August is coming to a close and soon and one might think that our garden growing season is coming to a close; it's not!

What You Need To Know

  • Growing season is year-round in North Carolina!

  • Additionally, our climate supports three growing seasons

  • Here's an idea about what you can grow and when
One of the beautiful things about living in North Carolina, our Piedmont, Sandhills, and coastal zones all have three growing seasons. There are even some areas in the foothills and mountains that can get an early fall crop to grow as well.

So, you might be wondering "what the heck can I grow during the fall"? Easy, cool weather (aka early spring) favorites can make a return. 

Leafy vegetables such as kale, collards, cabbage (early Jersey wakefield), lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard all make great items to plant for this fall season. Many of these can be harvested through early winter!

You can sew these from seeds or, to get a jump on things, from transplants from a garden center. Also, consider planting broccoli and cauliflower.

Root vegetables such as turnips, beets, parsnips, radish, carrots, and kohlrabi are great to plant as well. It is best to sew these directly from seeds instead of trying to transplant. 

Unlike the leafy recommendations listed above, root vegetables are a bit fussy over how they get started.

For later in the fall, garlic, green onion, and shallot bulbs can be planted. Garlic and shallots won't be harvested until next spring. Don't forget to plant another round of herbs if you'd like.

Garden soil will need to be kept moist, thin out seedlings, and leave enough space between plants for your garden to thrive; study up on what's needed for your particular vegetable growing needs.

Our North Carolina climate allows many Carolinians to enjoy a bountiful garden crop as we slip from the heat of summer into the shorter and cooler days of fall. Some say we live in a gardening paradise.

You be the judge.