As with spring cool season and summer vegetables, timing is very important. We can take advantage of warm soil temperatures in August knowing that cooler days and cooler nights will begin in September and will continue through October. In this way, we have good plant development, increased flavor, and sweetness in our fall vegetables.
Below is a guide of which fall vegetables will perform well, and the appropriate timing for planting and days to maturity – both seeds and started plants.
Starting From Seeds – Vegetables for Fall
Warm soils of mid-August to mid-September equal quick germination and allow time for plants to mature during the Fall season.
Vegetable Planting Dates Days to Maturity Hardiness
| Vegetable | Planting Dates | Days to Maturity | Hardiness |
| Beets | June 25 – July 5 | 50 Days | Half Hardy |
| Broccoli | June 25 – July 5 | 70 Days | Half Hardy |
| Carrots | June 25 – July 5 | 60 – 80 Days | Half Hardy |
| Collards | June 25 – July 5 | 50 – 70 Days | Half Hardy |
| Endive | June 25 – July 5 | 80 Days | Half Hardy |
| Kale | June 25 – July 5 | 60 – 75 Days | Hardy |
| Lettuce (Leaf) | August 11 – August 20 | 40 – 50 Days | Half Hardy |
| Mustard | August 11 – August 20 | 40 – 60 Days | Half Hardy |
| Peas | June 25 – July 5 | 60 – 70 Days | Half Hardy |
| Radish | July 25 – July 26 | 20 – 40 Days | Half Hardy |
| Spinach | August 11 – August 20 | 40 – 50 Days | Hardy |
| Swiss Chard | August 11 – August 20 | 40 – 50 Days | Half Hardy |
Started Plants – Vegetables for Fall
We often experience greater success when planting certain started vegetables. Fall vegetables from started plants mean fewer days to maturity as opposed to seeds, which are easier to achieve overall success.
Vegetables Planting Dates Days to Maturity Hardiness
| Vegetable | Planting Dates | Days to Maturity | Hardiness |
| Brocolli | August 10 – September 10 | 45 Days | Half Hardy |
| Brussel Sprouts | August 1 – September 1 | 60 – 80 Days | Hardy |
| Cabbage | August 1 – September 1 | 45 – 65 Days | Half Hardy |
| Cauliflower | August 1 – September 1 | 35 – 45 Days | Half Hardy |
| Collards | August 1 – September 1 | 35 – 45 Days | Half Hardy |
| Kale | August 1 – September 1 | 45 – 65 Days | Hardy |
| Lettuce (Buttercrunch) | August 1 – September 1 | 45 – 65 Days | Hardy |
| Lettuce (Romaine) | August 1 – September 1 | 35 – 45 Days | Hardy |
| Spinach | August 30 – September 21 | 30 – 40 Days | Hardy |
| Swiss Chard | August 15 – September 15 | 45 – 50 Days | Half Hardy |
