Best Seeds for Fall Gardening | Cumberland Crossing by OceanView

It may seem a surprising fall gardening tip, but autumn is a wonderful time to plant some of the hardier crops that can be enjoyed come springtime! With soil still relatively warm, it will encourage germination in seeds and be easier to maintain moisture. Talk about something to look forward to! Now the question is: what should you plant? Some plants do better than others in colder weather, so to encourage success with your autumn gardening, we’ve put together some suggestions!

Here are the 5 best seeds to plant during fall:

1. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are not only incredibly nutritious and delicious, but they are also notoriously hardy and able to survive through winter! This can include any of the following:

Collard greens
Kale
Winter gem lettuce
Cress
Rocket
Radicchio
Endive
Lamb’s lettuce

Plant a wide variety and prepare to enjoy as soon as spring rolls around – possibly even while there’s still frost on the ground, as many of these greens are known to pop up in even the most bitter temperatures!

Tip: Mulch around the base of each plant to extend their life cycle and help protect against frost.

2. Alliums

Alliums, such as onions, spring onions, shallots, all do well when planted in fall because it allows the roots ample time to establish themselves before the soil freezes, after which they can fend for themselves. They have a long growing season, so the timing actually works out perfectly for autumn planting. Just make sure you mark where you plant them, as they may still be hiding underground as you begin to plant spring crops!

3. Garlic

While garlic is technically a part of the allium family, we feel it deserves a category all of its own! Garlic is incredible – it’s truly a superplant when it comes to aiding illness and boosting immunity. It’s also very self-sufficient and actually thrives in cold temperatures, with fall being the best time to plant garlic.

Tip: Lay down 6-8 inches of mulch on top of the soil where your garlic cloves are bedded to help keep them toasty through the frost.

4. Turnips

Turnips are certainly not considered to be the most popular vegetable when given the option, but these little gems provide wonderful nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals needed for our survival. They increase bone strength, give our metabolism a little kick, and boost our immune systems with their anti-inflammatory properties. What’s not to love? Plant a few of these in your garden this fall – you’ll be happy you did come springtime!

5. Asparagus

Asparagus is a testament to fall gardening patience: did you know it takes a minimum of two years to harvest a crop of asparagus spears? Plant these reliable perennials in autumn and reap the benefits. It’s worth the wait – they continue to produce for more than 25 years! If you’re one of the lucky few who already have an established bed of asparagus, we envy you!

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is an active retirement living community located in beautiful Cumberland, Maine. To learn more about our housing options and exciting community, please contact us today!