15 Vegetables to Plant for a Fall Garden in the Midwest
Ever feel like spring just got away from you? Between school ending, summer activities, and everything else life throws at us, it’s easy to blink and realize you never got your garden in the ground. But here’s the good news: it’s not too late! You can still plant a thriving garden this year—thanks to fall gardening.
Planning a fall garden in the Midwest is a great way to extend your growing season, enjoy cool-weather crops, and get fresh food on the table well into autumn. Whether you’re just getting started or trying again after a missed spring season, these 15 vegetables are perfect for Midwest fall planting. This guide includes when to plant, sun requirements, and soil preferences for each crop—so you can grow confidently this season.
When Should You Start Your Fall Garden in the Midwest?
Most Midwest regions experience their first frost between early and mid-October. To give your crops time to mature, start seeds or transplants between late June and early September, depending on the plant. Keep an eye on your average frost date and use row covers to extend your season! If you’re unsure of when to plant, check the maturity date on your seed packet and count backwards from the last frost date on more tender plants. Many are frost hardy though and will say so on the packet – those you don’t have to worry about frost, just the first freeze.
15 Vegetables to Grow for a Midwest Fall Garden
1. Lettuce
- Start Seeds: Late July to early August
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Loose, well-drained, rich in compost
Lettuce thrives in cool temps and is perfect for succession planting, so plant every week for about 3 weeks.
2. Spinach
- Start Seeds: Early to mid-August
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Cold-tolerant and sweetens with chilly nights. Amazing to toss into eggs or use for smoothies.
3. Kale
- Start Seeds: Mid-July to early August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained
Frost makes kale even more flavorful. A fall favorite! I love to use Kale in my Zuppa Toscana soup.
4. Radishes
- Start Seeds: Mid to late August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loose, sandy, well-drained
Fast-growing and ready in under a month. I need some good radish recipes so please leave a comment and let me know what you love to use them in.
5. Carrots
- Start Seeds: Late July to early August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loose, stone-free
Cool temps bring out their sweetness. Ideal for fall!
6. Beets
- Start Seeds: Late July to early August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, slightly acidic, well-drained
Enjoy both the roots and the greens. Make some pickled beets to enjoy through the Winter months.
7. Swiss Chard
- Start Seeds: Mid-July to early August
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Colorful, nutritious, and hardy into late fall.
8. Arugula
- Start Seeds: Late August to early September
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained
Fast-growing with a peppery kick. Great in salads.
9. Turnips
- Start Seeds: Late July to early August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, loose
Dual harvest: tasty greens and tender roots.
10. Mustard Greens
- Start Seeds: Mid-August
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Rich, well-drained
Spicy and flavorful, ideal for cool-season stir-fries. Yum!
11. Green Onions (Scallions)
- Start Seeds: Late July to early August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loose, rich, well-drained
Easy to grow and great for fall soups and salads.
12. Broccoli
- Start Seeds Indoors: Late June to early July
- Transplant: Early August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Fertile, compost-rich, well-drained
Have you ever had fresh broccoli? Oh friend, you need to plant this and try it!
13. Cabbage
- Start Seeds Indoors: Early July
- Transplant: Early to mid-August
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Rich, firm, well-drained
Cooler weather makes cabbage sweeter and less buggy. I’m excited to try it for the first time this Fall.
14. Bush Beans
- Start Seeds: By late July
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Warm, fertile, well-drained
Quick growers—harvest before first frost. Home-grown beans just simply do not taste anything like store-bought. They are much more flavorful.
15. Fall Peas
- Start Seeds: Late July
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, well-drained
Peas in fall? Yes! Especially shelling peas. Keep watered. Enjoy thoroughly.
Quick Tips for Fall Gardening Wins
Water consistently: Summer heat can make it tough for seeds to sprout, especially in dry soil. Keep the soil evenly moist to encourage strong germination and early root development. Early morning is best or evening watering to reduce evaporation.
Mulch your garden beds: A layer of organic mulch (like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) helps lock in moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds (hooray!). This is especially helpful during the hot days of late summer when fall crops are just getting established.
Use row covers for frost protection: As October approaches and nighttime temperatures drop, lightweight row covers can help shield your plants from early frosts. They also keep pests like cabbage worms and flea beetles away without chemicals.
Choose cold-hardy varieties: Look for seed packets labeled as “frost-tolerant” or “cold-hardy.” These crops—like kale, spinach, and carrots—can survive and even thrive in chilly weather, giving you a longer harvest window well into fall.
Final Thoughts
Fall gardening in the Midwest is a rewarding way to keep your garden growing long after summer ends. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce deep into autumn. Pin this guide so you can come back to it each season—and let me know in the comments what you’re planting this fall!
Ready to keep your garden growing even easier? Check out my post on The 10 Easiest Vegetables for Beginner Gardeners. It’s full of low-maintenance, high-reward crops that are perfect for new gardeners or anyone who wants simple wins in the garden.
Happy gardening!
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