Planting a late fall garden? Include these veggies, for sure.

 

Fall is for planting, so you've read. But, as I'm writing this, fall began about 60 days ago. Is it too late to start? May not. Much depends on your climate zone and what you choose to plant. 

If you're just getting around to planting a fall garden, you'll want to include these veggies in your lineup. Since it's so late, I recommend buying them as sets or starter plants. Skip seed-starting yourself.

 Garlic - These tasty bulbs love cool weather. Get them in the ground now for a summer harvest. They require very little care, though a layer of straw mulch will be appreciated. If you're in the north, plant hard-neck varieties. If in the south, plant soft-neck varieties. Your bulb source should be able to advise you which are which.

Onions, scallions, shallots - As with garlic, most prefer cooler temperatures. Small sets should still be available at your feed-and-seed or nursery. There's no need to plant them deeply, but a layer of straw mulch will be appreciated.

"Multiplying" or "bunching" onions and chives are among our favorites. Bunches can be easily divided and reset at any time of year. As for chives, the Asian garlic chives are prolific seed producers, and germinated readily regardless of the season. 

Carrots and beets, though recommended for fall planting, are seldom available as starter plants. If you garden in the Deep South, seeds will probably germinate for you. Otherwise, skip them this time.

Brassicas - These include cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi, collards, mustard and turnips. The first seven in the list should be readily available as starter plants. Though they cost more than seeds, they're unlikely to germinate well when temperatures are cold. So go with the starter plants. Mustard and turnips usually germinate rather quickly, so can be direct-sown in your garden. In fact, you might sow more than one crop from fall to early spring.

Lettuce - Many varieties are often available as starter plants in stores, so avail yourself of them. Otherwise try planting loose-leaf varieties in a cold-frame. 

Arugula and radishes - These germinate rather quickly and produce in short order, so direct-sowing should produce some salad ingredients before very cold weather advances.

Chard - This colorful leafy vegetable is a favorite in our home. Get these now as starter plants in bedding plant trays for best results.

Parsley and cilantro - Sow directly in the Deep South. Otherwise, look for them in bedding plant trays.

Just because you're starting late is no reason to despair, give up and go without. You can still begin now for a satisfying fall garden.

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