Fall is one of the most rewarding times to garden. Cooler temperatures, more reliable rain in many regions and fewer pests make it ideal for leafy greens, root vegetables and many herbs. It is also the time to plant garlic, spring-flowering bulbs and cover crops that improve your soil for next year.
This guide explains how to time fall planting, what to plant and how the timing changes across USDA hardiness zones. Because local conditions vary so much, always check your local cooperative extension service’s planting calendar for exact dates.
Understanding Your Zone and Frost Date
USDA Hardiness Zones
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the country into zones based on average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures. The map was updated in 2023. You can look up your zone by ZIP code on the USDA website.
Hardiness zones tell you which perennials can survive your winter. For vegetables, your average first fall frost date matters even more.
Find Your First Frost Date
Your local cooperative extension service, weather records or reputable online frost date tools can give you an estimated first fall frost date. Treat it as an average: an early frost can arrive sooner.
How to Time Fall Planting
Count backward from your first frost date:
- Find the crop’s days to maturity on the seed packet.
- Add a couple of weeks to account for slower growth as days get shorter and cooler (sometimes called the “fall factor”).
- Add harvest time for crops you will pick over several weeks.
- Count backward that many days from your first frost date.
Example: A lettuce variety listed at 45 days, plus about 14 days for slower fall growth, should be sown about 59 days, or a little over eight weeks, before the first frost. Frost-tolerant crops can keep growing after a light frost, which gives you some extra time.
What to Plant in Fall
Leafy Greens
- Lettuce: Fast-growing and tolerates light frost. Sow in succession for a steady harvest.
- Spinach: Very cold-hardy and often overwinters in many zones with protection.
- Kale: Tolerates frost well; many gardeners say flavor improves after cold weather.
- Collards: Very cold-tolerant and productive.
- Swiss chard: Tolerates light frost.
- Arugula and mustard greens: Quick to mature and great for fall.
- Asian greens like bok choy and tatsoi.
Root Vegetables
- Radishes: Mature quickly, making them ideal for fall.
- Carrots: Can be sweeter after cool weather. Some gardeners leave them in the ground under mulch to harvest into early winter in milder zones.
- Beets: Roots and greens are both edible.
- Turnips: Fast-growing and frost-tolerant.
Brassicas
- Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts grow well in fall but need a long season. In many areas, they are started from transplants in mid to late summer.
Alliums
- Garlic: Typically planted in fall a few weeks before the ground freezes and harvested the next summer. Plant individual cloves pointed end up and mulch well in cold zones.
- Onions and shallots: Some varieties can be fall-planted in mild climates.
- Green onions: Can be sown for fall harvest.
Peas
In warmer zones, fall-sown peas can do well. In colder areas, they may not have time to mature before freezing weather.
Herbs
- Cilantro prefers cool weather and bolts less in fall.
- Parsley tolerates cold well.
- Dill can be sown in fall in mild climates.
- Many perennial herbs such as thyme, oregano and chives can be planted in early fall so roots establish before winter.
See our guide to growing herbs in containers.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, alliums and hyacinths are planted in fall, after soil cools but before the ground freezes, so they can develop roots before spring. In very warm zones, some bulbs need pre-chilling to bloom well.
Cover Crops
Cover crops protect and improve soil over winter. Common choices include:
- Cereal rye, which is very cold-hardy
- Crimson clover, which adds nitrogen
- Hairy vetch, another nitrogen-fixing legume
- Oats, which winter-kill in colder zones and leave a mulch
Check timing for your area, and see how to test and improve garden soil.
General Guidance by Zone
These are broad generalizations. Use your local frost date and extension guidance for specifics.
Cold Zones (Roughly 3–5)
- Plant fall crops in mid to late summer, because frost arrives early.
- Focus on fast crops like radishes, lettuce, spinach and kale.
- Plant garlic and bulbs in early to mid fall.
- Use row covers or cold frames to extend the harvest.
Moderate Zones (Roughly 6–7)
- Sow many greens and roots in late summer to early fall.
- Transplant brassicas in late summer.
- Plant garlic and bulbs in mid to late fall.
- Some crops, like spinach and kale, may overwinter with protection.
Warm Zones (Roughly 8–10)
- Fall and winter are often the main growing seasons for cool-season vegetables.
- Plant greens, roots, brassicas and peas from fall into winter.
- Wait until temperatures moderate before sowing crops that dislike heat.
- Some bulbs may need pre-chilling.
Very Warm Zones (11 and Above)
- Many cool-season crops are grown in the cooler months only.
- Check local guidance, since standard calendars may not apply.
Tips for Fall Planting Success
Keep Seeds Cool and Moist
Late-summer soil can be hot and dry. Water seedbeds often, and consider shading them with a board or shade cloth until seeds sprout. Some gardeners sow seeds slightly deeper in summer heat.
Use Season Extenders
- Row covers protect crops from frost and pests.
- Cold frames create a mini greenhouse.
- Mulch keeps soil warmer and protects roots.
Watch for Pests
Cabbage worms and aphids may still be active in early fall. Row covers help.
Plan for Cleanup
As crops finish, compost healthy plant debris. See our guide to preparing your garden for winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to plant a fall garden?
Not always. Fast crops like radishes, arugula and some lettuces can still mature if you have several weeks before hard freezes, especially with row covers.
What is the difference between a light frost and a hard freeze?
A light frost happens around freezing and damages tender plants. A hard freeze is colder and lasts longer, damaging many hardy crops too. Definitions vary by source.
Can I plant tomatoes in fall?
In most zones, no. Tomatoes need warm temperatures. In some very warm areas, a fall tomato crop is possible.
When should I plant garlic?
In many areas, plant garlic in fall a few weeks before the ground freezes. Check your local extension service for timing.
Do I need to fertilize fall crops?
Adding compost before planting is usually helpful. Follow soil test results and fertilizer labels for any additional feeding.
The Bottom Line
Fall planting extends your harvest and sets up next year’s garden. Find your first frost date, count back using days to maturity, choose cool-season crops, plant garlic and bulbs and consider a cover crop. With a little protection, many greens and roots will keep producing well into the cold months.
Editorial note: Backyard Bloomer is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.