The cooler weather in the fall is perfect for growing many types of vegetables, especially those that grow well with cool temperatures.
However, most need to be started when temperatures are warm (in July and August). Listed are the vegetable crops and planting times that work best in mid-Missouri.
Many of these crops can be harvested into November, and sometimes December.
The key to success is starting these plants while the weather is warm. As temperatures cool, fall veggies improve in quality and flavor. Many insect and disease problems don’t exist with fall crops.
- July 1 to August 10- start seeds of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and head lettuces
- July 15 to August 15- plant seeds of carrots, green beans, peas, winter radish, turnips, kale, and collards
- July 25 to August 25- transplant seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and head lettuces
- August 15 to September 15- plant seeds of leaf lettuce, radish, and spinach
Tips on starting fall vegetable crops:
- Water-in seedlings with a solution of a liquid fertilizer
- Water every 12 hours for the first three waterings (especially if temperatures are hot). Check for water needs closely for the first week. After plants have become established, check watering two times per week.
- Mulch new transplants at the time of planting with straw or compost to reduce water evaporation, to avoid soil compaction, and to reduce weed competition. When sowing seeds, mulch as soon as the seeds have germinated.
- Seeds don’t start growing until the soil has been moistened. If no rain is expected, the garden can be watered to encourage germination.
- Apply a garden fertilizer a few days after planting seedlings or after seeds have emerged.
- Keep competition down through mulching, hand pulling, or cultivation. Weeding keeps the garden neater and easier for harvesting the vegetable crops. Weeding or cultivation also loosens the soil and improves production.
