Overwintering, also known as sowing seeds in autumn for a springtime harvest, is an intriguing process that allows certain plants to germinate after a period of cold and then warmth. This technique has numerous advantages, one being the reduced workload a few months ahead. Let’s explore 14 crops that can be planted this fall for a bountiful spring harvest.
Asparagus
While perennials like asparagus require patience, planting them in the fall can be a wise decision. It’s essential to remember that these plants follow a predictable growth pattern: they need time to ‘sleep’, then ‘creep’ before finally ‘leaping’ into action after three years of establishment. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to wait that long for a taste of their bounty.
Asparagus is one of the earliest vegetables to emerge in spring, and even in its first year, it can produce a few tender spears. Witnessing those green shoots push through the soil as other veggies remain dormant is an undeniable delight.
Kale
One of kale’s most impressive features is its ability to thrive in cool weather and overwinter with ease. This hardy vegetable can be planted not once, but three times throughout a single growing season. To get started, simply wait for the soil to soften slightly in the spring, then sow the seeds. Be sure to harvest the first batch before summer heat takes hold.
As the seasons change, plant your next batch at the end of summer for a fall harvest, and finally, just before winter sets in, plant the third and final batch. You can even take advantage of the first frost of the season by planting kale shortly thereafter. To get the best results, simply poke the seeds into nutrient-rich soil about 1/2 inch deep, followed by a thick layer of mulch. With proper care, this hardy green will burst forth with new life come spring.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts thrive in chilly conditions, with a sudden drop in temperature actually enhancing their flavor. For those who live in regions that experience autumnal temperatures, planting seeds during this season allows the sprouts to germinate and flourish throughout the winter months.
In areas with milder winters, such as USDA Growing Zones 8 and above, Brussels sprouts can be planted in the fall and harvested in early spring.
For those residing in zones 6-7, a cold frame provides the perfect environment for the plants to grow over winter, yielding a spring harvest. This flexibility makes Brussels sprouts an excellent addition to any garden, as they can be grown year-round with minimal fuss.
Collards
Just as kale thrives in nutrient-rich soil, collards also benefit from a nitrogen-heavy, compost-enriched environment. Mulch them generously and let the cooler winter months work their magic, breaking down seed casings to promote robust growth. By spring, you’ll be rewarded with large, tender leaves perfect for creating hearty braises or wrapping up tasty ingredients.
Swiss Chard
When it comes to growing chard, its behavior is surprisingly similar to that of collards. However, I’ve found that planting the seeds just after the last frost date yields better results than sowing them beforehand. If you plant too early and a sudden warm spell occurs, the seeds may germinate prematurely, resulting in a disappointing autumn crop.
Spring Onions
As the seasons transition into spring, these tender shoots emerge from their underground slumber, carefully cultivated when young to eventually mature into robust bulbs. Winter’s quiet repose is followed by a rebirth of sorts, as the weather warms and they rise above the soil once more.
Timing is crucial for optimal germination; aim to plant seeds about 1/2 inches deep mere days prior to the first frost date.
A layer of compost and mulch will provide the necessary insulation and nourishment for these oniony delights to thrive come next spring.
Garlic
While timing varies depending on location and garlic variety, a general rule of thumb is to plant in autumn if you reside in a colder climate. For optimal growth, garlic requires well-draining, compost-rich soil, making raised beds or containers an ideal choice. Aim to plant your garlic about six weeks prior to your area’s expected first frost date. For more detailed guidance and expert tips on planting and harvesting garlic, refer to our comprehensive article.
Carrots
To coax root vegetables into thriving, it’s essential to provide them with nutrient-rich soil that mimics their natural environment. Begin by incorporating generous amounts of well-ripened compost and sandy loam into your soil or raised beds approximately one week prior to your last expected frost date. This will give the beneficial microbes in the compost time to break down and release vital nutrients as the soil warms up.
Once the soil is prepared, plant your carrot seeds about 1/3 inch deep, followed by a layer of soil and finally topped with several inches of straw mulch. The straw not only shields the delicate seeds from harsh winter temperatures but also stimulates germination in the spring. By creating a cozy environment for your seedlings to grow, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest come springtime.
Beets
When it comes to preparing beetroot beds, regardless of whether you’re working with small or large varieties, follow the same approach as you would for carrots. Begin by planting the spiky seeds 1/2 inch deep and gently tucking them into their winter slumber. If you prefer to avoid a summer crop of beets, take steps ahead of time by poking holes in the soil. Then, shortly after the first frost, plant your seeds, ensuring they don’t germinate prematurely.
Fall-planted beets also benefit from a layer of protective mulch. Options include straw blankets, as well as leafy and wood chip covers.
Turnips
When it comes to cooking and preparing turnips, think of them as you would carrots or beets. While they may not be as widely known or enjoyed as their sweeter counterparts, turnips are incredibly versatile and offer a wealth of culinary possibilities. Additionally, the leafy greens that grow alongside turnips are packed with nutrients and can provide essential sustenance during the spring season when other food sources may be scarce.
To get the most out of your turnip crop, make sure to mulch them well using high-quality straw. This will not only help retain moisture but also promote healthy growth come early spring.
Rutabagas
Rutabagas, a hybrid of turnips and cabbages, are ideally suited for fall planting. To reap the best results, they require well-draining soil with an emphasis on nutrient-rich compost. In fact, these heavy feeders benefit greatly from the extra boost of nutrients, making it essential to incorporate ample compost into the soil before planting. Given their larger size, early sowing allows for optimal development.
Interestingly, fall-planted rutabagas have been known to possess a sweeter flavor profile compared to those planted in the spring.
Winter Radishes
Winter radishes are a distinct breed from their small, quick-growing cousins. For a bountiful harvest, look for varieties with ‘winter’ in their name, such as German, Russian, Japanese, or Scandinavian types. The Schwartzer Runder winter radish is an excellent example – its black skin belies a large, meaty interior and a fiery flavor that will leave you wanting more.
These robust radishes can flourish in a range of soils, but they truly thrive in fertile soil with good sand content.
Sow seeds about half an inch deep and cover lightly, then mulch with straw and let the seeds germinate happily over the cold winter months.
Peas
While many gardeners eagerly plant peas as soon as the soil thaws in spring, some regions offer a unique opportunity for fall sowing. In milder winter climates, or even in Zones 6 and below with proper planning, it’s possible to get a head start on the growing season by planting pea seeds in the autumn. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the soil drains well, as excessive moisture can cause pea seed rot.
To create an ideal environment, incorporate potassium- and phosphorus-rich compost into the soil mix, combining it with sand and perlite for improved drainage. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep, followed by a layer of straw mulch. With time, you should begin to see tender shoots emerge as the soil softens, allowing pea plants to establish themselves before winter sets in.
Perpetual Spinach
While standard annual spinach varieties like Bloomsdale and Monstreux de Viroflay can thrive in both young and mature stages, perpetual spinach presents a unique opportunity for continuous harvests. This ‘cut-and-come-again’ variety is particularly well-suited to nitrogen-rich, compost-filled soil with good drainage, and can be coaxed into producing an abundance of leaves over the course of several months.
To get started, sow seeds about a week before your area’s expected frost date, spaced roughly one inch apart, and ensure they’re well-covered with a layer of mulch. As the seasons change and spring arrives once more, you’ll be delighted to discover that your perpetual spinach is already bursting forth with fresh growth, ready for another round of harvesting.
