As the days get shorter and the air crisper, you might be thinking about ways to extend your gardening season and keep that green thumb active well into fall. One of the most exciting trends I’ve been seeing (and absolutely loving!) is the use of raised beds for fall planting. Raised beds aren’t just for summer vegetables; they’re perfect for fall, offering a wealth of benefits from improved soil drainage to easier access. Imagine not having to bend quite so low or dealing with soggy ground—raised beds are a game-changer for anyone looking to make the most out of their garden as the seasons change.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—why bother with raised beds in the fall? Well, there are so many reasons! First, they provide better control over your soil. You can tailor the soil mix exactly to the needs of your fall crops, whether that means adding compost for extra nutrients or choosing a lighter mix that helps extend the growing season. Plus, they warm up more quickly in the sun, giving your plants that little extra nudge they need when temperatures start to dip. So, let’s dive into some of the amazing things you can grow in raised beds this fall!
Carrots: The Perfect Fall Root Vegetable
Carrots are one of those delightful vegetables that thrive in the cool weather of fall, and they absolutely love the loose, well-drained soil of raised beds. One of the biggest challenges with carrots is ensuring they have room to grow down deep without hitting rocks or compacted soil, which is where raised beds come in handy! You can mix in plenty of sand or compost to create the ideal conditions for those long, sweet roots to develop. Plus, with the bed elevated, it’s easier to keep them free of pests and diseases that might be lurking in the garden soil.
Carrots are native to regions of Europe and Southwestern Asia, where they grew in light, sandy soils—not too different from what we create in our raised beds! They’re not considered invasive, which is always a plus when choosing what to plant. And, as a bonus, the bright orange tops of your carrots will peek out of the soil, adding a splash of color to your fall garden. I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to harvest fresh carrots late in the season, just as the leaves are starting to turn!
Leafy Greens: Spinach, Kale, and Lettuce
If there’s one thing that loves a raised bed in the fall, it’s leafy greens. Spinach, kale, and lettuce are perfect choices for these structures because they thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts. Raised beds offer the added benefit of better soil drainage, which is crucial for leafy greens that don’t like having “wet feet.” Plus, being elevated means your greens are less likely to suffer from slug damage, a common problem when the weather turns damp.
These greens are native to various parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, where they naturally grow in cooler seasons. None of them are considered invasive, which means you can plant to your heart’s content! I love growing greens in raised beds because they are so easy to cover with a light row cover or cold frame, extending the harvest well into late fall. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh, crisp spinach on a cool autumn day. And don’t even get me started on kale chips from the garden!
Radishes: Fast-Growing and Fun!
Radishes are an excellent crop for raised beds, particularly in the fall when you’re racing against the clock before winter sets in. They grow incredibly fast—sometimes ready to harvest in as little as three weeks! Raised beds make it easier to give them the loose, well-draining soil they crave, which helps them form perfectly round roots without the risk of splitting or becoming tough. And because they grow so quickly, you can plant multiple rounds throughout the fall season.
Radishes are native to Southeast Asia but have been grown worldwide for centuries, and thankfully, they’re not invasive! They’re one of my favorite crops for introducing kids to gardening because they’re almost instant gratification—plant them, water them, and in no time, you’re rewarded with a crunchy, spicy treat! Plus, they bring in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are still active in early fall and help keep your garden ecosystem balanced.
Garlic: A Must-Plant for the Fall
Garlic is one of those crops that’s practically made for raised beds in the fall. Unlike some plants that prefer warm weather, garlic loves to be tucked into the soil just before the frost sets in, and it benefits tremendously from the good drainage that raised beds provide. Plus, the raised height makes it easier to keep an eye on your crop over the winter and early spring when it’s starting to grow.
Native to Central Asia, garlic has been cultivated for thousands of years and is certainly not considered invasive. In fact, once you plant it, you’ll likely never want to go a year without it! I find that garlic grows exceptionally well in raised beds because you can ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and free from compaction. And trust me, there’s nothing like harvesting your own garlic and knowing exactly where it came from—pest-free and all organic!
Herbs: Thyme, Sage, and Parsley
Let’s talk herbs! Raised beds are the perfect setting for cold-hardy herbs like thyme, sage, and parsley, which all do beautifully in cooler temperatures. In the fall, these herbs will still produce plenty of leaves for you to harvest, and the elevated height of the bed makes them easier to access. Not to mention, herbs like thyme and sage have small, woody structures that help them survive light frosts, making them perfect companions for the chilly fall months.
Thyme is native to the Mediterranean, sage hails from Southern Europe, and parsley can trace its roots to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. None of these are invasive, but they can spread joy in your kitchen! I love growing these herbs in raised beds not only because they add a delightful fragrance to the garden, but they also attract beneficial insects. Plus, having fresh herbs just a few steps away from the kitchen is the best way to elevate any meal!
Beets: Nutritious and Colorful
Beets are another fantastic choice for fall planting in raised beds. These root vegetables love the cool weather and will grow steadily through the autumn months. The raised bed gives you control over the soil conditions, ensuring it’s just right for those deep, vibrant beet roots. Beets are also less likely to face issues with pests like leaf miners when grown in raised beds since you can easily protect them with a cover.
Beets originated in the Mediterranean region and are definitely not considered invasive. They’re one of my favorite veggies to grow because they add such a pop of color to any garden, with their deep red, golden, or even striped roots. And don’t forget the greens! Beet greens are incredibly nutritious and can be cooked or used fresh in salads. Growing beets in raised beds just makes the whole experience more rewarding, from planting to the kitchen.
Peas: Sweet and Nutritious
Sweet, crunchy peas are a delight to plant in raised beds, especially as the cooler days roll in. Raised beds allow you to start peas early in the season, getting a jump on the cooler weather that these plants adore. Plus, they provide the perfect conditions for well-drained soil, ensuring the peas’ roots remain healthy and vigorous. With raised beds, you can also add a trellis right into the bed, giving those vines something to cling to as they climb toward the autumn sun.
Peas have their origins in the Mediterranean and Near East regions and are not invasive at all. They are fantastic for enriching the soil with nitrogen, which benefits other plants you might want to grow in the same space. I adore planting peas in my raised beds because they add such a whimsical touch with their delicate tendrils and lovely flowers. And let’s be real—nothing compares to the taste of fresh peas right off the vine!
