12 Edibles to Plant in Late Summer for a Fall Harvest

A gardener’s work never ends. August’s summer bounty—ripe tomatoes, peppers, corn, endless zucchini—rewards spring labor, but it’s time to plan for fall. Below are 12 edibles to plant now, extending your harvest well into autumn. Some (carrots, radishes) are familiar spring crops that grow fast and fill gaps left by spent summer plants. Others (kale, turnips) prefer fall planting—frost improves them. In warm-winter climates, chard may produce into winter.

These are cool-season vegetables. In cold-winter climates, plant for harvest before first frost (not after last frost). If frost arrives as early as September, choose quick-maturing varieties or transplants. No need to wait for soil warmth—ensure soil isn’t too hot for seeds/seedlings and provide ample water. High heat and direct sun can fry young plants; shelter them until established and weather cools.

Spinach

Fall is prime time for leafy greens; spinach is the perfect fall green. Choose flat-leaf, crinkly, or a mix. Harvest within a month—if first frost is late, sow/transplant every 2 weeks for continuous crop.

Learn more about growing spinach

Lettuce

Lettuce bolts in heat, complicating summer BLTs. Plant again in late summer (preferably a new spot) for a crop pairing with late-ripening tomatoes and fall salads.

Learn more about growing lettuce

Chard

Hardy chard may have survived summer, but new plantings yield a beautiful fall harvest if current plants are fading. Plant earlier for most prolific crop (except warm climates where chard may last until spring). Try colorful varieties—yellow, red, purple mix with fall palette.

Learn more about growing chard

Carrots

Sow every couple weeks (carrots dislike transplanting) for continuous fresh flavor. Pair again with homegrown lettuce.

Learn more about growing carrots

Radishes

Fast growers, perfect fill-ins. Harvest some varieties almost immediately; add sharpness mimicking crisp fall air. Plant varieties, sow every 2 weeks for continual crop.

Learn more about growing radishes

Kale

Kale loves fall/winter—thrives with frost, tastes better the colder it gets. Highly ornamental, adding color as garden fades. Plant where you can enjoy its looks.

Learn more about growing kale

Parsnips

Classic fall root crop, often overlooked. Sweetly creamy, great alone or with turnips/potatoes. Even sweeter after first frost—a rarity among vegetables.

Learn more about growing parsnips

Turnips

Best after frost—prime fall planting. Staple in fall cooking; greens harvestable before frost. Pick roots before they get too large.

Learn more about growing turnips

Leeks

Onion family loves cold; leeks relish cool fall climate. Unless warm climate, plant quickly—need 3–4 months to mature. Worth it for holiday dish flavor.

Learn more about growing leeks

Fennel

Classic Italian staple, fall standout. Beautiful feathery foliage contrasts kale, leeks. Warm-winter climates have most success—needs long cool stretches and mild winters.

Learn more about growing fennel

Chinese Cabbage

Less fussy than regular cabbage, happy in cool weather. Choose Napa or pak choy (bok choy), or both. Cold climates: seek short-maturity varieties (~2 months).

Learn more about growing Chinese cabbage

Cauliflower

Not easy—fussy, pest/disease-prone—but rewarding if you try. Pretty plant, edible head welcomes dining table. Plant by midsummer in cold climates; late summer where winters are mild.

Learn more about growing cauliflower | Houzz guides to top cool-season crops

Tell us: What are you planning to grow next?