As the vibrant energy of high summer begins to mellow, many gardeners might think their planting days are winding down. However, the late summer period – typically spanning from late July through August, depending on your region – offers a prime opportunity for a second growing season. This often-overlooked window allows you to extend your harvest well into autumn, providing a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown produce long after the first tomatoes have ripened and been picked. By strategically planting specific crops now, you can capitalize on still-warm soil and gradually cooling temperatures, giving fast-maturing vegetables the ideal conditions to thrive. This guide will delve into what you can sow in late summer to ensure a bountiful and delicious fall harvest, maximizing your garden’s productivity and bringing fresh flavors to your table.
Late summer planting: why it works
Extending your gardening season into the cooler months of autumn is not just a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce longer, but it’s also a smart gardening strategy. The intense heat of mid-summer can be stressful for many cool-season crops, often causing them to bolt (go to seed prematurely) or struggle with pest pressure. Planting in late summer takes advantage of the best of both worlds: soil that has been thoroughly warmed by the sun, providing an excellent environment for germination and early root development, coupled with the promise of gradually decreasing temperatures and shorter days. This gentle cooling period is precisely what many leafy greens, root vegetables, and certain brassicas crave, allowing them to develop robust flavor and tender textures without the stress of scorching heat.
To succeed with late summer planting, understanding your local climate is paramount. The critical factor is knowing your average first fall frost date. This date will dictate how many “frost-free” days you have left for your chosen crops to mature. Most seed packets list “days to maturity” (DTM). For a late summer planting, it’s wise to choose varieties with shorter DTMs and add an extra week or two to account for shorter daylight hours, which can slightly slow growth. Additionally, preparing your soil with fresh compost is essential. After a season of heavy feeders, your garden beds will benefit from a nutrient boost to support these new crops. Good drainage and consistent moisture are also key, as young seedlings can quickly dry out in still-warm late summer conditions.
Root vegetables: underground treasures
Root vegetables are some of the most rewarding crops for a late summer sowing, often developing a sweeter flavor as the weather cools. They are relatively low-maintenance once established and store well, making them ideal for a fall harvest that can last through winter. When planting these, ensure your soil is loose and free of rocks, allowing roots to grow unimpeded.
- Carrots: Look for fast-maturing varieties like ‘Danvers Half Long’ or ‘Paris Market’. Sow seeds thinly about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Consistent moisture is crucial for germination and early growth. Thin seedlings to 2-4 inches apart once they have a couple of true leaves.
- Radishes: The ultimate quick crop! Many varieties mature in as little as 20-30 days. Sow ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast’ every week or two for a continuous supply. Plant 1/2 inch deep and about 1 inch apart.
- Beets: Both the roots and greens are edible. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ or ‘Bull’s Blood’ are good choices. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-4 inches apart. Beets are actually a cluster of seeds, so you’ll need to thin them once they sprout to prevent overcrowding.
- Turnips: Fast-growing and versatile, providing both delicious greens and roots. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is a popular option. Sow 1/2 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart.
Here’s a quick reference for some fall root crops:
| Crop | Days to maturity (approx.) | Ideal planting depth | Spacing after thinning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrots | 60-75 | 1/2 inch | 2-4 inches |
| Radishes | 20-30 | 1/2 inch | 1 inch |
| Beets | 50-60 | 1/2 inch | 3-4 inches |
| Turnips | 30-60 (for greens/roots) | 1/2 inch | 4-6 inches |
Leafy greens: fresh salads until frost
Cooler temperatures are a leafy green’s best friend. Unlike their summer counterparts which quickly bolt in heat, fall-planted greens develop a richer flavor and often a more tender texture. They also benefit from reduced pest pressure as summer insects begin to wane.
- Spinach: A quintessential cool-season crop. ‘Tyee’ or ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ are excellent for fall, resisting bolting. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves for a continuous supply.
- Lettuce: Many varieties, especially butterhead and loose-leaf types, thrive in autumn. ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Buttercrunch’ are good bets. Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/4 inch deep. For cut-and-come-again harvesting, plant densely and snip leaves as needed.
- Kale: Exceptionally cold-hardy, kale actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. ‘Lacinato’ (Dinosaur) or ‘Red Russian’ are popular. Plant 1/2 inch deep, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Swiss chard: Similar to kale in its hardiness, Swiss chard offers beautiful, vibrant stalks and nutritious leaves. ‘Bright Lights’ is a visually stunning variety. Plant 1/2 inch deep, 6-12 inches apart.
- Arugula: For a peppery kick, arugula is a fast-growing option. Sow shallowly, 1/4 inch deep, and thin to 4-6 inches apart. It can be harvested as baby greens quickly.
For an even longer harvest of these greens, consider using row covers or cold frames as temperatures drop. These simple protections can extend your fresh salad supply well into late fall or even early winter in milder climates.
Brassicas and fast-growing pods: substantial fall harvests
Beyond roots and greens, several other delightful vegetables can be successfully planted in late summer for a satisfying autumn yield. These often require a bit more space and a longer growing window, so pay close attention to the days to maturity relative to your frost date.
- Bush beans: While most beans are heat-lovers, some bush varieties mature quickly enough to provide a final flush of pods before frost. Look for varieties with a DTM under 60 days, like ‘Provider’ or ‘Contender’. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 3-4 inches apart, after the initial summer heat has begun to subside.
- Kohlrabi: This unique brassica, often described as a cross between a turnip and cabbage, grows quickly. Varieties like ‘Purple Vienna’ or ‘White Vienna’ can be ready in 45-60 days. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, thinning to 4-6 inches apart. Harvest when the bulb is 2-3 inches in diameter for best flavor.
- Broccoli (fast varieties): While main season broccoli takes longer, some early or compact varieties can be sown for a fall crop. ‘Diplomat’ or ‘Premium Crop’ might work in areas with a longer frost-free fall. Start seeds indoors a few weeks before your target planting date, then transplant seedlings into the garden when they are 4-6 weeks old, spacing 18-24 inches apart.
- Cabbage (mini or early types): Similar to broccoli, choose quick-maturing or smaller head varieties like ‘Puntacana’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’. These can produce smaller, but still delicious, heads for a fall harvest. Treat them much like fall broccoli, starting indoors and transplanting.
Remember that brassicas can be heavy feeders. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and consider a balanced fertilizer to support their growth, especially as they form heads or bulbs. Vigilance against common brassica pests, such as cabbage worms, is also important, though their activity may decrease as temperatures fall.
Embracing late summer planting offers a fantastic opportunity to extend the bounty of your garden, bringing fresh, homegrown goodness to your table long after the peak of summer has passed. We’ve explored how understanding your local frost dates and choosing quick-maturing varieties of root vegetables, leafy greens, and select brassicas can transform your late summer garden into a vibrant hub of activity. From the crisp crunch of fall radishes and the earthy sweetness of beets to the tender leaves of spinach and kale that actually improve with a touch of frost, these crops thrive in the gradually cooling temperatures and consistent moisture of the autumn season. By preparing your soil, providing adequate water, and perhaps offering a little protection with row covers, you can enjoy a continuous harvest, enriching your meals and satisfying your gardening spirit well into the cooler months. Don’t let your garden beds sit idle; seize the late summer window and sow for a truly satisfying fall harvest.
Image by: Being Organic in EU