As the summer heat begins to wane and the days grow shorter, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your fall garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planning and planting a fall garden can extend your harvest season and allow you to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the cooler months. At Nunan’s Garden Center, we’re here to help you make the most of your garden space with expert advice on selecting and planting seeds and transplants for a bountiful fall harvest.

Why Plant a Fall Garden?
Fall gardens offer several advantages. The cooler temperatures and reduced pest pressure create ideal growing conditions for many crops. Additionally, the flavor of many vegetables, such as kale, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, improves with exposure to light frost, making them even more delicious. By planning your fall garden now, you can continue to enjoy fresh vegetables long after your summer crops have finished producing.

Choosing the Right Crops
When selecting crops for your fall garden, it’s important to consider your local growing conditions, especially the length of your growing season. In Massachusetts, the first frost typically occurs in October, so you’ll want to choose crops that can mature before the cold sets in. Here are some great options to consider:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, arugula, and Swiss chard thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested well into the fall.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are excellent choices for fall planting. These crops develop their best flavors in cooler weather.
Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts grow well in the fall. They can withstand light frost and continue to produce even in cooler conditions.
Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, and chives are hardy herbs that can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.
When to Start Planting
Timing is key when planning your fall garden. To ensure a successful harvest, you’ll need to start seeds or transplant seedlings at the right time. Here’s a general guide:

Late July to Early August: Start seeds for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower indoors or purchase transplants from Nunan’s Garden Center. These crops need a longer growing period and should be transplanted to the garden by mid to late August.
Mid-August: Direct sow seeds for root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips. These crops need about 60 days to mature and should be planted in well-prepared soil with consistent moisture.

Late August: Plant leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. These quick-growing crops can be direct sown or transplanted into the garden. They’ll continue to produce through fall and even into early winter with protection.
Preparing Your Garden Beds

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare your garden beds to ensure healthy growth and a productive harvest. Start by removing any spent summer crops and weeds. Work compost or well-aged manure into the soil to replenish nutrients. If you haven’t done a soil test recently, consider testing your soil to determine if any amendments are needed.

Raised beds or containers can be ideal for fall gardening as they tend to drain well and warm up faster than traditional garden beds. If using containers, choose ones that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate root vegetables and leafy greens.

Protecting Your Fall Garden
As temperatures drop, your fall garden may need some extra protection to keep producing. Row covers, cold frames, and cloches can help extend the growing season by protecting your plants from frost. Mulching around your plants can also help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to cover your crops on chilly nights. In many cases, a light frost can actually enhance the flavor of certain vegetables, so don’t be too quick to harvest everything at the first sign of cooler weather.

Enjoying the Harvest
One of the best parts of fall gardening is enjoying the fruits of your labor during the cooler months. Harvest your leafy greens as they mature, picking outer leaves first to encourage continued growth. Root vegetables can be left in the ground until a hard freeze is imminent, allowing them to sweeten with each frost.

At Nunan’s Garden Center, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From selecting seeds and transplants to providing tips on garden care and protection, our team of experts is ready to help you make your fall garden a success. Visit us today to start planning your fall garden, and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, homegrown produce well into the autumn season.

Happy gardening!