Written by Jeff Favelle August 30, 2025
The summer garden is in full swing, but did you know that some of the most rewarding gardening can happen in the fall? Here at The Ripe Tomato Farms, we love the cooler weather that autumn brings, as it’s the perfect time to grow certain crops that thrive in a less intense climate. Fall gardening often means less competition from pests and weeds, and a more productive harvest. If you get a true winter, you can use the impending dormancy to your advantage!
The key to a successful fall garden is choosing plants that are either quick to mature or can tolerate cooler temperatures and even a touch of frost. Unlike spring, where the days are getting longer, in the fall we are on a “ticking clock” with shorter days and the looming threat of the first frost. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a list of eight fantastic vegetables to plant right now, in August or even September, for a delicious harvest later this year!
Peas: A classic choice, peas grow quickly and are surprisingly cold-tolerant. You can be enjoying fresh peas in October or November! Direct-sow 6 weeks before first frost.
Lettuce: Tired of your lettuce bolting in the summer heat? Lettuce loves the cooler temperatures of late summer and fall, which prevents it from going to seed too quickly and keeps the leaves crisp and sweet. Plant your plugs and starts 4-8 weeks before frost.
Herbs: Don’t let your garden sit empty! Herbs like basil, arugula, and dill are excellent for a quick, last-minute harvest. Direct sow in the garden or in containers at least 6 weeks before your first frost.
Carrots: Planting carrots for a fall harvest is a great idea. They germinate faster and more reliably in the late summer heat and the cooler weather as they mature concentrates their sugars, making them incredibly sweet and crunchy. Direct sow 8 weeks before first fall frost.
Green Onions: One of the easiest crops to grow, green onions are quick to mature and can handle the cold. You’ll be adding them to your autumn soups and stews in no time. Grow them from seeds, starts, or even cuttings!
Beets: This versatile root vegetable thrives in cool, damp conditions. Don’t forget that both the roots and the leaves are edible! Plant them just like carrots 6-8 weeks before first fall frost.
Strawberries: While not for a fall harvest, planting strawberries now gives them a fantastic head start on root growth, leading to a much better fruit production next year! Get your starters into the ground and established at least 6 weeks before frost appears.
Brassicas: These are the quintessential fall vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage all perform exceptionally well in cooler weather, with fewer pests to deal with than in the peak of summer. Best grown from starters or plugs, get them in the ground 6-8 weeks before first fall frost.
So grab your gardening gloves and head out to the garden! Extending your harvest into the fall is not only a great way to get more food from your plot, but it’s also a wonderful way to enjoy the changing seasons. Happy planting!