The first frost may signal the end of summer, but it's prime time to get certain vegetables in the ground. Many cool-season crops thrive in the shortening days and crisp temperatures of early fall.
Start these veggies before your area's average first frost, and you'll be rewarded with a harvest that keeps going well into the cooler months.
Spinach
Spinach loves cooler weather and actually gets sweeter after a light frost. Sow seeds a few weeks before the first frost for tender baby greens or full heads.
Carrots
Carrots need time to mature, but cooler temps improve their flavor. Plant them well ahead of frost so they can develop underground while the weather cools.
Green Onions (Scallions)
Quick-growing and cold-tolerant, green onions are an ideal pre-frost crop. You can sow them densely and harvest as needed for fresh flavor all fall.
Lettuce
Loose-leaf lettuces grow quickly and don’t mind cool nights. Plant in succession every week or two to keep your salad bowl full until deep fall.
Broccoli
Broccoli grows best in cooler temperatures and benefits from early planting before the first frost. It can tolerate light frosts, which often improve its flavor.
Kale
Kale is a frost-loving powerhouse that actually gets sweeter after a cold snap. Start it in late summer for a continuous harvest deep into fall—and sometimes winter.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a bit finicky with heat, so it’s best to start before frost in cooler conditions. It takes a while to mature but thrives in fall temperatures.
Swiss Chard
This colorful green is more cold-hardy than it looks. Plant it now, and you’ll get a vibrant, productive harvest that lasts through the chill.
Garlic
While you won’t harvest garlic until next year, you should plant it just before the ground freezes. Fall planting gives it a strong head start for spring.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens grow fast and love the cold, adding a spicy kick to salads and sautés. Sow them close to frost time for peak flavor and tenderness.
Beets
Beets are another root crop that loves a chilly growing season. Their tops are edible too, giving you double the harvest from a single plant.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest crops you can grow—some mature in just three weeks. They're perfect for filling in garden gaps before frost hits.
Cabbage
Cabbage needs time to form heads, so start it early. The cool fall air helps it grow tight, crisp, and flavorful.
Don’t let frost sneak up on you—get these cool-weather veggies started in time, and your garden will reward you well into the season. Just check your region’s frost date and get planting while there’s still time!
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