Freighter View Farms

Here at Freighter View Farms, gardening in Zone 6a is not just about the hot, sun-soaked days of summer. For me, gardening truly starts in February under grow lights and stretches well beyond the heat of summer into the cool days of fall, when many of my favorite crops come to life. While others may be wrapping up their season, I’m just getting started with my cool-weather garden, filled with crops that love the crisp air and shrug off the light frost.

Growing in fall is an experience unlike any other, and there’s something magical about harvesting peas, kale, lettuce, and so much more well into the cooler months, as the weather sweetens and enhances their flavor.

Cool Weather Crops That Shine in the Fall

There’s an entire world of vegetables that prefer the cool days of fall to the heat of summer. These crops not only thrive in lower temperatures, but they actually taste better when exposed to a bit of cold. Here are some of the cool-weather champions that I grow at Freighter View Farms:

• Peas: Perfect for both spring and fall, peas love cool weather. As temperatures drop, their flavor becomes even sweeter and more satisfying. They shake off light frost, keeping their delicate pods tender and full of flavor.
• Radishes: Quick-growing and crisp, radishes are at their best in cool temperatures. I sow them in early April and again in late summer for a bountiful fall harvest, their sharp bite mellowed by the cold.
• Lettuce and Kale: These leafy greens thrive in the cool, crisp air. Fall weather turns kale into a sweeter, more tender green, while lettuce stays crisp and flavorful. No need to worry about the heat of summer causing them to bolt early—fall is their time to shine.
• Broccoli: This cool-weather favorite loves the fall. As the temperatures drop, the broccoli heads become firmer and more flavorful, thriving in the cool soil of autumn.
• Spinach and Arugula: Another two greens that adore cool weather. Spinach becomes especially rich and vibrant as the season changes, and arugula’s peppery flavor intensifies, adding zest to any salad.
• Bok Choy and Swiss Chard: These versatile greens thrive in cool weather and provide a constant harvest throughout the fall. Their leaves remain tender and flavorful as the cold sets in.
• Beets: I grow Detroit beets in the fall, and they become even sweeter after a few frosts. There’s nothing quite like pulling up these deep red roots in the cool weather and roasting them for a warm, earthy flavor.
• Kohlrabi: Another cool-weather crop that becomes sweeter with the cold, kohlrabi grows beautifully through the fall, adding a unique crunch to salads and stir-fries.
• Endive: Known for its slight bitterness, endive is a sturdy fall green that can be used raw or cooked. It becomes a staple in my fall salads as the temperatures drop.

Cool-Weather Herbs: The Flavor Makers of Fall

It’s not just vegetables that love the cooler weather—herbs also thrive as the air turns crisp. Cilantro, sage, thyme, and oregano flourish in fall, their flavors becoming more intense and robust. These herbs add layers of complexity to the fall harvest, perfectly complementing the vegetables in both fresh dishes and hearty, warm meals as the days grow shorter.

• Cilantro: Known for its bright, fresh flavor, cilantro thrives in cool weather, and fall is the perfect time to enjoy its delicate leaves.
• Sage and Thyme: These earthy herbs do well in cool temperatures and are perfect for fall cooking. They bring a warmth and depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with roasted fall vegetables.
• Oregano: Another hardy herb, oregano is more potent in cooler temperatures, making it a staple in autumn dishes, from soups to sauces.

The Flavor of Cool Weather Crops

There’s something remarkable about how cool weather enhances the flavor of certain vegetables. As the temperatures drop, many crops produce sugars as a defense against the cold, making them sweeter and more flavorful. Kale, for instance, softens in texture and develops a much sweeter flavor after a light frost, while carrots and beets gain sweetness as the cool weather slows their growth, concentrating their natural sugars.

The fall air adds something special to every crop, making them not only more resilient but also more delicious. It’s like the earth is offering one last, sweet harvest before winter sets in.

The Fall Garlic Planting Tradition

Of course, no fall garden would be complete without mentioning garlic. Fall is garlic-planting season, and though I’ll dive into more detail in another post, it’s important to remember that this cool-weather crop gets its start in the crisp days of fall, sleeping underground through the winter before bursting to life in the spring. Planting garlic in the fall ensures a robust harvest the following year, adding another layer of reward to the fall gardening season.

Fall Gardening: A Season to Savor

Here at Freighter View Farms, gardening is never limited to the warmth of summer. From the first seedlings started in February to the final carrot pulled in December, the garden is alive with possibility. Cool-weather crops bring a vibrancy to the fall garden that summer simply can’t offer. Whether it’s the tender greens that thrive in the crisp air or the root vegetables sweetened by frost, fall gardening is a reminder that the best harvests often come after the summer sun fades.

If you’re ready to extend your gardening season, embrace the cool days of fall. There’s something truly special about watching your garden thrive in the cool weather, knowing that the crisp air and gentle frosts are working their magic on your crops. Happy growing!