The Best Things to Plant in Fall

 

As someone who spends plenty of time around plants through MRD FLOWERS, I've learned that planting isn't only about choosing something beautiful. Timing, light, soil, water and understanding what a plant actually needs can make all the difference between simply buying a plant and watching it thrive.

Spring gets most of the gardening attention.

But experienced gardeners know something beginners often discover a little later:

Fall can be one of the best times to plant.

The scorching days of summer begin disappearing. Soil can remain workable even as air temperatures cool, and depending on your climate, there's still time for roots to establish before winter arrives.

Better yet, some of the things you plant now aren't really for fall at all.

You're planting for the future.

Garlic disappears underground and rewards you months later.

Tulip bulbs sit quietly beneath the soil before announcing spring with color.

Trees and shrubs begin establishing themselves before another growing season.

And cool-season vegetables can give you one more harvest before winter.

So before you put the garden tools away for the year, here are some of the best things to plant in fall.

First: Your Location Matters

Before buying seeds, bulbs or plants, find out two things:

your growing zone and your average first frost date.

There isn't one universal fall planting calendar.

September in Minnesota is very different from September in Georgia.

And fall gardening in a warm southern climate can look completely different from gardening somewhere that experiences frozen ground and heavy snow.

Your first frost date becomes especially important when planting vegetables.

A crop might tolerate cool weather but still need 40, 50 or 60 days to mature.

University of Minnesota Extension recommends knowing your area's average first frost date when calculating whether late-season vegetables have enough time to mature. Some vegetables tolerate frost better than others.

So treat the suggestions below as a starting point.

Then adjust them for your climate.

1. Garlic

If you plant only one edible crop this fall, make it garlic.

Garlic is one of those wonderfully satisfying gardening projects where you plant something fairly ordinary and eventually pull an entire bulb from the ground.

Fall is a traditional planting time for garlic in cold-winter regions.

Penn State Extension recommends planting garlic roughly three weeks before the ground freezes, giving the roots time to begin developing before winter.

Separate a healthy garlic bulb into individual cloves.

Plant each clove with the pointed end facing upward.

Give them space.

Cover them with soil and mulch.

Then wait.

And wait.

And wait some more.

Your reward generally comes the following growing season.

That's part of the charm.

Fall gardening teaches patience.

2. Spinach

Spinach loves conditions that make many summer vegetables unhappy.

Cool weather.

University of Minnesota Extension lists spinach among vegetables capable of surviving light frost and notes that it may even overwinter in some situations.

It's also relatively quick to mature.

If your first hard freeze is still far enough away, you may be able to grow spinach for a late-season harvest.

In some climates, gardeners also plant spinach to overwinter for an early spring crop.

Use young leaves in:

salads,

sandwiches,

omelets,

soups,

pasta,

or smoothies.

Fresh spinach straight from the garden makes the shrinking daylight feel slightly less offensive.

3. Kale

Kale is almost built for fall gardening.

It's a cool-season crop with impressive cold tolerance.

University of Minnesota Extension lists kale among its hardier fall vegetable choices, with typical maturity around 40 to 65 days depending on the variety and conditions.

Use baby leaves in salads.

Let larger leaves develop for soups, sautés and stews.

And if you've never made crispy kale chips, fall is as good a time as any.

4. Radishes

Impatient gardeners, this one's for you.

Radishes grow quickly.

Some varieties can be ready within roughly a month, making them useful when your fall growing window is getting short.

University of Minnesota Extension lists radishes at approximately 30 to 60 days to maturity and notes that they can remain in the ground until the soil freezes.

They're also excellent for beginners.

Plant.

Water.

Wait a surprisingly short amount of time.

Pull up an actual vegetable.

Instant gardening confidence.

5. Lettuce

There is something satisfying about walking outside and picking leaves for your own salad.

Leaf lettuce is another cool-season crop that can work well in a fall vegetable garden.

It doesn't appreciate extreme summer heat, making cooler conditions appealing.

University of Minnesota Extension lists leaf lettuce among crops that can survive light frost, although the exact planting window depends on your local temperatures.

Try planting several varieties.

Red leaf.

Green leaf.

Butterhead.

Loose-leaf mixes.

Your salads immediately become more interesting.

6. Turnips

Turnips don't get enough respect.

You can eat the root.

You can eat the greens.

And they're relatively well suited to cool-season growing.

University of Minnesota Extension estimates roughly 50 to 60 days to maturity for turnips in its fall-growing guidance.

Roast the roots.

Mash them.

Add them to soups.

Sauté the greens.

One planting, multiple possibilities.

7. Mustard Greens

If you like leafy greens with personality, plant mustard.

Mustard greens can mature relatively quickly and tolerate cooler conditions.

Their slightly peppery flavor works particularly well sautéed with garlic.

And since we're planting garlic anyway, eventually your garden can start contributing to both sides of the recipe.

8. Collard Greens

Collards aren't just a summer crop.

They're among the hardier leafy vegetables suitable for cool-season gardening.

Depending on your region and planting date, fall conditions can produce beautiful leafy growth.

Use them in:

soups,

stews,

braised dishes,

grain bowls,

or simply sautéed with seasoning.

9. Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Here's where fall gardening becomes a little magical.

You're going to bury something that appears to do absolutely nothing.

Then months later, flowers appear.

Many hardy spring-flowering bulbs require a cold period before spring growth and should be planted during fall in cold-winter climates. University of Minnesota Extension recommends fall planting for hardy bulbs including tulips and daffodils.

Good options include:

• tulips

• daffodils

• crocuses

• hyacinths

• grape hyacinths

• snowdrops

Planting times vary by region.

In Minnesota, for example, Extension guidance generally places hardy bulb planting around mid-September through mid-October so roots can develop before the ground freezes. Warmer regions naturally follow different schedules.

10. Tulips

Tulips deserve their own section.

Few flowers provide such a dramatic payoff for something you buried months earlier.

Plant them in groups rather than scattering individual bulbs randomly.

Think:

10 tulips together.

Or 20.

Or 50 if you've completely lost control at the garden center.

Clusters generally create a much stronger visual impact than lonely flowers spaced around the yard.

Choose colors that complement one another, or embrace chaos and plant several varieties.

Spring can sort it out.

11. Daffodils

Want spring flowers without quite as much drama?

Try daffodils.

Their bright yellow, white and cream flowers are among the classic signs that winter is finally losing its grip.

Daffodils are hardy spring-flowering bulbs suitable for fall planting in appropriate climates.

They also return year after year when growing conditions suit them.

Plant once.

Enjoy repeatedly.

That's a gardening arrangement I can support.

12. Crocuses

Crocuses are small but mighty.

They often appear very early in the season and can bring color to a landscape before many other plants have woken up.

Plant them in groups.

They work beautifully along:

walkways,

garden borders,

under deciduous trees,

and in naturalized lawn areas where appropriate.

A tiny flower appearing after months of winter can feel surprisingly significant.

13. Trees

Fall can also be an excellent time to think bigger.

Much bigger.

Trees planted at the right time can begin establishing roots before the next growing season, although suitable timing depends on the species and local climate.

Late summer and early fall can be suitable for planting new trees and shrubs, according to University of Minnesota Extension, provided they're watered appropriately as they establish.

The important thing isn't simply picking the prettiest tree at the nursery.

Consider:

mature size,

sun requirements,

soil,

drainage,

available space,

roots,

proximity to buildings,

and whether the species is appropriate for your region.

That cute little tree in a container might eventually become 40 feet tall.

Plan accordingly.

14. Shrubs

Shrubs can transform an empty landscape surprisingly quickly.

Fall planting can give suitable shrubs an opportunity to establish roots while conditions are cooler.

Think beyond flowers.

Shrubs can provide:

structure,

privacy,

berries,

wildlife habitat,

fall color,

winter interest,

and texture.

Penn State Extension recommends matching shrubs and trees to the conditions of the site and favors locally appropriate plants rather than invasive species.

Native shrubs can be especially valuable because well-chosen native plants can support local wildlife while fitting naturally into the landscape.

15. Perennials

Fall can also be a useful time to plant or divide many hardy perennials.

Unlike annuals, perennials return year after year when they're suited to your climate and cared for properly.

Instead of expecting a huge floral performance immediately, think of fall planting as preparation.

You're giving the plant time to establish.

Then spring gets the credit.

Typical garden-center possibilities might include hardy varieties of:

coneflower,

black-eyed Susan,

sedum,

coreopsis,

asters,

and other regionally appropriate perennials.

Again, check local recommendations before planting.

Not every perennial should be planted at exactly the same point in fall.

16. Peas

Depending on your climate and how much growing season remains, peas can be another cool-season option.

They tolerate cool conditions better than many warm-season crops.

But timing matters.

Peas may take considerably longer to mature during fall than during spring as days shorten and temperatures drop.

So check the days-to-maturity number on your seed packet and count backward from your expected frost conditions before planting.

Gardening occasionally requires math.

I apologize.

17. Green Onions

Green onions are another useful crop for the fall garden.

They're compact, practical and don't require enormous garden beds.

Grow them in:

raised beds,

garden rows,

or containers.

Snip what you need for eggs, soups, salads, noodles and other meals.

They're particularly useful for gardeners working with smaller spaces.

18. Cover Crops

Sometimes the best thing to plant isn't something you're planning to eat.

It's something you're planting for the soil.

Cover crops can help protect bare garden beds and, depending on the crop and management method, contribute organic matter or other soil benefits.

Options vary by region and purpose.

Examples can include:

winter rye,

oats,

clover,

and other locally appropriate cover crops.

If your vegetable-growing window has already closed, this can be a productive way to use an otherwise empty bed.

Don't Forget Containers

No backyard?

You can still have a fall garden.

Containers can work beautifully for:

lettuce,

spinach,

kale,

radishes,

green onions,

herbs,

and certain compact vegetables.

The advantage is flexibility.

You can place containers where they receive appropriate sunlight and, depending on their size, sometimes move them when conditions become harsh.

Just remember that container soil can cool and dry differently from soil in the ground.

Keep checking moisture.

Bring More Green Into Your Space With MRD FLOWERS

Not everything you grow has to start in a vegetable bed.

If you're looking to add more greenery to your home, balcony, patio or garden, MRD FLOWERS offers a growing collection of indoor and outdoor plants to help you create a greener space of your own.

From statement houseplants to easy-care varieties and plants that work beautifully in pots, there's something for both experienced plant lovers and people just beginning their plant journey.

Explore Plants at MRD FLOWERS →

Whether you're starting a new plant collection or simply looking for the next addition to your space, fall can be a great reminder that there's always room to grow something new.

What Should You NOT Plant in Fall?

This is just as important.

Don't assume that because something is a plant, September is a good time to put it outside.

Warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and basil generally aren't sensible late-fall choices in climates approaching frost.

University of Minnesota Extension, for example, lists basil and bush beans among crops killed by frost, while cool-season vegetables such as kale, collards and cabbage are substantially more cold tolerant.

And not every bulb belongs in the ground during fall.

Tender bulbs such as many dahlias, begonias and gladiolus cannot survive cold winters in colder climates and are generally planted after conditions warm in spring.

Know what you're planting before you bury it.

How Late Is Too Late to Plant in Fall?

There isn't one date.

That's the answer gardeners don't particularly enjoy hearing.

Your planting deadline depends on:

your location,

the plant,

soil temperature,

frost timing,

whether you're planting seed or transplant,

and whether the plant needs to establish roots before the ground freezes.

For vegetables, count backward from your expected frost date using the crop's days to maturity and allow some extra time because shorter fall days can slow growth.

For bulbs, trees, shrubs and perennials, follow recommendations specific to your region.

Your local cooperative extension service can be one of the most useful resources for this.

Prepare Your Soil First

Don't become so excited about the plants that you ignore where they're going.

Healthy gardens begin below ground.

Remove dead or diseased plant material.

Loosen compacted soil where appropriate.

Add compost or other amendments when your soil actually needs them.

And if you're serious about improving the garden, consider a soil test rather than guessing which nutrients are missing.

University of Minnesota Extension recommends soil testing to determine whether amendments such as lime, nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium are actually needed.

More fertilizer isn't automatically better.

Sometimes the garden needs something completely different.

Water Fall Plantings

Cool weather doesn't mean plants stop needing water.

New roots still need moisture.

This is especially important for newly planted trees and shrubs heading toward winter.

University of Minnesota Extension advises maintaining adequate soil moisture for trees and shrubs going into cold conditions and notes that deep, less-frequent watering is generally preferable to shallow, frequent watering for established woody plants.

Check the soil.

Don't simply look at the calendar.

Add Mulch

Mulch can help:

retain soil moisture,

moderate soil-temperature changes,

reduce weeds,

and protect soil.

For spring-flowering bulbs, University of Minnesota Extension recommends a layer of mulch after planting to help retain moisture and moderate temperature changes.

But don't bury every plant beneath a mountain of mulch.

Follow recommendations for the particular plants you're growing.

Think About Spring While You're Planting

This may be my favorite thing about fall gardening.

You're working in one season while imagining another.

Every bulb buried now is a small bet on spring.

Every perennial is something you hope will return.

Every tree is a decision that could outlive your current version of the garden.

Garlic asks you to wait months for the payoff.

Gardening makes patience tangible.

Create a Fall Planting Weekend

If you've been working through our Fun Fall Bucket List, add a gardening weekend to it.

Choose one cool Saturday.

Visit a nursery.

Buy your bulbs.

Pick up garlic.

Grab compost.

Bring home one plant you hadn't planned on buying because apparently that's mandatory whenever you enter a garden center.

Then spend the afternoon outside.

And once you're finished, give the entrance to your home a seasonal refresh using some of our Outdoor Fall Front Porch Decor Ideas.

You can even finish the evening with something from our Cozy Fall Appetizers list.

Plants.

Food.

Cool weather.

That's a pretty good fall Saturday.

A Beginner's Fall Planting Plan

If all of this sounds like too much, don't plant 18 different things.

Start with three.

Plant garlic because it's easy to understand and gives you something to anticipate.

Plant a group of spring-flowering bulbs because future-you deserves flowers.

Plant one quick cool-season vegetable appropriate for your local frost window.

That's enough.

Gardening isn't a competition to see who can own the most seed packets.

Although walking into a garden center in September may suggest otherwise.

Want to Grow a More Purposeful Garden?

Once you start deciding what to plant, it's worth thinking beyond how your garden will look.

You can also explore plants traditionally grown for practical household uses and learn more about the different ways people incorporate useful plants into their gardens.

If that side of gardening interests you, Medicinal Garden Kit is another resource worth exploring as you plan what you'd like to grow.

It can be a natural next step for gardeners interested in expanding beyond ornamental plants and everyday vegetables.

[Explore the Medicinal Garden Kit →]

Disclosure: Pyteline may earn a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Gardening and traditional plant-use information should not be treated as medical advice or as a replacement for professional healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to plant in fall?

Garlic is one of the most dependable traditional fall crops in cold-winter regions. Spring-flowering bulbs, hardy perennials, suitable trees and shrubs, and cool-season vegetables can also be excellent choices depending on your climate.

What vegetables grow well in fall?

Potential fall crops include spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, turnips, collard greens, mustard greens and other cool-season vegetables. Your first frost date and the crop's days to maturity determine whether there's enough time to grow them.

What flowers should I plant in fall for spring?

Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths and other hardy spring-flowering bulbs are commonly planted during fall in climates where they receive the cold conditions they require.

Can I plant trees in fall?

Yes, fall can be a good planting period for many suitable trees and shrubs, but species, climate, soil conditions and timing matter. Newly planted trees also require proper watering while establishing.

Can I plant garlic in fall?

Yes. In cold-winter regions, garlic is commonly planted in fall and harvested the following growing season.

Is September too late to plant vegetables?

Not necessarily. Quick-growing and cold-tolerant crops may still have enough time, but you need to compare the crop's maturity time with your area's expected frost conditions.

Should I fertilize everything I plant in fall?

No. Fertilizer needs depend on the plant and existing soil conditions. A soil test is a much better guide than automatically adding fertilizer.

Can I plant fall vegetables in pots?

Yes. Lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, green onions and other compact cool-season crops can work well in appropriately sized containers.

The Pyteline Take

Spring gets the flowers.

Summer gets the tomatoes.

But fall might be the season when gardening makes the most philosophical sense.

Because so much of what you're doing is an investment in something you can't see yet.

You bury a bulb beneath the soil knowing you won't see the flower for months.

You plant garlic knowing dinner is a long way away.

You place a young tree in the ground knowing its best years may be far ahead.

And then you walk away.

You water.

You wait.

You trust the process.

Maybe that's why fall gardening feels different.

The season around you looks like it's winding down.

Leaves are falling.

Flowers are fading.

Days are getting shorter.

Yet there you are, putting something new into the ground.

Because sometimes the best time to start growing something is precisely when everything else looks like it's ending.