Best Fall Plants
submitted by Holly Rutchik
for Southern Gardens
With the crisp air of autumn comes the perfect opportunity for gardeners in the southern regions of the United States to continue their gardening pursuits. Fall is a remarkable time for gardening. Milder temperatures along with abundant sunshine create great conditions for a variety of plants to thrive.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, the fall season offers an array of options to cultivate a flourishing garden.
Cool-Season Vegetables
Fall is a fantastic season for growing an assortment of cool-season vegetables in the southern states. These vegetables thrive in the cooler
temperatures and shorter daylight hours of autumn. In several southern states including Texas and Florida, options such as kale, spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard can be sown directly into the ground or transplanted from seedlings. These nutrient-rich greens not only add vibrancy to your garden, but can also provide a fresh and healthy addition to your meals.
Root Crops
Carrots, radishes and turnips are examples of outstanding root crops for fall gardening. With the help of moist and cool fall conditions in
states like South Carolina, these crops are able to develop sweet and crisp flavors. Most popular for novice gardens may be carrots. They benefit from the milder temperatures as they convert starches into sugars. This can result in a delicious-tasting harvest.
Herbs
If you’ve never planned an herb (or Chef’s) garden, fall is a great time! Herbs like parsley, cilantro, rosemary and thyme not only thrive during the fall, but can
offer a burst of aromatic flavors to your home kitchen creations. These herbs can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, providing easy access to fresh ingredients for your fall cooking endeavors.
Flowering Annuals
Add a burst of color to your fall garden with flowering annuals such as pansies, snapdragons and marigolds. These resilient
plants can withstand cooler temperatures and continue to bloom well into the fall season.
Perennials and Bulbs
Fall is an opportune time to plant perennials and bulbs that can grace your garden year after year. Consider planting tulips, daffodils
or hyacinths for next spring. Perennials like asters and mums can also be planted in the fall, adding a riot of colors and textures to your garden as other plants start to wind down.
Herbs
Cover crops can play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and fertility during the fall and winter months. Legumes like clover and vetch, as well as
grasses like ryegrass, can be sown to prevent erosion, suppress weeds and enrich your garden’s soil with essential nutrients.
Flowering Annuals
While many fruit trees enter dormancy during the fall, some varieties can be planted or cultivated
during this season. Consider planting blueberry bushes, which thrive in the southern climate and produce bountiful berries in the upcoming seasons.
The fall season presents a unique opportunity for southern gardeners. From nourishing vegetables and aromatic herbs to vibrant flowers and enduring perennials, there are several choices to keep your home garden blooming through the fall months. Not sure if you can sneak in another round of harvestable vegetables or looking to determine what’s best for your fall garden each year? Check your local projected first frost predictions when planning your fall garden.