In Southern California and other areas with moderate winter climates, fall is a full-fledged growing season. In other parts of the country, where cold frames and greenhouses are used, people can extend their growing season and squeak in some gardening before the chills hit. Regardless of where you live, there's no better time to amend your soil than fall. This is a great time to test your soil and add appropriate pH balancing ingredients to work themselves in over winter. It's also the best time to add compost, composted manure, and trace minerals. If you aren't going to be gardening this fall, mulch your beds to keep weed seeds at bay. If you are growing this fall, here is a list of veggies to plant anytime between mid-September and mid to late October:
Lettuces: loose-leaf and head varieties.
Greens: arugula, mustard greens, collards, spinach, and Swiss chard.
Herbs: parsley - flat and curly, cilantro, thyme, fennel, mint, sorrel, and lovage.
Brassicas (in mild climates): broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kohl-rabi.
Root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, beets, turnips, and radishes.
Bulb Vegetables: Green onions, and Garlic! Grow your year's supply of garlic in as little as 4 square feet.
Vines: Peas, and sweet peas (for color).
Green manure crops: these are cover crops that lock in nitrogen and build up the soil: fava beans, clover, hairy vetch, and the like. Dedicate one raised bed per fall season for this wonderful soil builder and you will have a loamy foundation to start with in spring.
Whatever you choose to grow this fall, you’ll experience some of nature’s tastiest treats in your garden that will last all winter long.
