The following are a few vegetables perfect for your fall garden , as well as some protective measures against unexpected cold temperatures .
Vegetables and USDA Hardiness Zones
Vegetables are generally categorized by season , but there are also regional aspects to consider . The USDA Hardiness Zones identify differentiating areas throughout the US by their annual low temperatures .
Zones 8-11 , such as the southern and western coasts , are distinguished by more moderate temperatures . Zones 5-7 , such as the central to northern regions of the US , have low annual temperatures that frequently reach below freezing . As fall gardens grow into the winter months , when the lowest temperatures in each zone are reached , you will want to pick vegetables appropriate to your Hardiness Zone . Turnips , summer squash , broccoli , potatoes , and pumpkins thrive in Zones 8-11 .
They are known for their fast germination and growth periods , and some gardeners may see a harvest within 60-80 days . Spinach , beets , carrots , kale , and cauliflower are perfect for Zones 5-7 , and they can also produce a harvest quickly ( within 50-70 days ).
You can begin planting fall vegetables in early August and continue through the season . Just keep in mind what the temperature will be at plant maturity , not at planting . Since we ’ re in October , you should consider that you will be harvesting in late December . If you ’ re in Hardiness Zones 5-7 , you will have the highest chance for frost . Not to worry , though ; the fall plant varieties listed above are also frost tolerant .
Protecting Your Fall Vegetables
The transition from summer to fall is usually smooth , and fall temperatures shouldn ’ t vary too much from predetermined forecasts . However , Mother Nature can be volatile and temperatures can fall lower than anticipated . The later fall months , November and December specifically , can flirt with Zone temperature lows that can be dangerous to your unacclimated fall vegetables . While temperatures under 50˚F along with windchill have a low potential for damaging your garden , with those of 40˚F or lower with wind-chill increasing the potential for damage . Temperatures of 32˚F or lower can damage or kill many types of vegetables . When temperatures radically and unexpectedly drop to the lower 40s and 30s , gardeners should offer a little insulation to their garden .
“ When temperatures radically and unexpectedly drop to the lower 40s and 30s , gardeners should offer a little insulation to their garden .”
To protect your garden , your goal should be to retain moisture and warmth . A thick , protective layer of mulch around your plants will defend the soil and roots from cold seeping in as well as keep the remaining warmth from escaping . Frequently watering your garden at ground level aides in maintaining a steady soil temperate during periods of cold as well . If you ’ re away from your garden often , consider integrating a garden irrigation system and run it slowly but consistently throughout the day . The roots are the most important part to protect because future growth starts from there . Warm soil protects the roots from dying even if the leaves and stems wither . However , to protect the leaves and stems during an erratic cold front , cover your garden with a cotton sheet or tarp . While cotton sheets and tarps won ’ t adversely affect your plants with direct touch , you may want to use supports to carry the weight instead of letting them rest on the plants themselves . The added weight , especially if you receive rain or snow , could break the covered plants .
Fall vegetable gardens provide delicious bounties that match the cooler season . The hearty vegetables go well in soups or hot entrées sure to warm you up as fall temperatures cool down . Planting appropriately for any season is a necessity for success , but as a gardener , you can adapt to irregularities or undesirable climates . Keep an eye on the health of your plants and the forecasted temperatures as fall progresses . Ensure you ’ re growing plants that can tolerate the current climate and give them shelter if Mother Nature strays from the temperate norm . grow cycle 115