Enjoy a Second Summer
Late summer’s warm soil helps seeds establish strong roots, while cool fall air naturally sweetens tender greens, brassicas and root crops.
Fall is a Season for Growing
Cooler Weather, Happier Plants
Vegetables grow stronger with less heat stress.
Sweeter Flavor
Crops convert starches into sugars in cooler air.
Fewer Pests to Manage
Many common pests slow down in lower temps.
Less Watering
Soil retains more moisture in lower temps.
Direct Sow Before First Frost
Once temperatures stay below 85 degrees, start planting!
Brassicas
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
Crisp weather helps these crops grow stronger and taste sweeter.
“Best broccoli I've ever grown. I tried other kinds and they bolt, these have never bolted”
‘Sun King’ Broccoli
— New Hampshire gardener
Salad Greens
- Arugula
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
Leaves stay crisp and sweet instead of turning bitter in the heat.
“Several mild frosts didn’t phase it. Beautiful in the garden and on the plate.”
'Four Seasons’ Lettuce
— Florida gardener
Root Vegetables
- Beets
- Carrots
- Radish
- Turnips
Temperate days are ideal conditions for underground development.
“We grew these and were so pleased with the abundant harvest and wonderful, mild flavor.”
‘Burpee’s Golden’ Beet
— North Carolina gardener
Burpee Fall gardening tip
Fend Off Frost Overnight
A floating row cover, a sheer curtain or even a lightweight sheet can shield your garden and extend your harvest even longer into fall.
Fall Favorites, Garden-Tested
Once temperatures stay below 85 degrees, start planting!
3 Ways to Get Your Garden Fall Ready
A little preparation before planting makes a difference.
1. Make Room for More
Pull spent summer crops. Leaving them in the ground invites disease and ties up nutrients fall crops need. Clear beds completely, then level and water the area to check for drainage.
2. Refresh Your Soil
Summer crops deplete soil quickly. Work in a balanced fertilizer or preferably compost — mixing it in deep gives new crops a stronger start and room for roots to establish.
3. Sow Into Warm Ground
Fall seeds germinate fastest in warm soil. Get seeds in before temperatures drop too far. Once plants are established, cooler air takes over and improves flavor as they mature.
Brassicas: A Fall Superfood
Brassicas aren’t just delicious, they’re incredibly good for you too! These cool-weather crops are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support your immune system, heart health, and digestion. Growing brassicas in fall means you get all these benefits along with their enhanced flavor from cooler temperatures.
Taste the Fall-Grown Broccoli Difference
Quick Kitchen Bites
Roasted Broccoli Rigatoni
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and the juice of half a lemon, then spread them evenly on a sheet pan. Roast for 15–18 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp and lightly charred, then combine with the cooked rigatoni and sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with goat cheese, lemon zest, and basil, season to taste and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- Olive oil, salt and pepper
- Cooked rigatoni
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon and lemon zest
- Fresh basil