It’s hard to believe, but fall is almost here! As we are harvesting our beautiful fruits and veggies from this year's spring planting it's time to start planning for the next season! Don’t let the late summer heat deter you from getting ready to garden edible plants; there are lots to do to prepare for one of our favorite planting seasons of the year - fall veggie gardening! 

It’s easy to “reap” the benefits of a fall harvest when there are cooler temperatures, less watering, less weeding, and fewer pests! Depending on the crop, harvest time can run all the way into the following spring, so the labor is very rewarding. To start getting into the spirit, here are our top 3 priorities to get you to the perfect fall veggie garden. 

1. PLANNING AHEAD - 

When looking into planting an edible garden, whether it is spring or fall, a plan is essential to getting the right amount, varieties, and space needed for your personalized garden. Whether you are new to veggies or you're a veteran gardener, planning is the best way to get exactly what you need and want out of your fall vegetable garden. When planning, use the following steps to prompt yourself: 

1. What kind of light does my garden have? - 

It is best to have as much light as possible, read the labels on your seed packets, as well as ask one of our expert Green Team members for advice. 

2. What kind of veggies do I want? - 

There are so many fall veggies, edible bulbs, and roots to choose from! Research what you would like to eat and try yourself! 

3. How much space do I need for the veggies I want? - 

Whether you have an apartment or acres of land, determining space is essential to the success of your garden. 

4. How do I want it to look? - Draw it out!

PRO TIP: If you are planning on planting many types and varieties of fall veggies, it is also helpful to make a spreadsheet of the veggies you are planting, how much space they need, how many you have, and even how many you may be giving to people! 

2. OUR TOP VEGGIE PICKS - 

If you are new to fall gardening, have no fear! There is an overwhelming amount of fall veggies to plant, but which ones are right for you? Here are some of our all-time favorites to get you started: 

Beets - A valuable veggie for not only the colorful beet itself but the greens as well. Add this earthy flavor to your favorite salad or pickle it for a snack later in the winter.

Cilantro - As an herb, cilantro can be added to any dish you desire. From tacos to noodles, the uses are endless for this fall favorite as it has the capacity to grow from October to May in our Hampton Roads area.

Kale - Kale is a great, strongly flavored vegetable perfect for fall dinner tables. This versatile veggie can be baked, boiled, and stirred into soups! Additionally, lettuces in general are a great addition to your fall garden.

3. WHEN TO START - 

You will want to start your fall vegetable gardens before the season actually starts, especially if you are starting from seed. Different plants require different germination periods, so knowing what you want to plant first will help in the ease of this process. Start by reading your seed packets and asking one of our Green Team members for their expert advice. 

For more information on seed starting, check out Mike, the Garden Guru’s video on seed starting.