Gardening

As summer's warmth begins to wane and the days grow shorter, the avid gardener's journey continues with the promise of a fall harvest. The fall garden offers a unique opportunity to extend the growing season and savor a bountiful array of fresh vegetables. Cooler temperatures and increased moisture create an ideal environment for a selection of vegetables that thrive during this transitional period. As fall rolls in I am planning my fall garden to make the most of the upcoming months for feeding my family on a budget. Even though the weather will soon turn cold there is no reason we can not provide more food for our families from our gardens. Here are the best vegetables for your fall garden Leafy Greens Fall is a fantastic time to plant an array of nutrient-packed leafy greens. Lettuce varieties like butterhead and romaine thrive in cooler temperatures, producing crisp and flavorful leaves that are perfect for salads. Spinach, with its tender leaves, is another favorite that can withstand light frosts, ensuring a steady supply of greens for autumn meals. Nutrient-dense kale boasts hardy leaves that become even sweeter after a touch of frost. Swiss chard's colorful stems and vibrant leaves provide a beautiful addition to both the garden and the dinner table, offering a hearty and vitamin-rich option. Arugula and mustard greens add a peppery kick to dishes and establish themselves swiftly in the cooler fall weather. Root Vegetables Fall's cool, moist soil provides an ideal environment for root vegetables to flourish for a second harvest. Carrots, with their sweet and crunchy roots, develop exceptionally well when sown in the autumn, resulting in a harvest of vibrant orange veggies that will add flavor to your favorite meals. We like to plant them and then mulch well keeping them in the ground until we need them in the winter for fresh veggies all year round. Beets, in shades of red and gold, thrive during fall, offering earthy and versatile roots that can be roasted, pickled, or enjoyed fresh. Radishes grow quickly in the brisk temperatures, delivering zesty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Turnips, often underappreciated, deserve a spot in the fall garden with their subtly sweet roots and nutrient-rich greens that can both be enjoyed. We use the roots for the family and the greens for the animals feed. Try some mashed turnips or use in your slow cooker pot roast in place of potatoes. Get another crop of potatoes. If you have the time to work you can get another crop of potatoes out of you garden. Plant in the late summer giving at least 90 days until the first expected frost. Brassicas (Cruciferous Vegetables) Fall planting opens the door to a range of hearty cruciferous vegetables that benefit from the cooling temperatures. Broccoli, with its tightly packed florets, develops a deep and robust flavor as it matures in the crisp autumn air. This is one of our favorite fall vegetables because we can use it fresh off the plants to make a warm broccoli cheddar soup. Cauliflower, another member of the brassica family, forms its distinctive curds when temperatures are cooler, resulting in a milder taste that's perfect for various culinary creations. Cabbage, available in different varieties, offers crunchy and versatile leaves that can be used in salads, coleslaws, or cooked dishes. Brussels sprouts, adored for their mini-cabbage-like appearance, thrive in cooler weather, developing a sweeter taste as the season progresses. Alliums (Onion Family) Fall planting sets the stage for the growth of alliums that establish roots before winter and produce robust bulbs come spring. Onions, whether planted from sets or transplants, form the foundation of many dishes with their layers of pungent flavor. Garlic, when planted in the fall, allows its cloves to overwinter and yield full bulbs the following year, lending its aromatic richness to countless recipes. Legumes Fall presents a great opportunity to plant peas that flourish in the cooler climate. Snap peas and snow peas, both part of the legume family, produce edible pods that are crisp and sweet. These pea varieties climb gracefully and develop tender pods that are a delightful addition to stir-fries, salads, or enjoyed straight from the vine. Green beans are quick growing and can be planted in the early fall for a late fall harvest. Leave at least 80 days before the first expected harvest date. Remember your fall garden is a great opportunity to grow food for your family to help put food away for the winter and lower your food costs. Your fall garden can be much more fun to care for as the summer temperatures cool and working in the garden is more comfortable. If you have garden beds you will not be using in the fall consider planting a cover crop.