8 Fall Vegetables to Plant Now for a Bountiful Harvest

Carrots

Carrots are a prime pick for the fall growing season. Carrots flourish in cool weather and enjoy fewer pests in the fall months. These nutritious vegetables also have a sweeter flavor when grown in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for a late fall harvest. 

“Carrots are a root vegetable that truly shines in the fall,” says Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible. “The cooler temperatures enhance their natural sweetness, and they store well, making them a practical choice for the season.”

• Sun: Full
• Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8
• Maturity date: 50 to 80 days
• Zones: 3 to 11
  

Spinach

“Spinach is an excellent fall vegetable,” says Tammy Sons, owner of TN Nursery. “It thrives in the cool fall weather and is perfect for salads or cooking.”

Spinach grows best in well-draining soil and full to partial sun. Plant the hardy greens at least six weeks before the first frost for a full fall harvest. 

• Sun: Full to partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil with soil pH between 6.5 and 8
• Maturity date: About 30 to 45 days.
• Zones: 2 to 11

Kale

“Kale is one of the most reliable and nutritious vegetables you can plant in the fall,” Adnan says. “It’s incredibly cold-hardy and actually tastes sweeter after exposure to frost. This is because the plant converts starches into sugars as a protective mechanism against the cold, giving you tender, flavorful leaves.”

To reap the total rewards of this green superfood, plant your kale at least 8 weeks before the first frost for a fruitful harvest. 

• Sun: Full is best, but it can also grow in partial sun.
• Soil: Kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. 
• Maturity date: About 90 days
• Zones: 7 to 9

Peas

Peas thrive in cool weather and have a short growing period, making them perfect for fall planting. Plant your peas in early fall and harvest them before the first frost to enjoy savory, nutritious dishes. 

“Peas are an excellent choice for fall planting, especially because they help fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops,” Ingham says. “This is incredibly beneficial if you’re thinking ahead to your winter or spring garden.”

• Sun: Full sun is ideal, but peas can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Well-draining soil with soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. 
• Maturity date: About 60 days for most varieties of peas.
• Zones: 2 to 10

Brussels Sprouts

“Brussels sprouts are also ideal for fall,” Sons says. “They develop a sweeter taste after a light frost and do best in fertile soil with consistent moisture and total sun exposure.”

The cooler temperatures and shorter autumn days provide the perfect conditions for Brussels sprouts to develop their best flavor and size. Brussels sprouts have a long growth cycle, so start growing them in the early fall or indoors in late summer for a late fall harvest. 

• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil with soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0
• Maturity date: At least 80 days
• Zones: 2 to 10

Broccoli

“Broccoli is a cool-season crop that flourishes in fall, producing its best heads when grown in temperatures between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Adnan. “It’s a nutrient-packed vegetable that’s perfect for fall gardens.”

Broccoli is part of the Brassicaceae family, a hardy group that includes Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. These nutritious greens grow well in mild to cool fall temperatures with full sunlight. Plant broccoli 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost for optimal growing conditions. 

• Sun: Direct
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
• Maturity date: 60 to 85 days
• Zones: 2 to 11

Cauliflower

“Cauliflower is perfect for a fall garden,” Ingham says. “Cauliflower loves cooler weather and can even handle a light frost, which often improves the flavor. Once established, they’re fairly low-maintenance and will reward you with a delicious harvest well into late fall or early winter.”

Cauliflower thrives with nutrient-rich soil, which you can create by adding compost to your garden. Keep the soil moist with regular watering for cauliflower to flourish.

• Sun: Full
• Soil: Rich and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5
• Maturity date: 60 to 90 days 
• Zones: 2 to 11

Radishes

Radishes are the perfect fall vegetables to plant if you're pressed for time. These fast-growing root vegetables can be ready for harvest in as little as 30 days. Radishes thrive in cool temperatures, and fall radishes offer a richer, spicier flavor than those grown in the summer months. 

• Sun: Full
• Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0
• Maturity date: 30 to 60 days 
• Zones: 2 to 11