The Best and Worst Crops to Plant in The Fall

Introduction to Fall Planting

The window for planting fall crops is quickly closing, but there are still a few options for those looking to get their gardens in before the first frost. This article will explore some of the best options for late-season planting and give tips on getting started.

The best fall crops to plant

Looking to add some seasonal flair to your home-grown produce selection? Check out these fabulous fall crops that are perfect for planting in late summer. From leafy greens and herbs to root vegetables and squash, there’s something for everyone (and every meal!)

Arugula: Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that is ideal for cool weather conditions. Sow seeds directly into the ground in late summer, and you’ll be harvesting fresh arugula leaves in no time!

Broccoli: Another vegetable that does well in cooler temperatures, broccoli is a great crop to plant in late summer. Sow seeds indoors and transplant seedlings into the garden when they are about 6 weeks old.

Carrots: One of the most versatile root vegetables, carrots can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Carrot seeds can be sown directly into the ground in late summer. Be sure to keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge.

Cilantro: Cilantro is a must-have herb for salsa lovers! This fragrant herb can be sown directly into the ground in late summer. Keep an eye out for pests, as cilantro is especially susceptible to aphids

The worst fall crops to plant

It's late in the season, and you're thinking about planting some fall crops. But beware! You shouldn't plant certain crops too late in the season, or you'll be sorry.

Here are the worst fall crops to plant:

1. Corn: Corn is a warm-weather crop that doesn't do well when the temperatures start to drop in the fall. If you plant corn too late in the season, it will likely be stunted and produce little to no ears of corn.

2. Beans: Like corn, beans are a warm-weather crop that doesn't do well in cooler temperatures. If you plant beans too late in the season, they will likely produce fewer beans than normal.

3. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another warm-weather crop that doesn't fare well in cooler temperatures. If you plant cucumbers too late in the season, they will likely be smaller than normal and have fewer seeds.

4. Squash is a cool-weather crop but doesn't do well when frost threatens. If you plant squash too late in the season, it may not have time to mature properly and could be damaged by frost.

How late can you plant each crop?

One of the great things about gardening is that you can usually find something to plant, no matter what time of year it is. This is especially true when it comes to fall crops. In most cases, you can wait until the very last minute to plant and still have a successful harvest.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you're in an area with an early frost date, you'll need to take that into account when deciding how late to plant. But in general, these are the guidelines for how late you can plant each crop:

- Arugula: mid-August

- Beets: early August

- Broccoli: late July

- Cabbage: late July

- Carrots: early August

- Cauliflower: late July

- Kale: mid-August

- Lettuce: mid-August

- Radishes: early August

- Swiss chard: mid-August

Conclusion

The best time to plant fall crops depends on the crop and the region, but generally, it is better to plant earlier rather than later. In some cases, planting too late can result in decreased yields or even failure of the crop to mature. If you are unsure about when to plant your fall crops, consult a local expert or Extension office for more information.

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