Explore the world of fall veggie planting and discover how you can continue your gardening journey through the cooler months. Join Dan, our resident food growing expert, as he guides us through the best veggie options, effective combinations, troubleshooting techniques, and planting insights for gardeners of all levels.

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Fall mimics coastal weather in much of the Bay Area, allowing us to grow cool weather crops during September, October and November and to overwinter some of them until Spring. Fall is the time to plant the Mustard (Cabbage) family vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, collards and kale, as well as peas, carrots, beets and leafy greens. Many of our favorite herbs thrive during this period as well and don’t forget to intercrop with flowers.

Soil Preparation

  • Rebuild soil with compost and manure and use a balanced fertilizer
  • In containers, use a good potting soil and refresh with compost and manure, fertilizer

Brassicas (Mustard/Cabbage family)

  • Broccoli, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Kohlrabi, Mizuna, various
  • Mustards
  • Prefer cooler weather, can tolerate cold nights
  • Nutritious, need well-drained, rich soil, full sun (6 hours/day)

Kale

  • Toscano (also called Dinosaur or Lacinato)
  • Red Russian, Scarlet
  • Blue Vates (sometimes called a Collard)

Broccoli

  • Plant in September and again in early to mid-Spring
  • “Early” 60-70 days, “Overwintering” 90-120 days

Brussels Sprouts

  • August is ideal time to plant for Christmas harvest
  • September latest, takes about 100 days

Leafy Greens

  • Throughout the Fall, into Winter, Lettuce, Kale, Swiss Chard, Mizuna, Mustards,
  • Arugula (a quick, 30-day crop, so keep planting regularly)

Peas

  • Plant snap, sugar, and shelling peas now for Winter/Spring crop. Easy to start seeds.

Root Crops

  • Carrots, Beets, Turnips now

Hardy Herbs

  • Sage, Parsley, Cilantro, Chives, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Mint

 

Ideal time to plant berries, start looking for fruit trees

 

References:

Pam Peirce, Golden Gate Gardening, 30th Anniversary Ed., 2023, Sasquatch Books, Seattle WA

Mel Bartholomew, All New Square Foot Gardening, 2006, Cool Springs Press, Brentwood TN

www.sloatgardens.com/learn