Fall Vegetable Gardening: Grow Fresh Food Into the Cooler Months

Fall is a great time to keep your vegetable garden productive. Cooler air, warm soil, and fewer summer pests create ideal conditions for many cool-season crops, especially leafy greens and root vegetables.

Good fall vegetable choices include lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, radishes, carrots, beets, broccoli, cabbage, and garlic. In Massachusetts and much of New England, timing matters: plant early enough for crops to mature before hard frost, or use transplants and row covers to extend the harvest.

Before planting, clear out tired summer crops, loosen the soil, and add compost to refresh nutrients. Keep seeds and young plants evenly watered, mulch lightly, and watch the forecast as nights get colder. With a little planning, your garden can keep producing crisp greens, sweet roots, and fresh ingredients well into fall.

For help or more information, contact Monnick Supply in Marlborough or Framingham.