Fall Veggies for Missouri: What to Plant Now

As the summer heat begins to wane in Missouri, fall presents an ideal opportunity for gardeners to plant a variety of vegetables. With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, autumn can be a bountiful season for your garden. Let's explore the best vegetables to plant in the fall in Missouri.

Fall gardening in Missouri offers a unique chance to grow cool-season crops that thrive in the crisp autumn air. These vegetables not only tolerate but often prefer the cooler temperatures, making them perfect for planting from September to November.

Leafy Greens and Brassicas

Leafy greens and brassicas are some of the most rewarding vegetables to plant in the fall. They grow quickly and can withstand light frosts, extending your harvest well into the winter months.

These cool-season crops include lettuce, spinach, kale, collards, and cabbage. They prefer temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) for optimal growth. Plant them in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Keep the soil consistently moist for best results.

Lettuce and Spinach

Lettuce and spinach are excellent choices for fall planting. They grow rapidly and can be harvested within 45-65 days. Plant them in full sun to partial shade, spacing seeds about 1-2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they've germinated.

Consider succession planting every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Both lettuce and spinach are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes.

Kale, Collards, and Cabbage

Kale, collards, and cabbage are hardy brassicas that can tolerate frost and even snow. They require consistent moisture and well-draining soil. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart for cabbage and 6-12 inches apart for kale and collards.

Kale and collards can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature for larger leaves. Cabbage forms a dense head that can be harvested once it reaches the desired size, typically in 70-150 days.

Root Vegetables and Alliums

Root vegetables and alliums are well-suited to fall planting in Missouri. They can be planted later in the season and still have time to mature before the first hard freeze.

These vegetables include carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, garlic, and onions. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Most root vegetables and alliums can tolerate some shade, but they grow best in full sun.

Carrots, Beets, Radishes, and Turnips

Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are excellent choices for fall planting. They can be harvested within 50-75 days, depending on the variety. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart for radishes and 2-4 inches apart for carrots, beets, and turnips.

These root vegetables store well and can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use. They are also a great source of nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions are alliums that can be planted in the fall for a summer harvest. Plant individual cloves or sets (small bulbs) 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. They require consistent moisture and well-draining soil.

Garlic and onions are both pungent and flavorful, adding depth to a wide range of dishes. They can also be used as a natural remedy for various ailments.

Fall gardening in Missouri offers a wealth of opportunities to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables. By choosing the right crops and providing them with the care they need, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest well into the winter months. So, don't let the cooler temperatures deter you - get out there and start planting!