Don’t let the winter weather coming get you down. I’ve got the perfect antidote – a fall garden! It’s like a little slice of paradise amidst the cold and dreary days.
And let me tell you, gardening is a wild adventure. You never know what tricks Mother Nature has up her sleeve. One year, you plant something, and it flourishes. The following year, she throws you a curveball. But that’s the beauty of it!
Now, if you’re worried about the cost, fear not! There are still loads of veggies you can plant in July and August that won’t drain your bank account. And the best part?
You’ll have a pantry full of fresh produce to enjoy. There is something so satisfying about making a winter stew using veggies you grew in your backyard.
Here are some of my favorite fall vegetable plants to grow.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great vegetable to plant for a fall harvest because it loves cooler temperatures. Plant your broccoli in July or early August for a harvest in September/October. Plus, broccoli is loaded with nutrients.
Carrots
Carrots are root vegetables that withstand colder temperatures, making them perfect for a fall harvest. Plant your carrots in July, and they’ll be ready to harvest in October. And if you’re unsure if your soil is suitable for carrots, don’t worry – they grow well in most soil types.
Kale
Kale is another vegetable that loves cooler temperatures and is perfect for a fall harvest. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals and can be used in various dishes, from salads to smoothies.
Plant your kale in July or early August for a harvest in October/November.
Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing vegetables you can plant in July and harvest in about 30 days. They’re also perfect for fall salads and roasted veggie dishes. Radishes grow well in most soil types and don’t require much maintenance.
It’s also an easy veggie to grow for your pigs or other farm animals. On our homestead, the potbellied pigs are the ones who prefer to eat the radishes.
Be sure to grab the winter variety for your fall garden.
- Daikon’: winter radish; grows to 14 inches long; best grown in cooler climates or during the cooler ends of the growing season; crisp and snappy taste
- ‘Spanish Black’: winter radish; large 3 to 4-inch turnip-shaped globes have crisp, pungent, spicy pure-white flesh; great for storage
- ‘Watermelon’: winter radish; an heirloom Daikon radish variety with striking white skin and bright red inners; mild flavor with a light peppery tang.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that grows well in cool temperatures. Plant your spinach in July or early August, and it’ll be ready to harvest in September/October. Spinach is packed with nutrients and can be used in various dishes, from salads to smoothies.
It also freezes well.
Planting vegetables for a fall harvest can be a fun and rewarding experience, significantly when you can save money on your grocery bill. By planting these cheap and delicious veggies in July or August, you’ll be able to enjoy a bounty of fresh produce come fall.