Fall Planting for Spring: A Guide to Getting a Head Start
As the weather cools down and the days get shorter, it’s time to start thinking about planting for spring. While it’s true that fall is the perfect time to plant for spring, there are many plants that can be started in the fall and will thrive when the weather warms up. In this article, we’ll explore the best plants to plant in the fall for a successful spring garden.
Choosing the Right Plants
Before we dive into the specific plants that can be started in the fall, let’s talk about the general guidelines for choosing plants for spring. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose plants that are suitable for your climate: Make sure to select plants that are adapted to your local climate and will thrive in the temperatures and rainfall patterns of your area.
- Select plants that mature quickly: Choose plants that mature quickly, so they can be harvested before the first frost.
- Consider the mature size of the plant: Make sure to choose plants that are the right size for your garden, so they don’t become too large or unruly.
Fall Planting Guide
Here are some of the best plants to plant in the fall for a successful spring garden:
Vegetables
- Brassicas: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, and Cabbage are all great choices for fall planting. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 50 days.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, and Radishes can be planted in the fall and will mature in about 60-70 days.
- Alliums: Onions, Garlic, and Shallots can be planted in the fall and will mature in about 90-120 days.
- Peas: Sugar snap peas and Snow peas can be planted in the fall and will mature in about 50-60 days.
Fruits
- Strawberries: Albion and Everbearing varieties are great choices for fall planting. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 60 days.
- Raspberries: Fall-bearing varieties are great choices for fall planting. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 60 days.
- Blueberries: Fall-bearing varieties are great choices for fall planting. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 60 days.
Herbs
- Cilantro: This fast-growing herb prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 20 days.
- Parsley: This slow-growing herb prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 30 days.
- Basil: This popular herb prefers warmer temperatures and can be harvested in as little as 30 days.
Flowers
- Asters: These daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors and prefer cooler temperatures. They can be planted in the fall and will bloom in as little as 60 days.
- Chrysanthemums: These flowers come in a variety of colors and prefer cooler temperatures. They can be planted in the fall and will bloom in as little as 60 days.
- Pansies: These colorful flowers prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in the fall. They can be harvested in as little as 60 days.
Tips for Fall Planting
- Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date: This will give your seedlings a head start on the growing season.
- Use a cold frame or hoop house: These structures can help protect your plants from frost and extend the growing season.
- Water deeply but infrequently: This will encourage deep root growth and make your plants more resistant to drought.
- Fertilize lightly: Feed your plants lightly in the fall, as they are not actively growing.
Conclusion
Fall planting is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. By choosing the right plants and following some simple tips, you can create a successful spring garden. Remember to start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, use a cold frame or hoop house, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize lightly. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest in the spring.
Fall Planting Schedule
| Plant | Last Frost Date | Planting Date | Harvest Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Cauliflower | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Kale | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Carrots | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Beets | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Radishes | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Onions | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Garlic | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Shallots | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Peas | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Sugar snap peas | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Snow peas | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Strawberries | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Albion strawberries | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Everbearing strawberries | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Raspberries | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Fall-bearing raspberries | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
| Blueberries | 40°F | 8/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 |
Note: The last frost date is the date when the average temperature is below 40°F, and the planting date is the date when you want to plant the seeds. The harvest date is the date when the plants are ready to be picked.