As the summer heat begins to fade, your garden in zone 6 is ready for a second act. Knowing what to plant in fall zone 6 can lead to a beautiful and productive autumn, with harvests lasting into winter and blooms that return in spring.
This guide gives you clear, practical choices for your autumn garden. We’ll cover vegetables, flowers, bulbs, and even some shrubs. You’ll learn the best timing and simple steps for success.
What to Plant in Fall Zone 6
Your zone 6 fall planting window is generous. It typically starts in late August and runs through October. The goal is to get plants established in the warm soil of early fall so they can grow strong before the deep cold arrives.
Let’s break down your best options by category.
Vegetables for Autumn Harvests
Fall is a fantastic time for growing cool-season vegetables. Many actually taste better after a light frost. You can plant these from seed or use transplants for a quicker start.
Here are the top picks:
* Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and lettuce are champions. They grow quickly and can handle cold. You can even use row covers to protect them and harvest leaves for months.
* Root Vegetables: Plant radishes, carrots, beets, and turnips. They sweeten up in the cool weather. Just make sure to get them in the ground early enough for them to size up.
* The Brassica Family: This includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. It’s often best to use starter plants from a garden center for these, as they have a longer growing season.
* Alliums: Garlic is the superstar of fall planting. Plant individual cloves in October for a big harvest next July. Onion sets can also be planted for an early spring crop.
A key tip is to know your first average frost date. For most of zone 6, it’s around mid-October. Count backwards from that date using the “days to maturity” on your seed packet to know your last safe planting day.
Flowers for Fall Color & Spring Blooms
Don’t forget about adding color and life to your garden! Many annuals thrive in cooler temps and perennials can be established now.
For instant autumn color, plant these annuals in early fall:
* Pansies and Violas
* Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
* Chrysanthemums (hardy garden mums)
* Snapdragons
But perhaps the most rewarding fall planting is for spring flowers. These bulbs need a period of cold dormancy to bloom. Plant them in October through November, before the ground freezes.
* Tulips
* Daffodils
* Crocus
* Hyacinths
* Alliums
When planting bulbs, depth is crucial. A good rule is to plant them two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Pointy end up!
Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials
Autumn is one of the best times to plant woody plants and perennials in zone 6. The warm soil encourages root growth, while the cool air minimizes stress on the leaves. The plants can settle in over winter and be ready to explode with growth in spring.
Consider adding these in the fall:
* Perennials: Peonies, daylilies, sedum, and ornamental grasses.
* Shrubs: Lilac, spirea, hydrangea, and boxwood.
* Trees: Maple, oak, crabapple, and fruit trees.
The key advantage is that these plants will require less watering and care compared to those planted in the hot spring or summer. Just be sure to water them deeply and regularly until the ground freezes.
Cover Crops for Garden Health
If you have a vegetable bed that will be empty over winter, consider planting a cover crop. This is a simple technique that improves your soil health immensely.
Cover crops prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter. In zone 6, good fall choices include:
1. Winter Rye
2. Crimson Clover
3. Hairy Vetch
Simply sow the seeds over your bare soil in early fall. Let them grow, and then in early spring, you can turn them into the soil as “green manure.” It’s a gift to your garden’s future.
Your Step-by-Step Fall Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a successful planting season.
Step 1: Prepare Your Soil
Start by cleaning out spent summer plants. Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to your garden beds. This replaces nutrients and improves soil structure. There’s no need for heavy tilling; just gently mix it into the top few inches.
Step 2: Choose Your Plants and Seeds
Select varieties labeled as “cold-hardy” or with a short days-to-maturity. Check your seed packets and plant tags carefully. Local garden centers are great for finding plants that are know to do well in your specific area.
Step 3: Planting at the Right Time
Timing is everything. Divide your planting into two phases:
* Late August to Mid-September: Plant quick-growing veggies (radishes, lettuce) and transplants (broccoli, kale).
* October to November: Plant garlic, flower bulbs, trees, and shrubs.
Always water new plantings thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Step 4: Protecting Your Plants
As nights get colder, be prepared to offer some protection. This extends your harvest by weeks.
* Use floating row covers, cold frames, or even simple cloths.
* Mulch around perennials, shrubs, and newly planted bulbs with shredded leaves or straw to insulate the soil.
* For container plants, consider moving them to a sheltered spot or wrapping the pots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few slip-ups in the fall. Here’s what to watch for:
* Planting Too Late: This is the most common error. If seeds or seedlings don’t have enough time to establish, they won’t survive winter.
* Overwatering: Cooler weather means slower evaporation. Water deeply but less frequently to avoid rot.
* Forgetting to Water: Conversely, don’t assume rain will do the job. New plants need consistent moisture until the ground freezes solid.
* Using the Wrong Mulch: Piling mulch directly against tree trunks or shrub stems can cause rot and attract pests. Always leave a small gap.
FAQ: Your Fall Gardening Questions Answered
What can I plant in October in zone 6?
In October, focus on garlic, spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils), trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials. You can also plant quick spinach and lettuce seeds under a cold frame.
Is it to late to plant a garden in the fall?
It depends on the crop and the exact date. For most vegetables, planting after mid-September in zone 6 is risky. But for bulbs, garlic, and woody plants, October is prime time.
What are the best fall crops for zone 6?
The most reliable are kale, spinach, garlic, radishes, carrots, and hardy lettuces. For color, pansies and ornamental kale are excellent.
Can you plant perennials in the fall in zone 6?
Absolutely. Fall is an ideal time to plant perennials. The soil is warm, which promotes root growth, and the cooler air reduces transplant shock.
Getting your timing right and choosing the appropriate plants makes all the difference. With a little effort now, you can enjoy fresh produce, beautiful blooms, and a healthier garden that wakes up strong next spring. Your zone 6 garden has plenty of potential left in the year.