Fall-Resilient Plants for Autumn Gardening: Top Picks and Varieties

As the summer garden continues to thrive, it's time to start considering the fall garden. This season offers an opportunity to grow a variety of cold-hardy crops that can withstand the approaching chill and provide a bountiful harvest well into the late fall and winter.

One of the key aspects of a successful fall garden is focusing on cold-hardy varieties. Unlike the spring garden, where heat-tolerant varieties are preferred, the fall garden requires a different approach.

Vegetables for the Fall Garden

Cabbage: A staple in the fall garden, cabbage is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F. Look for varieties like 'Tundra', which is more cold tolerant than others.

Brassicas: Varieties such as Stängelkohl (Brassica rapa var. Cymosa), Rotkohl (Brassica oleracea var. rubra), and Winterkresse are ideal for the fall garden. These brassicas are known for their vitamin-rich properties and spicy flavours, making them perfect for a variety of dishes.

Lettuce: Tango, Winter Density, and Monte Carlo are popular choices for fall and winter lettuce. Greens such as mustard greens, kale, and arugula are also more tolerant to cold temperatures and will shine in the fall garden.

Broccoli: While broccoli can be a challenge in the spring garden due to sudden temperature swings and heat waves, the right varieties can help combat this. Green Magic and Castle Dome are favourites for the fall season.

Carrots: Carrots planted in the fall garden become super sweet after a few frosts. New Kuroda from Baker Creek and Scarlet Keeper from Wood Prairie are popular choices. When selecting carrot varieties from a seed catalog, look for keywords like "good for storage", "overwintering", or "good for fall and winter".

Green Mixes: Elegance Greens and Premium Greens Mix from Johnny's Seeds are popular choices for a green mix in the fall garden. Purchasing a larger package can be more cost-effective, as they will last a couple of years in both spring and fall.

The Greenstalk Vertical Planter: This planter is liked for growing lettuce in the fall garden because it allows for moving the plants under cover during cold snaps to extend the life of the lettuce.

Choosing the Best Varieties

When choosing cabbage varieties, look for designations like a snowflake symbol in seed catalogs for cold tolerance. Similarly, when picking out lettuce varieties for the fall garden, seed catalogs often describe a plant as "cold-tolerant" or "great for fall" to help you choose the best.

Taking note of the varieties that did not get bitter first in the spring garden can help in choosing the best candidates for the fall garden. This practice can make a difference in the quantity and quality of harvest, as well as how long those crops survive into the late fall and winter.

In conclusion, planning a fall garden can lead to a bountiful harvest of cold-hardy crops. By focusing on cold-hardy varieties and understanding the unique needs of each vegetable, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious produce well into the colder months.