Here’s a handy fall garden guide to help you decide what to plant in the fall garden and when to plant your fall crops! The succession gardening chart below shows the last fall planting dates, based on the first expected freeze dates in the fall.

Extending your gardening season with a second harvest can dramatically increase your yield—and allow you to enjoy fresh vegetables into fall and winter. In addition, fall gardening is often easier since there are fewer pests and problems in cooler weather. Finally, a fall “cover” crop can organically protect and build your soil.

To calculate the best time to plant your fall vegetable garden, look at the first expected freeze dates. Choose the date that comes closest to the expected first killing frost in your area. If you do not know the date, see our Frost Charts.

When to Plant Your Fall Crops

Click here to expand the chart below (PDF).

Advice on Your Fall Garden

• Learn more about succession planting and how to harvest more from your vegetable garden!
• We’ll help you choose the best plants for autumn growing and great plants with fall colors.
• Decide which trees and shrubs you want in your fall garden.
• See more advice about fall planting and second crops here.
• Find tips to help you plant garlic in the fall or plant lettuce and spinach in the fall.