When to Plant a Fall Garden in Zone 7

When to Plant a Fall Garden in Zone 7

I live in Tennessee in Zone 7B. Planting a fall garden in Zone 7 is a great way to extend your harvest. With the right timing, you can enjoy fresh vegetables long after summer ends. Timing is critical when planting a fall garden!

When to Start Planting
In Zone 7, the average first frost is in mid-October. To succeed, count backwards from that date using the “days to maturity” on your seed packets.

🪴 Quick crops like lettuce, radishes, and spinach can be planted up to 4–6 weeks before frost.
🥕 Root vegetables like carrots and beets should be sown 8–10 weeks before frost.
🥬 Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) need the most time — start them 12–14 weeks before frost.

Best Crops for a Fall Garden
🌱 Kale
🌱 Spinach
🌱 Carrots
🌱 Beets
🌱 Radishes
🌱 Lettuce
🌱 Broccoli

Tips for Success
✅ Start seeds indoors in midsummer for brassicas.
✅ Use row covers to protect from early frosts.
✅ Stagger planting every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest.

With planning, your Zone 7 fall garden will give you crisp greens and sweet root veggies well into the cool season!

 


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