When To Plant Fall Crops In Zone 6

Getting the timing right for your fall garden is the most important step for a great harvest. Knowing exactly when to plant fall crops in zone 6 is the key to your success. The cool, crisp days of autumn are perfect for growing many vegetables, but you have to start while summer is still in full swing. This guide will walk you through the simple calculations and choices that lead to a productive autumn garden.

This date is your essential starting point. For zone 6, the average first fall frost typically arrives around October 15-20. This date can vary, so check a local almanac for your specific town. All your planting math begins here. You’ll be counting backwards from this frost date to find your perfect planting day for each type of crop.

Understanding Your Fall Growing Window

Fall gardening is different from spring planting. In spring, days get warmer and longer. In the fall, days get cooler and shorter. This changes how plants grow. Your goal is to time planting so crops mature during those pleasant, mild autumn days, not in the summer heat. Some crops even taste better after a light frost!

The “fall” planting season actually starts in mid-to-late summer. It feels strange to be planting broccoli when you’re harvesting tomatoes, but it’s necessary. You are using the remaining warm soil and long days to get plants established before the cold settles in.

The Two Types of Fall Crops

Fall crops generally fall into two categories. Understanding this helps with timing.

Direct Sow Crops: These are planted as seeds directly into your garden soil. They are usually fast-growing and prefer not to be transplanted. Examples include radishes, carrots, and leafy greens.
Transplanted Crops: These are started indoors (or purchased as seedlings) and then moved into the garden. This gives them a head start. Examples include broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

How to Calculate Your Planting Dates

Follow these steps for each vegetable you want to grow.

Find Your Frost Date: Mark October 15th on your calendar as a safe average for zone 6.
Check “Days to Maturity”: Look on your seed packet for this number. It tells you how long from planting the seed until harvest.
Add the “Fall Factor”: Because days are getting shorter and cooler, add 14 extra days to the “Days to Maturity” number. This is your adjusted growing time.
Count Back: From your frost date (Oct 15), count back the adjusted number of days. That’s your target planting date.

For example, for a lettuce that matures in 45 days: 45 + 14 = 59 days. Counting back 59 days from October 15 lands you around August 17.

Zone 6 Fall Planting Calendar

Here is a general timeline to follow. These dates assume a frost date of October 15.

Mid-July to Early August (10-12 weeks before frost)

This is for your longest-season fall crops. Start these indoors or buy transplants.

Brussels sprouts (transplants)
Broccoli (transplants)
Cabbage (transplants)
Cauliflower (transplants)
Start a second planting of summer squash or cucumbers if you want a late harvest.

Early to Mid-August (8-10 weeks before frost)

Time for direct seeding and more transplants.

Beets (direct sow)
Carrots (direct sow)
Bush Beans (direct sow for a fast crop)
Kale (direct sow or transplants)
Collards (direct sow or transplants)
Swiss chard (direct sow)

Late August to Early September (6-8 weeks before frost)

This is prime time for fast-growing greens and roots.

Lettuce (direct sow or transplants)
Spinach (direct sow)
Radishes (direct sow)
Turnips (direct sow)
Arugula (direct sow)
Asian Greens like Bok Choy (direct sow)

September and Beyond (4-6 weeks before frost)

You can still plant very fast crops and use season extension techniques.

More lettuce and spinach (direct sow)
Radishes (direct sow)
Claytonia or Mache (direct sow – they are very cold-hardy)

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Fall Garden

1. Prepare the Garden Bed

Clear out any spent summer crops. Add a inch or two of compost to the soil and gently work it in. The soil is often dry in late summer, so water the bed thoroughly a day before you plant. This ensures seeds have moisture to germinate.

2. Sowing Seeds in Summer Heat

Dry soil is the enemy of germination. After sowing your seeds, water the area gently but deeply. To keep the soil cool and moist, cover the seeded row with a wooden board or a light layer of burlap for 2-3 days. Check daily and remove the cover as soon as you see sprouts. A little shade cloth can also help protect young seedlings from intense afternoon sun.

3. Caring for Fall Seedlings

Consistent watering is crucial, especialy during the hot weeks of August. Mulch around your plants once they are a few inches tall. Mulch keeps soil moisture in, suppresses weeds, and later on, will help moderate soil temperature as it cools.

4. Extending the Season

Don’t let the first frost end your harvest. Simple tools can add weeks to your season.

Row Covers: Lightweight fabric laid directly over crops. It traps heat and protects from light frosts.
Cold Frames: Bottomless boxes with a clear lid. They create a mini-greenhouse effect.
Hoops & Plastic: Simple wire hoops support plastic sheeting, creating a tunnel for your plants.

Best Vegetables for a Zone 6 Fall Garden

These crops thrive in autumn conditions and many can handle frost.

Kale: Extremely hardy, flavor improves with frost. Plant from seed or transplants in August.
Spinach: Prefers cool weather. Sow seeds in late August or early September for a long harvest.
Carrots: Sow in mid-August. They can stay in the ground well past frost; mulch heavily for winter harvest.
Beets: Plant in early August. You can harvest the roots and the delicious greens.
Lettuce: Choose loose-leaf varieties for faster harvest. Succession plant every two weeks for continuous supply.
Radishes: The fastest crop. Sow in September for a crunchy harvest in October.
Broccoli: Buy transplants and get them in the ground by late July for a solid head before hard freeze.
Swiss Chard: A beautiful and durable green. Plant in August, it often survives into early winter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Late: This is the number one error. Always use the calendar and count backwards.
Forgetting to Water: Late summer soil dries out fast. New seeds and seedlings need constant moisture.
Ignoring Soil Prep: Summer crops have used up nutrients. Always add compost before planting fall crops.
Not Using Protection: Have your row covers or cold frames ready before the first frost warning. Don’t wait until the last minute.

FAQ: Your Fall Gardening Questions Answered

Can I plant potatoes in the fall in zone 6?

It’s not generally recommended for a fall harvest. Potatoes need a long, warm growing season. However, you can plant a special variety of potato in late summer for a very early spring harvest, but they require specific protection over winter.

What if my first frost comes early?

If an unexpected early frost is forecast, run out and cover your sensitive crops with old sheets, towels, or row covers. This can often save them. For root crops like carrots and beets, a light frost won’t harm them in the ground.

How do I protect my fall crops from pests?

Cabbage worms and aphids can be a problem. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. Use floating row covers as a barrier from the day you plant. For aphids, a strong spray of water from the hose can knock them off plants.

When should I harvest my fall vegetables?

Harvest leafy greens and roots as you need them. For broccoli and cauliflower, harvest the central head while the buds are still tight. Many crops, like kale and parsnips, actually develop a sweeter flavor after exposure to cold temperatures.

Planning your fall garden might seem tricky at first, but once you understand the simple math of counting backwards from your frost date, it becomes easy. The reward is fresh, homegrown produce long after summer has faded. Your autumn harvest will be a testament to good timing and a little bit of foresight. Grab your calendar, check your seed packets, and get those plants in the ground at the right moment.