Let’s face it.  Sometimes gardening is hard work.  The excitement and anticipation that was abundant in the spring are replaced with frustration and disappointment.  Insect and disease pressure, not to mention the sweltering heat of summer, have diminished the harvest and the desire to garden.  By the time August rolls around, it is tempting to just clean out the garden and put it to bed until next spring.  But if you do that, you might be missing out on some of the best gardening of the year!  Here are six reasons why you should consider planting a fall garden.

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1. Cool Weather Crops

The number one reason to plant a fall garden are the amazing cool weather crops you can grow!  From vibrant green to rich jewel tones, cool weather crops are not only beautiful, but they are also loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and amazing flavor!  What’s more, some of the crops that you can grow in the spring have better flavor if grown in the fall because their taste is enhanced by the cool weather.  There are so many types of vegetables you can plant in the late summer to early fall for a fall-winter harvest:

• • • Arugula
    • Beets
    • Bok Choy
    • Broccoli
    • Brussels sprouts
    • Bunching Onions
    • Bush beans
    • Cabbage
    • Carrots
    • Cauliflower
    • Celery and Celeriac
    • Chives
    • Cilantro or Coriander
    • Collards
    • Endive
    • Fava Beans
    • Fennel
    • Garlic (plant in the fall to harvest next year)
    • Green Onions
    • Kale
    • Kohlrabi
    • Leeks
    • Lettuces
    • Mustard Greens
    • Onions
    • Parsley
    • Parsnips
    • Peas
    • Radishes
    • Shallots
    • Spinach
    • Swiss chard
    • Turnips

Can you imagine life without these amazing crops!  Being able to harvest fresh, nutrient-dense produce from your fall garden is a wonderful and rewarding experience.   Of course, when deciding which cool weather vegetables to grow, you will need to keep in mind which growing zone you live in and how many weeks are left until your area’s first frost date, as well as how many days it takes for a crop to mature.  Once you decide which vegetables grow best in your area, you can get started.  Remember, row covers, cold frames, and greenhouses can extend the fall-winter growing season.

2.  Less Pest and Disease Pressure

One of the best things about the changing seasons is that the pressure from pests and diseases is much less.  Many of the insects you have had to fight off have finished their life cycle or are preparing to overwinter, and won’t be a problem.  Of course, that does not mean that you won’t have any pest problems.  Some fall crops attract pests, like cabbage worms and cabbage loopers, especially if you live in a warmer climate.  It is just that pests won’t be as pervasive as they are in the spring and summer.  The same can be said about plant diseases.  Because plants are less stressed by the heat and insect pressure, they will be less susceptible to disease.  In addition, some diseases like powdery mildew, which thrive in warm weather, typically are not a problem in the fall.  Fewer pests and diseases is a win-win for any garden.

3.  You Can Enjoy Your Growing Space

The fall season brings a respite from the summer heat.  You can enjoy being out in the garden any time of day, no more hurrying back indoors to get out of the heat and away from the mosquitoes!  Whether it’s lingering over a cup of coffee in the morning as you survey your garden or sipping on an adult beverage like the Autumn in Tuscany by mixologist, Girl & Tonic at sunset, this is the season to enjoy your growing space.

4.  Soil Improvement

Growing plants in the fall season can benefit the soil.  Certain crops like peas and other legumes, cooperate with Rhizobium bacteria to convert air-borne nitrogen into the version that plants can use.  Fall crops can also add organic matter to the soil.  Root crops, in particular, help aerate the soil and prevent compaction.  In addition, growing plants can help improve soil drainage and prevent erosion.

5.  Less Watering and Weeding

The fall season brings more rainfall which means you have to water less.  If you garden in-ground, as opposed to a container garden, there will also be fewer weeds to deal with, which means less time weeding and more time enjoying the garden.

6.  No More Waiting

When the weather turns cool, gardeners often exclaim how much they miss gardening.  They dream about the coming spring and draw sketches of the garden to determine where they will plant future crops, as well as making a list of seeds to buy.  But if you plant a fall garden, you won’t have to wait to enjoy all that gardening has to offer: harvesting fresh produce, the crisp, cool air, not to mention all the physical and mental health benefits of working in the garden. Yes, you can still dream about all you are going to plant in the spring, but you can have the pleasure of a fall and winter harvest while you wait.

If you only grow a garden in the spring and summer months, perhaps it is time to consider all that a fall garden has to offer.

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