Fall Vegetable Seed Starting: A Reference

Added on:  August 16, 2017 @ 3:32 pm

It’s the middle of August, a time for beach trips, barbeques, and nighttime fireflies. Though you’re probably still reaping the rewards of your summer crops, August is also a key time for sowing seeds for your fall vegetable garden.

The following is a list of seeds that should be started by mid-September so they may have time to mature before the first frost tries to wreak havoc on your crops. The list also includes approximate planting windows and days to maturity.

(The average first frost according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac Frost Dates Calculator is November 4th.)

• Beets
  August 1st – September 1st, 55-60 days to maturity
• Broccoli
  July 1st – September 1st, 80-85 days to maturity
• Brussel sprouts
  July 15th – August 1st, 90-100 days to maturity
• Cabbage
  July 1st – September 1st, 90-120 days to maturity
• Carrots 
  July 15th – August 15th, 75-80 days to maturity
• Collards
  July 15th – August 15th, 90-120 days to maturity
• Chinese Cabbage
  August 15th – September 1st, 75-80 days to maturity
• Endives
  August 15th – September 15th, 80-90 days to maturity
• Kale
  August 15th – September 15th, 50-60 days to maturity
• Kohlrabi
  August 1st – September 15th, 55-60 days to maturity
• Leeks
  September 1st – September 30th, 120-150 days to maturity
• Lettuce
  August 15th – September 15th, 45-50 days to maturity
• Mustard
  August 1st – September 15th, 30-40 days to maturity
• Radishes
  August 1st – September 15th, 20-25 days to maturity
• Rutabagas
  August 1st – August 15th, 90 days to maturity
• Spinach
  August 1st – September 1st, 45-50 days to maturity
• Turnips
  August 1st – September 15th, 55-50 days to maturity

For a more detailed chart that includes planting depth, best soil pH, and more, click here. And, as always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit us so one of our resident plant experts can help you succeed!