Three Vegetables To Plant In The Fall

Most people consider the end of summer as the end of the gardening season, however that can’t be further from the truth. but There are actually some plants that grow well in autumn in warmer climates. Believe it or not, they’re some fall vegetables to plant that grow well in fall gardens located in warmer climates.

Cabbage

Cabbages grow well in cooler temperatures and usually take between two and three months to grow and harvest. Cabbage is a very hearty vegetable and perfect for planting in the fall. Hearty vegetables can be healthy and nutritious food options for fall gardens. They offer benefits that can enhance both your health and the look of your yard.

There are over 100 different types of cabbage and the most common varieties grown are green and red cabbage. Scientists believe that cabbage is one of the oldest vegetables because it has been a dietary staple in different parts of the world for thousands of years. According to the New World Encyclopedia, there is some evidence that cabbage was used in the Shensi province in China around 4,000 B.C.

Collard Greens

Collard greens can be planted in a fall vegetable garden and harvested when appropriate. Many farmers believe fall is the time to plant collards because winter cold weather adds sweetness to the leaves. Though collards are cool-season crops, temperatures below 20° F can kill the plant. Be mindful of your climate region before growing vegetables.

Collards make great additions to both your garden and your diet. Besides being tasty, collard greens offer several health benefits when consumed. Some of these benefits include improving bone health, digestion, liver function, and sleep habits. Research even suggest collards protect against cancer, lower cholesterol, and increase the health of your hair and skin.

Kale

Kale is considered a cold-hardy vegetable, as they can survive spring and fall in low temps and light frost. Kale is super-nutritious, containing antioxidants and several other nutrients, and a perfect substitute for calcium. This could be a great benefit for people who do not consume dairy products. Kale chips are also a popular snack and healthy side dish for nearly every meal.

Best time to plant kale differs depending on your local climate. In warmer southern or coastal US climates, kale can have a late fall to winter growing season. In general, local temperatures should not exceed 75° F for best results. High summer heat reduces growth, quality, and produces bitter harvests.

Plant hardiness zones offer valuable guidance to small farmers, landscapers, and gardeners who are looking at the various vegetable plants to grow in the fall. If you are planning to grow any vegetables, it's important you understand grow zones and frost dates.

Grow zones represent specific areas indicating which plants thrive there. In the US, there are 11 growing zones. Each zone determined by the average lowest winter temp and selection of growable plants in the region. Frost dates are estimates dates that temps in your area go below 0° C or 32° F, shown as the last spring frost or first fall frost.

Climate Variance and Its Impacts

Climate is a crucial factor in determining planting zones, as it includes average temperatures, humidity, light, and moisture levels. Understanding these elements helps gardeners choose the right plants for their specific environment.

• Temperature: The minimum and maximum temperatures a region experiences dictate which plants can survive and flourish there.
• Heat: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can stress or damage plants that are not adapted to those conditions. It's important to select heat-tolerant varieties in warmer zones.
• Wind and Sunlight: Strong winds can increase water loss through transpiration. The amount and intensity of sunlight affects photosynthesis, flowering, and fruiting in plants.
• Humidity: Humidity levels can influence plant health, with some plants preferring moist environments and others thriving in drier conditions. Your plant choice should factor humidity levels in.
• Moisture Levels: Consistent moisture levels are essential for plant growth, with some plants requiring more water and others better suited to drought conditions.