What to Plant This Fall: A Guide for the Pacific Northwest
Fall planting in the Pacific Northwest can be incredibly productive thanks to the region's mild temperatures and ample rainfall. This time of year offers a second growing season, allowing gardeners to extend their harvests well into the cooler months. Here's a guide to what you can plant this fall to ensure a bountiful garden:
Vegetables
Garlic - Plant garlic cloves in October for a harvest the following summer. Garlic thrives in the cool, damp conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
Onions - Fall is the perfect time to plant overwintering onion sets or seeds for an early summer harvest next year.
Leafy Greens - Many greens excel in cooler weather. Varieties such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard can be planted in early fall and continue to produce throughout the winter.
Radishes - Fast-maturing radishes can be sown in early fall for a quick, spicy addition to autumn salads.
Peas - Both snow peas and snap peas do well when planted in late summer or early fall, yielding a spring harvest if the winter is mild.
Brassicas - Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can be planted in early fall for harvesting in late fall or early winter. These crops often taste sweeter when matured in cooler weather.
Herbs
Cilantro - Sow cilantro in late summer for a fall harvest; it tends to bolt in hot summer conditions.
Parsley - Hardy and slow to bolt, parsley planted in fall can often survive the winter and continue growing in spring.
Chives - Plant chives in the fall; they are perennials and will come back year after year.
Bulbs
Tulips, Daffodils, and Crocuses - Fall is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. These should be planted several weeks before the ground freezes to establish roots in the fall.
Cover Crops
Fava Beans or Clover - Planting cover crops in empty garden beds can improve soil health over the winter. They fix nitrogen, prevent soil erosion, and can be turned into the soil as green manure in the spring.
Planting Tips
Timing: Aim to plant at least 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. This gives plants enough time to establish themselves.
Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting to ensure nutrient-rich ground for fall crops.
Watering: While fall in the Pacific Northwest can be wet, newly planted seeds and bulbs may need supplemental watering if rain is scarce.
Mulching: Apply mulch around new plantings to insulate plant roots from cooler temperatures and to maintain soil moisture.
Protection: For very tender plants or if an unusually cold winter is expected, consider using row covers or cold frames to protect plants from extreme temperatures.
By choosing the right plants and preparing your garden carefully, you can enjoy an extended growing season in the Pacific Northwest. Fall gardens not only provide fresh produce through the colder months but also enhance the beauty of your garden with vibrant flowers and verdant greens.
