Get the most out of your garden and continue to plant into the Fall. Here in Niagara, frosts can set in late November and sometimes not until December. So take advantage of the long season and plant some veggies that can handle the chilly weather!
There are quite a few vegetables and herbs that can actually survive and even thrive when planted late, even in this chilly Niagara fall season.
It is important to read the grow times and harvest dates on seed packages before you sow. Many varieties range from 60-80 days, while others are less than 60 days. This means you can sow them throughout August and September and still harvest before the frost.
The following vegetables and herbs can withstand cooler temperatures and can benefit from being planted in the fall:
- Arugula; Plant in late August to early October, cool weather prevents bolting.
- Kale; Becomes sweeter and more tender in cold weather. Can withstand frost.
- Spinach; Thrives in cool weather and is best grown in the fall.
- Beets; Like turnips, they become sweeter with cooler temperatures.
- Peas; Prefer cool weather, but the initial seeds need warm soil for quick germination.
- Swiss Chard; Very cold-tolerant, it can be harvested well into fall.
- Carrots; Plant for a late fall harvest, as the cold sweetens them.
- Kohlrabi; Fast maturing and frost-tolerant
- Chives; Cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall and will return each season
- Bush Beans; Choose a quick-growing variety that can be harvested before the frost
- Asian Greens; (Bok Choi and Tatsoi) These greens do well in the fall due to cooler temperatures and fast-growing times
- Fennel; Excellent cool-season crop as it is less likely to bolt and go to seed.
- Lettuce; Fall is ideal for lettuce as cooler temperatures prevent bolting and tip burn.
- Radishes; These are fast-maturing and can provide a quick harvest.
- Turnips; Quick to mature and develop a sweeter taste after a light frost.
- Dill; Can withstand cooler temperatures and enjoys the breeze.
- Garlic (plant in fall for summer harvest); plant bulbs when you plant your spring flower bulbs
- Parsley; Can withstand cooler temperatures and be harvested into the fall
- Coriander/Cilantro; Cooler weather slows bolting and flowering.
If you'd like some advice on planting early in the fall, please pay us a visit at the Country Basket Garden Centre, and let our experienced team talk you through it!
