Cooler days, crisp air, and the promise of hearty meals, fall is a perfect time to keep your garden going. If you’re wondering what to plant now, there are plenty of crops that love chilly weather and actually taste better because of it.
In this list, you’ll find ten of the best fall vegetables to grow for a rich harvest. Some offer sweet roots, while others give you fresh greens all season long.
These plants don’t just thrive in cold soil, they also bring vibrant texture and color to your garden beds.
With the right picks, you can enjoy fresh homegrown food straight into early winter. Let’s look at some of the top choices for a thriving fall garden.
#1 Bush Beans
Source: Thespruce
Bush beans grow fast and don’t take up much space, making them great for squeezing in one more harvest. Their quick maturing time means you could be picking fresh beans in just 45 to 60 days.
You’ll get crisp pods that taste amazing when sautéed or steamed. Use a lightweight row cover if the weather suddenly turns cold. It helps stretch your harvest just a little longer.
#2 Carrots
Source: Hgvt
Carrots love cool soil and actually get sweeter after a light frost. You can grow them in deep containers or garden beds with loose, well-draining soil. Most varieties take about 50–70 days to mature, depending on the type.
Keep the soil consistently moist to help them grow straight and strong. Try planting a few rows every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
#3 Broccoli
Source: Kellogggarden
Broccoli thrives when the days are cool and the nights are crisp. Fall is an ideal season for planting because you’ll avoid the stress of summer heat. The heads come out tighter and more flavorful in chilly weather.
Add compost before planting to give it a strong start. Once it begins to form heads, keep the soil moist for best growth.
#4 Radishes
Source: Thedailygardener
Radishes are one of the quickest and easiest crops you can grow in fall. They prefer cool, moist soil and can go from seed to harvest in just 3–4 weeks. Their peppery crunch adds zip to salads and soups.
Sow them directly in the ground or in a container with loose soil. Space them out a bit so each root can develop fully.
#5 Swiss Chard
Source: Harvesttotable
Swiss chard bounces back beautifully when summer fades. Its rainbow stems add a pop of color, while the leaves stay tender and mild. It works well as a cut-and-come-again crop, giving you a steady stream of greens.
Water regularly and snip outer leaves to encourage new growth. Try mixing it into stir-fries or sauté it with garlic for a simple side dish.
#6 Bok Choy / Pak Choi
Source: Gardenerspath
This cool-loving veggie does especially well when fall arrives. Bok choy grows quickly and rarely suffers from pests in the cooler months. Its crisp stems and mild leaves are perfect for soups, stir-fries, or quick sautés.
Keep the soil evenly moist to avoid bolting. You can harvest baby bok choy in as little as 30 days.
#7 Spinach
Source: Gardeningknowhow
Spinach is a true fall superstar with its love for chilly temperatures. It matures quickly, often in 30–40 days, and keeps producing when picked regularly. Its tender leaves are great for fresh salads or cooked dishes.
Plant it in partial shade or full sun, depending on your space. Water gently and often to help it stay lush and green.
#8 Kale
Source: Thespruce
Kale actually gets sweeter after a light frost, and the leaves become more tender, too. It’s one of the hardiest greens you can grow in autumn. Whether you’re making chips, smoothies, or soups, kale adds texture and a healthy kick.
Keep the lower leaves trimmed to encourage bushier growth. Mulch around the base to keep the roots insulated.
#9 Beets
Source: Justbeetit
Beets grow best in cool soil and give you both tasty roots and edible greens. They take 50–60 days to mature, but you can start snipping leaves earlier. The roots get sweeter with a touch of frost.
Plant seeds directly in the ground and thin them once they sprout. Harvest small beets young for the most tender texture.
#10 Cabbage
Source: Garden
Cabbage loves cold nights and grows firm, dense heads when temperatures drop. It may struggle in summer heat, but fall gives it the chill it needs to thrive.
Try growing different varieties for added garden color and variety at the dinner table. Water deeply once or twice a week and keep an eye out for pests under the leaves. The flavor improves the longer it stays in the cool ground.
