FALL PRODUCE GUIDE: What’s in season right now + what needs planting

Fall isn’t here technically, but I’m already dreaming of freshly baked pumpkin bread and warm apple cider.

Seasonal foods are always fun, and fall is no exception. That’s why we rounded up the produce that’s in season right now for you to snag at a farmers market and what you need to know for the best fall harvest possible in your home garden.

What’s in season right now?

You’ll find the following fruits and veggies at their freshest this time of year:

• Apples
• Beans – lima, butter, sweet
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Figs
• Grapes
• Kale
• Pumpkins
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon

Psst—we’ve rounded up some great farmers markets you’ll want to shop this season.

What needs planting?

You might think that fall means the end of the gardening season—but there’s still a host of fruits and veggies you can grow successfully, even as it gets chilly out.

Here are some seeds you can start indoors in September-early October:

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Spinach

If you prefer starter plants to sowing seeds, here’s a list of plants that you can plop in your garden right now:

• Beans
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Lettuce
• Garlic
• Peas
• Radishes
• Sweet corn
• Turnips

These dates may depend on your location in the state. For northern Alabamians, your growing season will likely be a bit shorter, as your first freeze hits earlier in the year than your coastal neighbors.

Some bonus gardening resources

The Alabama Cooperative Extension, run by Auburn University and Alabama A&M, has a wealth of knowledge regarding agriculture in the Yellowhammer State. The organization also oversees Master Gardener programs across the state, who can help you with things like planning a garden to a pest infestation.

Don’t have a yard? Check out our list of community gardens around the state.

What’s going in your fall garden? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.