Vegetable Planting

Fall is a bounteous time for harvesting vegetables. But what fall vegetables are the top 10 from the viewpoint of the home gardener?

1. Pumpkins

These are the most impressive. Not only are pumpkins relatively easy to grow (as long as they receive enough water) but the large varieties like “Hundredweight” are great for carving Haloween lanterns. The fruits themselves keep for weeks if stored in a cool, dry place, and could encourage small children to each healthily.

2. Celeriac

Surprisingly easy to grow, this vegetable can be mixed with potato to make a more sophisticated mash.

3. Brussel sprouts

Early varieties can be harvested in the fall. Your kids will be amazed to see them on the stalk – and may even try them!

4. Onions

Not only are onions easy to grow but they keep for a long time if hung up to dry.

5. Cabbage

The saviour of dieters everywhere, cabbage seems to take a long time to grow, but is worth it in the end.

6. Zucchini

Some harvest their zucchini in the summer, but the flavors are at their best in the fall.

7. Broccoli

White and purple sprouting broccoli varieties are the hardiest so these are best if you want to continue harvesting them into the late fall. Stop eating them when the plant flowers, as the plant loses its flavor at this point.

8. Spinach and swiss chard

These leaves are hardier than they look – although do not eat them when it gets too cold as the center stem becomes “woody” and you may have to cut away half the leaf.

9. Cauliflower

This vegetable is best harvested in the fall but can actually be grown all year round, subject to a little frost damage in very cold times.

10. Kale

This vegetable sometimes has a bad press, but this is because it is not often cooked properly. Kale sneaks into the top 10 because it is hardy, and if lightly sautéed with a little garlic, kale can be crunchy and delicate.