Fall Planting Guide: Best Vegetables to Grow in Autumn for a Bountiful Harvest
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As the leaves turn and temperatures cool, many gardeners pack away their tools—but fall is actually prime time for planting! In this guide from Foodlandscaping, we'll explore the best vegetables to grow in autumn, perfect for extending your edible landscape into the cooler months. Whether you're a beginner with limited space or looking to boost your food self-sufficiency, these crops thrive in shorter days and milder weather. Plus, fall planting means less competition from pests and weeds, leading to healthier harvests. Let's dive into our top picks and tips to get you started.Why Plant in Fall? Benefits for Your Edible GardenFall gardening isn't just about squeezing in one more season—it's a smart strategy for sustainable food production. Cooler soil retains moisture better, reducing watering needs, and many veggies sweeten up after a light frost. This approach aligns with regenerative practices, helping fight climate change by keeping your soil active and carbon-sequestering year-round. If you're on a budget, fall seeds are often cheaper, and you can use containers or small spaces effectively. Pro tip: Check local frost dates (around mid-October in many UK regions) to time your planting.Top 10 Vegetables to Plant This FallHere are our SEO-friendly recommendations, focusing on easy-to-grow, high-yield options for food landscaping. We've included growing tips, space requirements, and harvest timelines.
- Garlic: Plant cloves now for next summer's bulbs. Break apart a bulb, plant 15cm apart in well-drained soil. Harvest in 8-10 months. Great for containers; deters pests naturally.
- Kale: Frost-hardy superstar—sow seeds or transplants in full sun. Space 30cm apart; harvest leaves as needed through winter. Nutrient-packed and budget-saving.
- Spinach: Quick-growing leafy green; direct sow in rows 20cm apart. Ready in 4-6 weeks. Thrives in partial shade, ideal for small urban plots.
- Carrots: Sow winter-hardy varieties like 'Autumn King'. Plant in deep, loose soil; thin to 5cm apart. Harvest in 10-12 weeks—sweeter after frost.
- Broad Beans: Early sowing for spring harvest. Plant 20cm apart in rows; supports nitrogen-fixing for soil health. Minimal care needed.
- Onions (Overwintering Sets): Easy sets planted now yield big bulbs by June. Space 10cm apart; mulch for protection. Companion plant with carrots.
- Swiss Chard: Colorful and resilient; sow in fertile soil, 25cm apart. Continuous harvest; regrows after cutting. Adds visual appeal to landscapes.
- Radishes: Fastest grower—ready in 3-4 weeks. Sow successionally; great for interplanting in small spaces.
- Beets: Dual-purpose (roots and greens); plant 10cm apart in sunny spots. Harvest in 8 weeks; stores well for winter.
- Lettuce (Winter Varieties): Cold-tolerant mixes; sow under cloches for protection. Space 20cm; cut-and-come-again for ongoing salads.
- Soil Prep: Amend with compost or worm castings (as discussed in our earlier post on worm castings vs. compost). Aim for pH 6-7.
- Spacing and Location: Use raised beds or pots for drainage. Full sun (4-6 hours) is key, but leafy greens tolerate shade. 5 Pack 3 Gallon Non-Woven Fabric Tomato Grow Bags Pots with Handles for Vegetable
- Watering and Care: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch with leaves to suppress weeds and retain heat.
- Pest Protection: Net against birds; use organic sprays for slugs. Companion planting (see our guide) helps naturally.
- Budget Hacks: Start with seeds under £5/pack. Reuse containers from your kitchen for starters.
- Frost Damage: Use fleece covers or cloches—DIY from old bottles. Link: Frost Covers or Cloches
- Poor Germination: Warm soil with black plastic before planting. Link: Seed Propagator or Heated Tray
- Overcrowding: Thin seedlings early to avoid weak plants. Link: Gardening Gloves for Handling Seedlings