Hey gardeners! Summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop growing. Many plants thrive well into September, and if you’re wondering which vegetables to plant now, you’re in the right place. By planting the right crops, you can extend your harvest into fall. Here are 4 vegetables to plant now:
Leafy Greens: Spinach and Lettuce
Spinach and lettuce are perfect for late summer planting in Zone 7b. They thrive in cooler temperatures, grow quickly, and can be harvested multiple times if you use a cut-and-come-again method. Try sowing seeds directly into your raised beds or grow bags, and keep the soil consistently moist for the best results. Planting these greens now can give you fresh salads well into fall.
Root Vegetables: Carrots
Carrots love the cooler weather of September. Planting them now ensures that they’ll develop sweet, flavorful roots as temperatures drop. Loose, well-draining soil is key, consider adding compost to your beds for better root development. Try sowing seeds in rows and thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding. Check out Old Farmer’s Almanac for a guide on how to grow carrots.
Radishes for a Fast Harvest
If you want a quick win in your fall garden, radishes are a fantastic choice. They mature in as little as three to four weeks and can be planted successively for a continual harvest. Radishes are also great for filling gaps between slower-growing vegetables like carrots and cabbage.
Cruciferous Favorites: Cabbage or Kale
Cabbage and kale are cold-tolerant vegetables that really shine when planted for fall harvest. They can survive light frosts, which often improves their flavor. Plant them in fertile soil with plenty of sunlight, and consider companion planting with herbs like thyme or rosemary to help keep pests at bay.
Closing Tip: Don’t worry if your summer garden is slowing down by planting these vegetables now, you can keep your garden productive well into fall. Which of these will you plant first? Share your plans in the comments! You might also enjoy my post From Frustration to Peace: A Caregiver’s Reset in the Garden for inspiration on finding joy in gardening all season long.
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