Most gardeners put down their trowels in August. That's a mistake. August and early September are prime planting time for a fall garden that produces through November β and into December in milder zones.
The Fall Planting Calendar
Count backward from your first expected fall frost date. Most cool-season crops need 40β60 days to mature. If your first frost is October 15, you need to plant by August 15βSeptember 1.
Best Fall Crops
- Kale: Flavor improves after frost. Plant 8 weeks before first frost.
- Broccoli and cauliflower: Start indoors in July for transplant in August.
- Spinach and lettuce: Direct sow 6β8 weeks before first frost. Use succession plantings.
- Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes need 50β70 days. Sow in early August.
- Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in October for harvest next July β the fall garden's longest-term investment.
Extending the Season with Row Covers
A lightweight floating row cover (Agribon AG-19) adds 4β6Β°F of frost protection and lets you harvest kale, spinach, and arugula until Thanksgiving in zones 5β6. Weight the edges with rocks or staple to wooden hoops. Remove during warm spells to avoid overheating.