Here’s When to Plant Your Fall and Winter Vegetables

While you are enjoying the warm days of summer, it’s hard to think of changing leaves and cooler temperatures. But fall isn’t far away, which means it’s time to plant cool-season veggies. Check out your plant hardiness zone before you get started. Those of you who live in cold climates need to start planting right away. Gardeners in warmer climates have a broader planting window. Keep in mind, however, that all of these recommended planting dates are approximate. Check with your local cooperative extension office, which should have a planting calendar for your area.

Editor’s Tip: Plants can help you set up the right environment for your home. Try these last chores of the season that will set up your lawn and garden for optimal success when the warmth of spring returns. Here’s how to winterize a yard.

Rachel Wilke/Taste of Home

Zones 3 and 4 

Though the growing season is shortest for northern gardeners, there’s still some time to grow more veggies before a hard freeze.

Vegetables to plant in August
Kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, radishes and spinach

Vegetables to plant in October
Garlic

By the way, these are the tools and gear that every vegetable gardener needs.

Zones 5 and 6

Before you plant fall veggies, add some compost to the soil to improve its texture and add nutrients.

Vegetables to plant in August
Beets, radishes, spinach and turnips

Vegetables to plant in September
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce (plant in the beginning of the month), onion sets, spinach and turnips

Vegetables to plant in October
Garlic

Zones 7 and 8

A later first frost date gives gardeners in these zones more options than their friends up north.

Vegetables to plant in August
Bush beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards and kale

Vegetables to plant in September
Beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, leaf lettuce, onion sets, radishes, spinach and turnips (plant before the 15th)

Vegetables to plant in October
Garlic, onion sets, radish and spinach (plant before the 15th)

Vegetables to plant in November
Asparagus and onion sets

Vegetables to plant in December
Asparagus

Check out the vegetables that are easiest to grow.

Zones 9 and 10

Some warm season vegetables can be planted in these southern zones in fall, and cold-hardy crops like broccoli and kale can even be planted in early winter.

Vegetables to plant in August
Broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and turnips

Vegetables to plant in September
Beets, broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions (seed & sets), radishes, summer squash and turnips

Vegetables to plant in October
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion (seed & sets), radishes, spinach, strawberries and turnips

Vegetables to plant in November
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, onions (seed & sets), radishes, spinach and strawberries

Vegetables to plant in December
Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, onions (seed & sets) and radishes

These recipes will help you make the most of the fall harvest.

So, what are you waiting for? Fall will be here before you know it. Get your favorite cool-season vegetables in the ground before time runs out!