You already know about the gorgeous fall color changes that occur in Asheville, which can signify the end of your summer gardens. That beautiful blanket of leaves does not have to mean the end of the growing season. There are plenty of vegetables that prefer shorter days and cooler nights. Some varieties can even be productive through the first frost and into the winter! And we’re not just talking about pumpkins and gourds.
Best Vegetables for Fall Growing:
- Kale – Nutritious leafy greens on productive plants that grow easily even in cold climates.
- Collards – A leafy green similar to kale but with stronger flavored leaves.
- Lettuce – Some varieties are bred especially for growing during the fall season.
- Spinach – Another nutritious variety of leafy green.
- Turnips – A quick maturing root crop that’s easy to grow.
- Rutabagas – Larger and sweeter than turnips, plant these earlier in the summer for fall harvests.
- Broccoli – Popular, productive and easier to grow than cauliflower.
- Cauliflower – Finicky grower, planting must be timed well in order to develop.
- Mustard – Spicy hot leaves, this is a fast growing vegetable.
- Mache – Very cold-hardy, these mild greens can be grown right into the winter months.
- Cabbage – Grow from transplants or start seeds indoors under lights.
- Oriental Vegetables – A wide range of unusual varieties available for fall production.
- Escarole – A bitter, leafy-green vegetable that can be cooked or used raw in salads.
- Endive – Similar to escarole with frilly leaves.
- Brussels sprouts – Start seed in early summer or purchase transplants and put directly in the ground.
- Arugula – Fast-growing leafy greens for salads or gourmet recipes.
- Leeks – One of the hardiest plants in the garden, leeks can withstand winter freezes.
If you were unable to plant a fall garden this year, there are places here in Asheville where you can reap the rewards of someone else’s labor. We have over 40 tailgate markets in the region, and many of them continue running through October.
