Fall into the Garden: Top Picks & Tips for a Legendary Season

Fall isn’t just for pumpkins and crunchy leaves — it’s a golden season for planting! As the weather cools and the soil stays warm, it’s the perfect time to get your fall garden going strong. At Beanstalks Farm, we’ve packed this season with some of our favorite high-performing varieties — chosen for flavor, hardiness, and seasonal magic. Here’s what to sow now and how to give your garden a head start before winter rolls in — perfect for planting now and harvesting into late fall or early spring.

Kale ‘Lacinato’

A true garden workhorse, this heirloom Italian variety (also called Dinosaur Kale) is cold-tolerant, nutrient-rich, and incredibly productive. It’s a hit with home cooks and market shoppers alike — great for soups, sautés, smoothies, or crispy kale chips.

Planting Tip: Sow directly or transplant. Harvest outer leaves often to keep the plant producing through the season.

Carrot ‘Scarlet Nantes’

Known for its sweet flavor and crisp texture, Scarlet Nantes is a classic fall carrot. A crowd-pleaser for families and sharing, it performs beautifully in cooler soil and gets sweeter after a light frost.

Pro Tip: Sow in loose, deeply worked soil. Mulch to retain moisture and protect developing roots.

Spinach ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’

This cool-season leafy green is a fall favorite for its deep green crinkle leaves and great regrowth. It’s fast-growing and makes a perfect baby green or full-sized harvest. A favorite for salad lovers and market growers alike.

Try This: Pair with kale in mixed greens bags for variety and value.

Pepper ‘California Wonder’

If you’re in Zone 9b, there’s still time to get another round of sweet peppers in the ground. California Wonder is a consistent producer of blocky, crisp green-to-red peppers. It’s popular for stuffing, grilling, or eating fresh.

Bonus: These perform well in containers and raised beds too.

Radish ‘French Breakfast’ (Organic)

Quick to germinate and harvest, this variety offers fast returns and high turnover — great for succession planting and market sales. The blush-pink roots with white tips are eye-catching and mild in flavor.

Grower Tip: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a steady harvest through the season.

Bush Bean ‘Blue Lake 274’

Beans aren’t just a summer crop — Blue Lake matures quickly and can be fall-sown in warmer climates like ours. This stringless, tender bean is a market staple and family favorite for its classic snap bean flavor.

Note: Be sure to plant before first frost. Beans thrive in early fall warmth.

Bonus Tips for Fall Growing

- Start strong: Use compost-rich soil and water deeply to encourage root development.

- Think succession: Quick crops like radish and spinach can be staggered for multiple harvests.

- Extend the season: Row covers or low tunnels can help protect against early cold snaps and stretch harvests later into the year.

🌿 Let’s Grow the Season

Whether you’re stocking a stand or just growing for your own family, fall is full of opportunity. These varieties are proven performers — and we’ve packed them with care so you can grow with confidence.

Tag us @beanstalksfarm with your fall garden photos, and let’s celebrate the season — seed by seed.