10 Popular Fall Vegetables To Grow In Georgia For Delightful Harvest

Planting fall vegetables in Georgia can be an exciting activity ahead of winter. Apart from being able to fill your free time, you also have the opportunity to harvest your own food from your backyard. In general, home gardeners also use early autumn to start growing seeds for planting when spring comes. Temperatures that are not too cold, ranging from 60 to 80°F, allow plants to grow well without worrying about damage to the roots. If you are also interested in Georgian vegetable gardening, we have a list of fall vegetables to grow in Georgia that will get you excited.

Some of them are late-season crops for Georgia, which are suitable for raising garden beds for fall, while others are Georgian autumn crops beyond the basics you can grow in your garden.

We also include Georgia gardening tips that cover fall garden preparation to ensure healthy growth and abundant harvest. But before we discuss further the topics in this article, we would love to start a brief discussion about fall gardening in Georgia. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Fall Gardening in Georgia
Benefits of Growing Fall Vegetables In Georgia
Choosing The Right Location for Your Georgia Fall Garden
Best Fall Vegetables To Grow In Georgia
Common Pests and Diseases In Vegetable Garden In Georgia
Tips for Success In Fall Vegetables Gardening In Georgia
Final Thoughts
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Fall Gardening in Georgia

As the name suggests, fall gardening in Georgia refers to planting vegetables or other plants in autumn. This approach benefits farmers and gardeners because they can grow Georgian autumn crops beyond the basics with little risk of crop failure due to pests. This may occur because of the mild cold temperatures the season offers to suppress the culprits of invasion.

Considering the temperatures, fall vegetables to grow in Georgia must belong to cool-season crops which are indeed resistant to autumn temperatures. Otherwise, they will grow stunted or die worse due to root damage. Georgia fall generally has temperatures around 60°F to 80°F, depending on which part of the state you live.

Furthermore, fall gardening is also rewarding for farmers and gardeners since they can plant various exotic fall vegetables for Georgia gardens for a longer period before winter arrives. However, you must consider fall garden preparation before growing fall vegetables in Georgia.

If you choose raised bed gardening for fall crops, select the right location with enough sunlight. Besides that, get rid of weeds and grasses, which can interfere with the crops’ growth. Also, remember to add mulch, organic fertilizer, and good-quality soil to provide as many nutrients as possible for the veggies to thrive.

Meanwhile, container gardening for fall in Georgia requires proper quality pots and potting soil. The advantage of container gardening for fall is that it is easy to provide shelter when cold weather hits. However, suppose you are still trying to decide. In that case, you can choose to grow late-season crops for Georgia, like Spinach or Radishes. They tend to tolerate cold temperatures more.

Benefits of Growing Fall Vegetables In Georgia

Apart from having the opportunity to plant exotic fall vegetables for Georgia gardens, fall gardening in Georgia also has many benefits, especially farmers who grow crops for their harvest. Some of them are as follows:

1. Mild Temperatures

One of the benefits of growing fall vegetables in the season in Georgia is cooler temperatures. In general, autumn temperatures in the state range from 60°F to 80°F which is considered mild and ideal for plants to thrive. Unlike winter, these temperatures will not harm your crops. Instead, they will perform well because of the cool air conditions which are generally followed by proper humidity.

2. Prolonged Growing Season

Fall Vegetables To Grow In Georgia — Prolonged Growing Season

In addition to benefiting the plants, cool temperatures also bring advantages to farmers. It allows them to extend the growing seasons. Thus, they have the opportunity to harvest more crops. And for home gardeners, they can enjoy collecting their food from their backyard for an extended period.

3. Low Risks of Pests and Diseases

Besides prolonging the growing and harvesting seasons, mild fall temperatures in Georgia also prevents pest invasion and disease spread. Generally, insects and mice love warmer weather, like in the summer, to hunt for food and breed.

Meanwhile, bacterial and fungal infection is likely to occur due to their inability to multiply under low temperatures. Therefore, it is a win-win solution for farmers to grow crops in the fall if they don’t want to deal with those foes.

4. Grow Diverse Crops

Fall gardening offers you the chance to grow rare Georgian fall harvest vegetables that cannot thrive in other seasons, such as purple daikon radish, mizuna, and dragon tongue beans. Those rare Georgia fall harvest vegetables prefer autumn with a blend of cool autumn and winter temperatures but don’t damage the plants.

We also recommend diversifying your garden with cool-season veggies to explore your culinary options and flavors. Plus, you can save your monthly expenditure because you don’t need to buy vegetables at the market!

Choosing The Right Location for Your Georgia Fall Garden

Fall in Georgia is popular with good weather. It has mild temperatures and receives plenty of sunlight, around 6 to 8 hours per day. Therefore, the season is favorable for vegetables and other crops to grow. However, these conditions will only promote healthy growth if you are right about having a planting location for your fall garden.

Knowing Georgia is located in the southern part of the U.S., one of the Southern gardening tips you can try is choosing an area that gets the most sunlight exposure. This is important because the sun plays a role in photosynthesis to produce energy. This energy is necessary to support plant growth and thus make a bountiful harvest. We recommend the southern or eastern side of your garden, which receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Moreover, make sure you examine the soil quality at this spot. Most cool-season veggies need plenty of organic matter to thrive. You can offer compost or mulch to give a nutrient boost and protect their roots from freezing temperatures. Also, avoid low-lying areas, which generally retain more moisture. This condition, if prolonged, can lead to root rot.

Also, consider choosing a large enough area for your plants. It will make it easier to offer proper spacing for your crops. Crowded areas will make them compete with each other for nutrients and water. In addition, limited rooms can potentially trigger pests and diseases. Pay attention to plant height, vine length, and root growth when providing spaces for your crops. Plus, make sure the area is accessible for watering, fertilizing, weeding, and harvesting.

We also recommend rotating the crops every once in a while. Although it sounds trivial, it is crucial to prevent nutrient depletion from the soil. Your plants can also get more nutrients from fresh soil. In addition, consider growing companion plants to deter pests from your vegetable garden and benefit each other or create a symbiosis of mutualism.

Best Fall Vegetables To Grow In Georgia

Suppose you are looking for insight into fall vegetables to grow in Georgia gardens. In that case, we have some that are worth trying. These are not uncommon Georgia fall garden plants. Thus, they are pretty easy to upkeep.

Some of these fall crops are leafy green, while the rest are root vegetables, beans, and cruciferous ones. We also include Southern gardening tips to ensure healthy growth and delightful harvests. Check them out!

1. Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea var. Italica)

Children generally do not like Broccoli or Brassica oleracea var. Italica. The reason is simply because of the strange shape of Broccoli. It features clusters of green edible flower buds with thick stalks supporting them. Additionally, the leaves are wrinkled with a darker green color.

This popular cool-season fall vegetable to grow in Georgia includes many various cuisines, including American. People love to stir fry the veggies with animal-based proteins and add them to salads.

To plant it in the Georgia fall garden, choose a location with full sun exposure for at least 6 hours. In addition, the crop loves mild temperatures between 60°F to 70°F to stimulate plentiful harvests and ensure healthy growth. Broccoli also requires about an inch of weekly watering as the soil must be constantly moist with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

You can harvest the central head when Broccoli has reached a compact size with a firm texture. In addition, watch out for aphids and cabbage worms. It is better to mulch, weeding, and check the vegetables regularly to prevent those culprits from inhabiting your garden.

You might also like:

2. Brussel Sprouts (Brassica Oleracea var. Gemmifera)

At first glance, Brussels Sprouts’ shape is similar to a mini cabbage. In fact, they belong to the same family: the Cruciferous. They have unique characteristics. The sprouts grow on a long stem, each developing into a tiny, compact, cabbage-like head with tight leaves.

These hearty vegetables usually belong to the Thanksgiving dishes. Besides that, Americans love to saute and roast these vegetables with garlic, salt, and pepper.

If you plan to grow them in your garden, you must find a spot with full sun exposure or slight shade. Besides that, the temperatures must be around 60°F to 70°F. Also, examining the soil is better for finding out the pH, knowing Brussel Sprouts prefer soil pH between 6.0 to 7.5. Moreover, these mini-crops also favor fertile, well-drained soil to support their growth.

As for watering, ensure Brussel Sprouts receive approximately an inch of weekly watering. Once the harvest season comes, you can collect those with firm and compact sizes. Additionally, weeding and mulching are necessary to avoid soil-borne pests and diseases as well as retain soil moisture.

3. Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea var. Capitata)

Now, we are moving on to the real Cabbage. Cabbage or Brassica oleracea var. Capitata belongs to the same Cruciferous family as Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts. While Brussel Sprouts have mini heads, Cabbage features overlapping, dark green leaves with a giant head inside.

These rosette leaves have an elongated shape with wrinkled or smooth textures, depending on the variety. People usually add these leaves into soups and stews, while the heads are for making sauerkraut and stuffed cabbage rolls.

Luckily, growing Cabbage in your Georgia garden is relatively easy. You just need to make sure that your backyard receives 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure with a temperature of 45°F to 75°F. However, partial shade is still allowed. Furthermore, the soil must be fertile and well-drained, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, just like what other fall vegetables to grow in Georgia prefer. Also, add an inch of weekly watering to ensure they are thriving.

For harvesting, you must make the heads firm. As for maintenance, weeding and monitoring plants from aphids and cabbage worms are crucial. Spray neem oil if you want to deter the foes.

4. Cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea var. Botrytis)

It seems like Georgia is an excellent growing place for the Brassica family, including Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Brussel Sprouts. Vegetables that have the Latin name Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis is famous for its tightly packed, creamy white florets that resemble mini flower buckets.

Meanwhile, the leaves are similar to Cabbage, having a dark green feature with thin lighter green veins. In Western cuisines, Cauliflower is well-known as a substitute for carbohydrates, such as rice, for those who want a calorie deficit. Meanwhile, Asians love to add this cruciferous veggie into curry and stir-fries.

Just like other Cruciferous crops, Cauliflower loves to soak under the sun with an average temperature of 60°F to 70°F to stimulate its growth. And since it prefers moist, well-drained soil, constant watering (an inch per week) is crucial to conserve soil moisture.

You must also make sure the soil pH is between 6.0 to 7.5 to allow these veggies to perform best. Besides that, mulching is necessary to offer organic matter and retain moisture, especially during cold fall. To harvest Cauliflower, you should wait until the florets are firm to about the size of a handful.

5. Carrots (Daucus Carota)

Let’s move on to one of the most popular fall vegetables to grow in Georgia! Carrots or Daucus carota is a root vegetable belonging to the Apiceae family, which has a vibrant orange color. The leaves are bright green with feathery characteristics that appear on the ground.

At the same time, the roots we commonly consume are hidden in the soil. The textures are crunchy with a slightly sweet taste. Therefore, carrots are often added to soups, salads and even as a raw material for desserts (carrot cake!). Meanwhile, Asians love to make this crop into pickles.

Carrots (Daucus Carota) — Carrots (*Daucus Carota*)

In Georgia fall, Carrots thrive in sandy loam, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of about 6.0 to 6.8. They also favor total sun exposure and temperatures of 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. Since it requires moist soil, you must regularly water an inch a week, especially during dry spells.

Maintenance like weeding, mulching, and thinning seedlings is vital to prevent weeds. Thus, supporting their harvest production. Also, protect them from carrot flies by spraying them with neem oil. Moreover, you can collect carrots once they reach the proper size and color.

6. Collard Greens (Brassica Oleracea var. Acephala)

Those who fancy greens will be eager to learn how to grow collard greens in their gardens. Collard Greens or Brassica oleracea var. Acephala is one of many Cruciferous vegetables we have on the list. It has dark green leaves, and lighter green veins, with a slightly crinkled texture.

The flavor is close to kale because it belongs to the Brassica family. In Asian cuisine, collard greens are well-known as wrappers for dumplings. Meanwhile, Americans prefer including collard greens in Southern-style meals with ham hocks.

Collard Greens (Brassica Oleracea var. Acephala) — Collard Greens (*Brassica Oleracea var. Acephala*)

Following other Brassicas, Collard Greens thrive well in full sun, though they withstand partial shade. Make sure the temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F for ideal growth. The crop also grows healthily on fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Considering this fact, the watering schedule is key to conserving soil moisture in fall.

Add an inch of weekly watering to promote a delightful fall harvest. Also, harvest them only if the outer leaves are large and tender. In addition, you must set regular control of your veggie to look for signs of caterpillars and aphids. Grow nasturtiums, marigolds, and/or mint to deter pests from your crops.

7. Green Beans (Phaselous Vulgaris)

In case you are a vegetarian looking for an alternative to vegetable protein, try planting Green Beans. Cool-season crops, whose Latin name is Phaseolus Vulgaris, are popular legumes with long, edible green pods.

Raw green beans taste a bit bitter with a grassy touch. For that reason, people usually saute the beans with garlic, salt, paper, and other ingredients to enhance the flavor. Americans commonly cook green beans into green bean casserole, while Asians simply add them to curry.

Green Beans (Phaselous Vulgaris) — Green Beans (*Phaselous Vulgaris*)

You can try planting Green Beans by preparing your garden bed. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun exposure daily with 70°F to 85°F of temperatures to support their lavish growth. The beans also prefer well-drained, moist, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 to thirteen.

To achieve this condition, 1-1.5 inches of weekly watering is required. Since they are vine plants, you should provide support like canes to allow them to creep up the structure. Also, consider regular harvesting to boost bean production.

8. Kale (Brassica Oleracea var. Sabellica)

Unlike other Brassica members, which generally have a compact shape with large leaves or florets, Kale features ruffled leaves with curly edges. The foliage also appears dark green with a purplish color in the inner parts, distinguishing it from the rest of the fall vegetables to grow in Georgia.

Americans make Kale one of their favorite vegetables because it can be cooked into various dishes and snacks, such as kale chips, smoothies, and salads. Meanwhile, Europeans prefer adding Kale to sautees, stews, and soups.

Although the shape differs from Brassica crops, the growing conditions are similar. Kale thrives in well-drained, moist, fertile soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. The green veggie also prefers full sun but is relatively tolerant to partial shade. It also loves cool temperatures between 60°F to 75°F.

To maintain both moisture and temperature, offer 1-1.5 inches of weekly watering. You can also add fertilizers like compost to feed the plants once every 3 to 4 weeks to ensure a plentiful harvest. Speaking of harvesting, remember to only pick the outer leaves to let the inner ones continue growing.

9. Radishes (Raphanus Sativus)

You may guess that Raphanus sativus or Radishes are beets. Well, their visual appearances are indeed similar. But, they are different despite belonging to the root vegetables. Although they come in various colors, such as red, purple, white, and black, red are the most well-known radish.

They have a crunchy texture with a peppery taste, making them perfect for pickles. On the other hand, radishes are rather popular to cook in salads, radish butter, or radish soup in European dishes.

Radishes (Raphanus Sativus) — Radishes (*Raphanus Sativus*)

As root vegetables, planting and maintaining Radishes are relatively easy. These veggies tolerate partial shade but prefer total sunlight exposure to fully flourish. As for temperatures, they love mild cooler temperatures around 55°F to 75°F with moist and well-drained soil conditions. However, the soil pH must be maintained at 6.0 to 7.0.

You can also offer fertilizers once or twice during their growing stage. Also, constant watering (1-2.5 inches per week) during dry spells is vital to prevent dehydration. In addition, Radishes are ready to harvest when the diameter is about 1-2 inches.

You might also like:

10. Swiss Chard (Beta Vulgaris subsp. Cicla)

One of the characteristics that characterize Swiss Chard is the magenta color of the stems and the veins. However, the leaves of vegetables that have the Latin name Beta vulgaris subsp. Cicla. This cycle is dark green, which gives a beautiful contrast to other parts.

Apart from Kale, this colorful leafy vegetable is also an option for making stir-fries. Besides, Americans also like adding Swiss Chard to salads to add green color and nutrients to their plates. Meanwhile, Europeans are more creative by including the crop in soups, gratins, and quiches.

Swiss Chard (Beta Vulgaris subsp. Cicla) — Swiss Chard (*Beta Vulgaris subsp. Cicla*)

Fortunately, Swiss Chard is not fussed about its growing requirements. The veggies favor sunlight yet tolerate partial shade. It also thrives on pH between 6.0 and 7.5 in moist and well-drained conditions.

Hence, add 1 to 1.5 inches of weekly watering to conserve soil moisture. Moreover, moderate temperatures are Swiss Chard’s favorite, particularly in the 50°F – to 75°F. We recommend adding compost twice at planting and growing periods to offer extra nutrient supply.

Common Pests and Diseases In Vegetable Garden In Georgia

One of the main advantages of fall gardening is the lower risk of vegetables contracting pests and diseases. However, this is still possible without proper maintenance to deter those foes. Aphids and cabbage worms are two examples of the many pests that can attack your veggies.

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects whose presence is indicated by curling leaves with sticky substances and stunted growth. Even worse, aphids can spread plant diseases by sucking the plants. Meanwhile, cabbage worms usually attack Brassica vegetables, including kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. You will notice the holes when your crops are infested with cabbage worms.

Apart from these two insects, powdery mildew and root-knot nematodes are frequent problems in the Georgia fall vegetable garden. As its name suggests, powdery mildew is a fungal disease that leaves powdery marks on the infected plant’s leaves. As for root-knot nematodes, they will invade plant roots that cause root galls and stunted growth. Vegetables in Georgia that are prone to both of these pests are carrots, beans, and radishes.

To prevent pest attacks, practicing good hygiene in your garden is the main key. You can start by rotating the crops, disposing of infected plants, removing old leaves, and regularly checking to spot the problem before it worsens. Also, paying attention to the upkeep, such as watering, feeding, mulching, and weeding, is crucial to prevent pest invasion and disease infection.

And instead of applying chemical pesticides, we recommend opting for natural ones like neem oil with soaps. You can mix them with water and pour them into a mister. Spray the infected plant parts every day and see the progress. If it doesn’t work, you can move on to a chemical one.

Tips for Success In Fall Vegetables Gardening In Georgia

To get a delightful harvest, you need to pay attention to some tips that can maintain healthy growth. Thus, your crops can thrive and produce more harvest. One of the things that is often forgotten in Georgia fall gardening is planning and preparing the garden.

You can start by checking the vegetable planting calendar to determine which cool-season crop varieties thrive in the fall. Also, ensure the planting location receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight because most fall vegetables to grow in Georgia prefer such light conditions to perform best.

After that, examine the soil. Soil is a growing medium for your vegetables. You can check soil moisture, fertility, and pH to start with. If your soil lacks organic matter, add compost and mix it with the soil. In addition, mulching helps maintain soil moisture, offers a boost of nutrients, prevents excessive evaporation, and protects roots from freezing temperatures.

Furthermore, we also recommend setting the watering schedule. Water is an essential component for photosynthesis, absorption of nutrients, and preventing dehydration, especially during dry periods. You can add an inch of weekly watering and consider drip irritation to prevent water from spilling on the foliage which could potentially invite pests. And if you want to prolong the planting and harvest season, providing cold frames or row covers is recommended.

Final Thoughts

Fall vegetables to grow in Georgia brings many benefits for those who want to produce food and farmers who plant the crops for their harvest. Weather conditions with cool temperatures are favorable to promote healthy growth.

Not only that, such temperatures also suppress weed growth and inhibit pests and diseases from invading the crops. However, proper garden preparation and upkeep are vital to guarantee a delightful harvest. You also need to check your local vegetable planting calendar to make sure that you are planting the right vegetables at the right time.

Latest Posts:

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

When should you plant fall vegetables in Georgia?

Cool-season vegetables for Georgia will generally thrive well under temperatures around 65°F to 85°F. This temperature range usually occurs around late summer to early fall or September to October, depending on the region.

However, we recommend checking the vegetable planting calendar to ensure you grow the best fall vegetables during the season. This vegetable planting calendar is also important to increase the chances of getting an abundant harvest from Georgia vegetable gardening.

Can lemon trees grow in Georgia fall?

Sadly, Lemon trees don’t belong to vegetable varieties for fall in Georgia. Instead, they perform well in warm climates where daylight temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F and cope pretty well in cooler temperatures around 55°F.

However, they may experience slow growth and even damage if planted in a fall vegetable garden because they are sensitive to frost for an extended period. Hence, gardeners will usually grow indoor lemon trees in pots to provide proper insulation and protect them from freezing temperatures.

How do you know when fall vegetables are ready to harvest in Georgia?

Harvesting fall vegetables requires some assessment beforehand to avoid collecting young ones. Despite depending on the vegetable varieties for fall in Georgia, you can examine the visual appearance, plant maturity, and harvesting requirements to ensure your fall vegetable garden is ready to give you an abundant harvest.

Cool-season vegetables for Georgia, like kale and lettuce, will be ready to collect when they reach about 8-10 inches and 4-6 inches, respectively. Apart from that, they also have a green leaf color typical for each character with a slightly tender texture. Meanwhile, other best fall vegetables to grow in Georgia, such as carrots and radishes, should have vibrant colors, firm, and smooth surfaces, with an inch of diameter to harvest.

How do you harvest and store fall vegetables in Georgia?

While you understand about planting fall vegetables in Georgia, it is also important to learn about harvesting fall vegetables as well as storing them. Depending on the vegetable varieties for fall gardens, you can try some Georgia gardening tips.

For leafy greens, you must carefully pick their individual leaves or cut them at the base. Ensure your cutting tools, like scissors, are clean and sanitized to prevent infection. Then, wash them using tap water and drain the veggies. Next, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can generally last for a week at maximum.

Furthermore, you need to carefully dig and pull root veggies, like carrots and radishes to get the roots. After that, wash off the dirt using water and drain them into the air. Next, store the crops in the refrigerator. But first, remember to put them in perforated plastic bags to prolong their shelf life. With this method, you can enjoy your root vegetables for a few weeks. It also applies to onion and garlic, knowing they have similar characteristics.

10 Popular Fall Vegetables To Grow In Georgia For Delightful Harvest

Fall Gardening in Georgia