heat.

Fortunately, it’s almost time to make space in the garden.

This allows planting new plants and leads to my next point.

What plants can I plant in the fall? And when should I start?

It’s time to start right now. July is the month I always spend outdoors, regardless of heat, planting new seeds. I dig in my seed tub and see many plants to choose from. To guide my choices, I created The Ultimate List of Plants to Plant in The Fall. If you are wondering what vegetables to plant in the fall, planning now helps.

July heat can challenge early gardening ideas, yet careful planning keeps risks manageable. With The Fall Plant List as a reference, you can select reliable varieties and set a harvest timeline. I like to organize seeds by season, then track growth expectations and spacing needs.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens

There are many cruciferous vegetables that will thrive in cooler weather. Here are a few that you might enjoy having in your fall garden.

• Arugula
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Chinese Cabbage
• Collard Greens
• Corn Salad
• Dock
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Mizuna
• Mustard
• Spinach
• Watercress

Squash

You don’t have to grow just winter squash in your fall garden, you can grow summer squash as well! I’ve noticed when I grow squash in my fall garden that I have less trouble with squash bugs. Here are some varieties you could choose from.

• Acorn Squash
• Buttercup Squash
• Butternut Squash
• Candy Roaster Squash
• Chayote Squash
• Cheese Pumpkin
• Cushaw Squash
• Galeux D’ Eysnes Squash
• Hubbard Squash
• Lady Godiva Squash
• Patty Pan Squash
• Red Kuri Squash
• Scallop Squash
• Spaghetti Squash
• Sugar Pumpkin
• Tahitian Melon
• Yellow Squash
• Zucchini
• Zucchini Rampicante

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are another good vegetable to add to your fall garden.

• Beets
• Carrots
• Leeks
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Radish
• Rutabaga
• Salsify
• Turnips

Beans

I love that I can grow beans in the summer and fall. We save so much money growing beans!

• Bush Beans
• Lima Beans
• Long Beans
• Pole Beans
• Runner Beans
• Wax Beans
• Winged Beans
• Peas (not a bean)

Herbs

Don’t think you have only summertime to grow your herbs! Start some of these herbs listed below to stock up in your seasoning cabinet!

• Chervil
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Lemon Balm
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Sage
• Thyme

Preparing for Next Spring

With patience, you can have an early spring harvest by starting some of these plants listed below this fall.

What vegetables to plant in the fall can guide your planning.

Cover what you planted with straw or hay.

These plants will be among the first to sprout in the spring.

• Burdock
• Garlic
• Marshmallow
• Onion Seeds

There you have it!

This list was meant to help you find new choices for your fall garden. Did I forget something? Comment what I forgot below!