Fall Gardening in Louisiana: Top Vegetables to Plant Now

As the summer heat begins to wane in Louisiana, fall presents an ideal time to start planting vegetables in your garden. With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, autumn provides a perfect growing environment for a variety of crops. Let's explore some of the best vegetables to plant in the fall in Louisiana.

Before we dive into the specific vegetables, it's essential to understand the planting schedule. In Louisiana, fall is typically divided into two planting seasons: early fall (September to mid-October) and late fall (mid-October to December). Early fall is ideal for warm-season crops, while late fall is perfect for cool-season vegetables.

Early Fall Planting

Early fall in Louisiana is still warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to the low 70s. This period is perfect for planting warm-season vegetables that can tolerate some heat and will mature before the first frost.

Here are some warm-season vegetables you can plant in early fall in Louisiana:

Southern Peas

Also known as cowpeas, southern peas are heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, making them an excellent choice for early fall planting. They have a long growing season, typically taking 60 to 90 days to mature. Popular varieties include Mississippi Silver, Zipper Cream, and California Blackeye.

Plant southern peas in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, with 2 to 3 inches between plants and 18 to 24 inches between rows. Southern peas are heavy feeders, so apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when plants begin to flower.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a warm-season crop that loves the heat and humidity of Louisiana. They have a long growing season, typically taking 90 to 150 days to mature. Popular varieties include Jewel, Garnet, and Beauregard.

Plant sweet potatoes in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Sow slips (small plants) 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are 36 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist, and apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders, so you may need to apply additional fertilizer mid-season.

Late Fall Planting

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to cool, late fall in Louisiana is an ideal time to plant cool-season vegetables. These crops can tolerate light frosts and prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth.

Here are some cool-season vegetables you can plant in late fall in Louisiana:

Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, are cool-season crops that thrive in Louisiana's fall weather. They prefer temperatures between 60 and 65°F and can tolerate light frosts. Popular varieties include Calabrese (broccoli), Savoy Perfection (cabbage), and Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (kale).

Plant brassicas in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, with 1 to 2 inches between plants and 18 to 24 inches between rows. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when plants begin to form heads or leaves.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and radishes, are cool-season crops that can be planted in late fall in Louisiana. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested throughout the winter months. Popular varieties include Nantes (carrots), Detroit Dark Red (beets), and Cherry Belle (radishes).

Plant root vegetables in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, with 1 to 2 inches between plants and 12 to 18 inches between rows. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when plants begin to form roots.

As you prepare your garden for fall planting in Louisiana, remember to test your soil pH and nutrient levels, and amend the soil as needed. Rotate crops to prevent disease and maintain soil health. And most importantly, enjoy the process of growing fresh, delicious vegetables in your own backyard!