If you haven’t had the chance to plant your vegetable garden in spring, don’t worry! There’s still a golden opportunity at the end of summer to sow vegetables and enjoy a harvest before the first frost. Late summer plantings not only extend your fresh produce supply into fall but, in some cases, may even carry you through winter. Let’s explore 20 vegetables that thrive when sown in late July and early August.
1. Beets
2. Carrots
3. Radishes
4. Rutabagas
5. Turnips
6. Peas
7. Green Beans
8. Cauliflower
9. Broccoli
10. Cabbage
11. Swiss Chard
12. Green Cabbage
13. Spinach
14. Mustard Leaves
15. Lettuce
16. Rocket
17. Sorrel
18. Bok Choy
19. Mescalin Blends
20. Coriander
Succession Planting: Just as with early spring plantings, practicing succession planting is a smart move. By planting smaller quantities each week, you not only ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce but also stagger your harvest times. This prevents an overwhelming abundance of fruits and vegetables all maturing simultaneously.
Using a Garden Planner: For a successful late summer garden and a fruitful fall harvest, it’s crucial to know your average first frost date. By working backward from this date, you can strategically choose crops that will mature before the frosts arrive.
Root Vegetables to Plant in Late Summer: Beets, carrots, and radishes are among the root vegetables that thrive when sown in late summer. Some varieties, like beets, even benefit from denser planting, allowing you to harvest green leaves as you thin the plants. Certain carrot varieties become sweeter when left in the ground through winter, offering a delightful treat.
Peas and Beans for Late Summer: Peas tolerate light frost, making them suitable for late summer planting. However, green beans should be harvested before frost, as they are less cold-resistant. Opt for bush varieties over pole beans for better results.
Cabbages for Late Summer Planting: When choosing brassicas like cauliflower, consider quicker-growing varieties. Sprouting broccoli, with its abundant side sprouts, is an excellent choice, overwintering to greet you in early spring. Cabbages, especially Chinese varieties, thrive in late summer, boasting better cold tolerance.
Green Vegetables for Late Summer: Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach withstand cold temperatures admirably. Lettuces, when densely planted, grow vertically and are easily harvested. The use of greenhouses can further extend the growing season for these leafy greens, ensuring a continued supply into winter.
In summary, the end of summer doesn’t mark the end of your gardening endeavors. With strategic planning and the right vegetable choices, you can sow and harvest a diverse array of vegetables well into autumn and sometimes even winter. Share your late-summer planting experiences and the vegetables you prefer in your region!
