Tips on what to plant for the fall in Virginia

As summer fades and the cool breeze of fall sweeps in, it’s the perfect time to transition to fall vegetable planting. And at Milmont, we’ve got you covered with a fantastic selection of already-seeded and sprouting veggies, ready to make your fall garden thrive.

Why Fall Planting is Great

Fall planting offers several advantages:

• Warm Soil: The lingering summer warmth gives your plants a strong start.
• Cool Temperatures: Easier on both plants and gardeners—no more wilting in the heat.
• Fewer Pests: Many pesky bugs are less active as temperatures drop.
• Fresh Fall Harvest: Enjoy fresh, homegrown produce for your autumn meals.

Best Vegetables for Fall Planting

For those of you who are seasoned gardeners, here’s a rundown of the best vegetables to plant this fall. And the best part? They’re all ready and waiting for you at Milmont:

• Leafy Greens:

  • Kale: Premier, Seabor – Perfect for hearty soups and stews, or simply sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
  • Spinach: Avon, Bloomsdale – Great for salads, smoothies, or a classic spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta.
  • Lettuce: Buttercrunch, Red Sails, Parris Island – Ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

• Brassicas:

  • Broccoli: Destiny, Emerald Crown, Marathon – Fantastic in stir-fries, casseroles, or simply steamed with a touch of lemon.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Jade Cross E – Perfect for roasting with a balsamic glaze or shredding into a hearty fall salad.
  • Cauliflower: Snow Crown, Self Blanche – Versatile for making cauliflower rice, roasting, or creamy cauliflower soup.

Tips for a Successful Fall Garden

• Prepare Your Soil: Clear out summer plants and enrich the soil with compost.
• Plant at the Right Time: Early August is ideal for most fall crops in Virginia.
• Mulch and Water: Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay. Water consistently.
• Protect Against Frost: Keep row covers or cloches handy to protect your crops from unexpected frosts.
• Stagger Planting: Plant in intervals to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season.

Fall gardening isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about enjoying your time in the garden without the summer heat. So visit us at Milmont, grab your ready-to-plant veggies, and let’s make this fall garden your best one yet.

See you soon!