CHAMPAIGN COUNTY (Chambana Today) – There a still a few weeks left to plant some goodness in your gardens. Recommended Fall Crops according to The Farmer’s Almanac (with planting windows, days-to-maturity, and frost tolerance).
Crop Plant Seeds Outdoors Days to Harvest Frost Tolerance
- Arugula Aug 30 – Oct 4 ~40 days Frost-hardy
- Beets Jul 26 – Aug 23 ~50 days Frost-tolerant
- Bok Choy Aug 9 – Aug 30 ~50 days Frost-tolerant
- Broccoli Jul 19 – Jul 26 or Aug 9 – 23 ~60 days Frost-tolerant
- Brussels Sprouts Jun 28 – Jul 12 ~100 days Frost-hardy
- Cabbage Jul 26 – Aug 9 ~90 days Frost-tolerant
- Carrots Aug 2 – Aug 9 ~70 days Frost-tolerant
- Cauliflower Jul 12 – Jul 19 or Jul 26 – Aug 2 ~75 days Frost-tolerant
- Kale Aug 9 – Aug 23 ~60 days Frost-hardy
- Lettuce Aug 23 – Sep 6 ~60 days Frost-tolerant
- Mustard Greens Aug 16 – Sep 6 ~45 days Tender
- Peas Aug 9 – Aug 23 ~55 days Tender
- Radishes Sep 6 – Sep 20 ~25 days Frost-tolerant
- Spinach Aug 30 – Sep 20 ~30 days Frost-hardy
- Swiss Chard Aug 9 – Aug 23 ~60 days Frost-tolerant
- Turnips Aug 16 – Aug 30 ~50 days Frost-tolerant
The average first fall frost in our area is the middle of October. Covering fall crops is strongly recommended -typically sown 4-6 weeks before frost (i.e., in August or early September) to build soil and protect it from winter erosion.
Couple of good takeaways:
- Favorable window: Mid-July through late August, tapering into early to mid-September for rapid maturing greens.
- Since rainfall is forecast to be below normal, irrigation or moisture conservation (e.g. mulching) is important for late-season crops.
- Monitor daily weather during planting windows—particularly around mid to late October—to avoid late frosts.
- For best results, stagger planting to smooth out harvest timing before the frost hits.
Happy planting!