Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Late summer planting: 7 vegetables to plant now for fall harvest

Many cool season vegetables actually grow better when the ground is warm rather than in the spring when it’s still cool. These vegetables mature as temperatures cool, giving you a good crop before the first frost. True, they may need a little extra care, but it’s well worth it!  

Before we get to the veggies, there are a few things to keep in mind when late summer planting:

• Seeds need to be kept moist consistently till germination. 
• Use mulch to cool down hot soil. 
• Try to sow seeds on cloudy days or even in the evening. 
• Try to find a shady spot or use a shade cover for lettuce and spinach. 
• Some cool season veggies don’t germinate well in hot soil, so you can start them in pots and transfer later. 

Now, here are my recommendations for yummy fall crops:

Carrots. Look for quick-growing dwarf varieties that will mature in around two months. They are cold, hardy and actually taste sweeter after the first frost. 

Kale. Similar to carrots, kale comes in so many fun varieties for eating and decoration. They will also survive well into winter. 

Radishes. These grow super fast and some can be harvested in as little as 3 weeks! Don’t forget radish leaves are edible too and go great in a salad. 

Lettuce and spinach. Two more fast growing crops, but there’s a catch: they need a lot of protection from the hot afternoon sun. They both have shallow roots so grow well in pots that can stay in the shade or be moved around to get nice morning light. Baby leaves are ready usually in 3 to 4 weeks. 

Cilantro and parsley. Also fast growers, these fragrant crops will give a good harvest before frost.

So plant now, keep the seedlings and plants consistently moist, protect them from afternoon sun and enjoy fresh vegetables long after the tomatoes and peppers are done!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago