Best Vegetables to Plant in Autumn

Last updated on November 13th, 2025 at 05:20 pm

Vegetables to Plant in Autumn (Desert Southwest Focus)

Cool-Season Vegetables (Ideal for Fall)

Vegetables to plant in autumn.  These thrive as temperatures drop and offer harvests extending into winter:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard — all cold-tolerant and well-suited for fall planting.
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collards, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi — plant early or start indoors for timely harvests
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips — develop extra sweetness in colder soil and grow quickly.
• Herbs: Cilantro is especially well-suited for the cooler desert months (Agriscaping).

Region-Specific Favorites for the Desert Southwest

• Tepary Beans: A native legume from the Southwest, highly drought-tolerant and suited for arid fall planting (Wikipedia).
• New Mexico Chile Peppers: While typically summer crops, heirloom varieties (e.g., ‘Big Jim’, ‘Sandia’, ‘Heritage Big Jim’) may continue producing into early fall with proper care (Wikipedia).

Desert-Specific Planting Tips & Techniques

• Ideal Timing: In low desert zones (e.g., Arizona, Southern New Mexico), fall planting begins in September and October, and can continue into November, with mild winters allowing for extended harvests (Agriscaping).
• Location & Soil Preparation:
  • Choose areas with 6–8 hours of morning sun, preferably adjacent to east-facing walls to avoid harsh afternoon heat.
  • Enhance desert soils by adding compost, improving nutrient content, and increasing water retention.
• Watering & Soil Strategies:
  • Maintain even moisture for root crops—avoid waterlogging (Agriscaping).
  • Sunken beds help reduce evaporation and keep roots cool—a great option in hot, dry environments.
• Starting Brassicas Early: Broccoli, cauliflower, and similar vegetables should be started ahead of time (via transplants or indoor seeds) since they mature slowly (Native-Seeds-Search, Publications).

Summary Table

Fall Vegetables Thoughts

Best vegetables to plant in Autumn.  Fall brings some of the very best planting conditions to the Desert Southwest, making it an ideal time to refresh your landscape or start new garden projects. As temperatures begin to cool, the intense summer heat that often stresses plants starts to fade, giving seeds, perennials, shrubs, and young transplants a much easier and healthier start. Cooler days and mild nights help plants establish stronger root systems before winter sets in, which leads to better growth and improved resilience the following spring. Another big advantage is the natural decline in insect activity during fall—pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies become far less aggressive, reducing the need for constant monitoring or treatments. Combined with typically lower evaporation rates, these conditions mean your garden requires less everyday attention while still thriving. In short, fall is a perfect window for planting in the desert, offering gardeners an opportunity to set the stage for a beautiful and successful growing season ahead.

Fall Vegetables

You’ll also get more variety in your harvests, since many cool-season crops thrive now and drought-tolerant vegetables handle the mild weather with ease. While some gardeners might worry that the soil cools too fast, the ground usually holds its warmth well into fall, which supports root growth. Combined, these factors make autumn a smart and productive season for both new and seasoned growers.

• Begin planting from September through November.
• Prioritize soil preparation, sun exposure, and moisture conservation.
• Use sunken beds, compost, and strategic shade to maximize success.

Paul Guzie

Greenhouse Manager, Master Gardener, and Webmaster.

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