Complete Gardening
As the summer sun begins to wane, late August offers a golden opportunity for gardeners to sow crops that will thrive in the fall. This season is perfect for planting a variety of vegetables and herbs that not only grow quickly but also enhance the flavors of autumn dishes. From quick-growing leafy greens to hardy root vegetables, these selections promise a bountiful harvest just in time for a fall feast. Here’s a list of 20 must-sow crops for your late-summer planting.
1. Spinach
Spinach, with its tender leaves, grows quickly and provides a delightful addition to salads and soups. Just 30-45 days after planting, you’ll have a harvest ready to enjoy. Planting in partial shade can help prevent bolting, ensuring a steady supply of fresh leaves. Spinach’s ability to thrive in cooler weather makes it an excellent choice for a late-summer sowing. This fast-growing leafy green is not only nutritious but also versatile in the kitchen.
2. Arugula
Arugula, known for its peppery kick, is a favorite among salad enthusiasts. This leafy green matures in just 30-40 days, making it a quick and satisfying crop. Its bold flavor adds zest to salads and can even be cooked lightly for added depth in dishes. Planting arugula in late August ensures a fresh supply as the season transitions. The cool temperatures enhance its flavor, making it a must-have for fall dishes. Its rapid growth and distinctive taste make arugula a standout in any garden.
3. Lettuce (Leaf Varieties)
Lettuce is a classic choice for gardeners seeking variety and quick results. Leaf varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Oakleaf’ can be harvested in 30-50 days, offering a continuous supply of fresh greens. These varieties thrive in cooler weather, making late August the ideal planting time. Lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to salads and sandwiches. The diversity in color and texture makes it a visually appealing garden staple. With proper care, lettuce can be a rewarding crop that enhances any meal.
4. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful addition to any garden, boasting bright stems and hearty leaves. This crop is ready to harvest in 40-50 days and is cold-hardy, surviving even light frosts. Its resilience and striking appearance make it a favorite among gardeners. Swiss chard is not only nutritious but also versatile, suitable for sautés, soups, and salads. Planting in late August ensures a robust fall crop. Its ability to withstand the cold makes it an excellent choice for those looking to extend their gardening season.
5. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens bring a spicy boldness to the garden and kitchen alike. Ready to harvest in just 30-40 days, they provide a swift return on your gardening efforts. These greens add a fiery touch to salads and are excellent in stir-fries, offering a unique flavor profile. Planting them in late August takes advantage of their quick growth and enhances their pungency. Mustard greens thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for fall harvesting. Their robust flavor and rapid growth make them a standout choice for autumn gardening.
6. Kale
Kale’s reputation as a superfood is well-deserved, offering nutritional benefits and robust growth. This leafy green is ready in 50-60 days and is known for its resilience to frost, which sweetens its flavor. Planting kale in late August ensures a continuous supply through the fall. Its versatility in the kitchen, from salads to soups, makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Kale’s rich, earthy taste pairs well with a variety of dishes, adding depth and nutrition.
7. Radishes
Radishes are the epitome of a quick and easy harvest, perfect for beginner gardeners. Ready in just 25-30 days, they offer almost instant gratification with their crisp, peppery flavor. These root vegetables are ideal for salads and garnishes, adding a refreshing crunch. Planting radishes in late August ensures a quick turnaround before the weather turns cold. Their adaptability to various soils and climates makes them a versatile choice. Radishes’ fast growth and vivid color make them a delightful addition to the fall garden.
8. Beets
Beets offer a dual harvest with both nutritious roots and edible greens. Maturing in 50-60 days, they are a timely addition to the fall garden. Their earthy sweetness is perfect for salads, roasts, and even desserts. Beets’ vibrant color and rich flavor make them a favorite among chefs and home cooks. Planting them in late August sets the stage for a bountiful autumn yield. Beets’ adaptability to cooler climates makes them a must-have for any serious gardener looking to enhance their fall menu.
9. Turnips
Turnips, with their sweet and crisp flavor, are a versatile root vegetable ready in 40-60 days. Varieties like ‘Hakurei’ are especially sweet, making them perfect for salads or roasted dishes. Turnips’ quick growth makes them ideal for late-summer planting, providing a nourishing yield before the ground freezes. Their ability to thrive in cooler temperatures ensures a steady supply through the fall. Turnips’ blend of sweetness and earthiness adds depth to any dish, making them a valuable addition to the autumn garden.
10. Carrots (Short Varieties)
Short carrot varieties like ‘Paris Market’ and ‘Nantes’ are perfect for late-summer planting, maturing in 50-70 days. Their compact size and sweet flavor make them ideal for urban gardens and raised beds. These carrots add a burst of color and crunch to salads and dishes. Planting them in late August ensures a fresh crop ready before winter. Carrots’ adaptability to cooler climates and their sweet, crisp taste make them a favorite among gardeners and chefs. Their unique size and flavor profile make them a delightful addition to the fall harvest.
11. Daikon Radish
Daikon radishes are a unique addition to any fall garden, known for their long, white roots and mild flavor. Ready in 50-60 days, they offer versatility in the kitchen, perfect for pickling or stir-fries. Planting them in late August allows for a prolific fall harvest, ideal for adding interest to dishes. Their crisp texture and subtle taste complement a variety of flavors. Daikon radishes’ rapid growth and ability to thrive in cooler weather make them a valuable crop for any autumn garden.
12. Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly, providing fresh flavor to dishes in just 30-50 days. This herb thrives in cooler temperatures, making late August the perfect planting time. Cilantro’s distinct taste enhances a variety of cuisines, from Mexican to Indian dishes. Its rapid growth and aromatic leaves make it a staple in many gardens. Planting cilantro ensures a continuous supply throughout the fall, with its lush greenery adding both aroma and flavor to your garden. It’s a versatile herb that complements a wide range of recipes.
13. Dill
Dill is a fragrant herb that attracts beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Ready to harvest in 40-50 days, it adds flavor and aroma to dishes, pickles, and salads. Planting dill in late August ensures a fresh supply as the season changes. Its delicate leaves and unique taste enhance a variety of culinary creations. Dill’s ability to grow quickly and attract pollinators makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners. Its aromatic presence adds a delightful touch to any garden.
14. Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions, or scallions, are a versatile crop that can be regrown from store-bought scraps, offering a sustainable gardening option. Ready in 40-60 days, they provide fresh flavor for salads, soups, and garnishes. Planting in late August ensures a steady supply through the fall. Their mild taste and quick growth make them a favorite among home cooks. Green onions’ ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and their ease of cultivation make them a staple in any garden. Their fresh, crisp flavor enhances a variety of dishes.
15. Garlic (For Next Year!)
Planting garlic in late August to October sets the stage for a rewarding harvest next summer. This long-term investment offers rich, pungent bulbs that enhance a variety of dishes. Garlic’s robust flavor and medicinal properties make it a valuable crop for any gardener. Its ability to overwinter and thrive in various conditions ensures a bountiful yield. The anticipation of next year’s harvest adds excitement to your gardening journey. Garlic is not only a culinary staple but also a symbol of patience and foresight in the garden.
16. Peas (Snow or Snap Peas)
Peas, whether snow or snap varieties, add sweetness and crunch to dishes. Ready in 50-60 days, they also help fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting future crops. Planting peas in late August allows for a productive fall harvest. Their crisp pods and tender shoots make them a favorite among gardeners and cooks. The ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and their dual function as a crop and soil enhancer make peas an invaluable addition to the autumn garden. Their sweet taste and productivity are sure to delight.
17. Bush Beans
Bush beans, particularly the ‘Provider’ variety, are known for their cold tolerance and robust growth. Ready in 50-60 days, they provide a dependable yield for fall. Their tender pods are perfect for raw snacks or cooked dishes, adding a fresh crunch. Planting in late August ensures a steady supply as temperatures drop. Bush beans’ resilience and productivity make them a favorite among gardeners. Their ability to withstand cooler weather and produce bountifully makes them a reliable choice for fall planting.
18. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, with its crisp and slightly sweet flavor, resembles a broccoli stem in taste. Ready in 50-60 days, it’s a unique addition to any fall garden. Its round bulbs and leafy greens offer versatility in the kitchen, from salads to sautés. Planting kohlrabi in late August ensures a fresh supply as the weather cools. Its ability to thrive in cooler temperatures makes it an ideal choice for fall harvesting. Kohlrabi’s distinct taste and appearance make it a standout crop for adventurous gardeners.
19. Bok Choy
Bok choy, known for its tender leaves and crisp stalks, is a versatile vegetable ready in 45-60 days. Harvesting young ensures the most tender leaves, perfect for salads and stir-fries. Planting in late August allows for a robust fall crop. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture complement a variety of dishes. Bok choy’s ability to thrive in cooler climates makes it a valuable addition to the autumn garden. Its rapid growth and delightful taste are sure to enhance any fall feast.
20. Mache (Corn Salad)
Mache, or corn salad, is a resilient green thriving under even snowy conditions. Ready in 50-60 days, it adds a unique flavor to salads and dishes with its tender, nutty leaves. Planting mache in late August ensures a fresh supply into the cooler months. Its ability to grow in cold weather makes it an ideal choice for extending the gardening season. Mache’s mild taste and hardy nature make it a beloved crop for those seeking both flavor and durability in their fall garden.