Late-Season Veggie Starts for Central Oregon Gardens
As August winds down and that unmistakable shift in the air begins, many gardeners assume the growing season is nearly over. But here in Central Oregon, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There's still time to plant, to harvest, and to make the most of your garden before the first frost arrives.
Our garden market is freshly stocked with a new wave of late-season vegetable starts—varieties selected specifically for their hardiness, quick maturity, and ability to thrive in the cooler nights and shorter days ahead. Whether your summer crops have slowed down or you’ve got a few open spots in the beds, now is the perfect moment to replant and keep the garden momentum going well into fall.
Fall gardening is all about choosing the right plants—ones that appreciate cooler temperatures, can withstand a touch of frost, and offer rich flavor and nutrition right up to the end of the season. Think tender greens, sturdy roots, and cold-loving herbs and brassicas. These are crops that don’t just survive the chill—they flourish in it.
Top Picks for a Successful Fall Garden in Central Oregon
Kale & Kalettes
These cold-hardy greens actually taste sweeter after a light frost. Kale is a fast grower and can be harvested leaf by leaf, while kalettes—a hybrid of kale and Brussels sprouts—offer a unique flavor and are incredibly resilient in cooler weather.
Cauliflower
Choose faster-maturing varieties for fall planting, ideally ones that mature in 60-75 days. Cauliflower prefers the consistent cooler temps of late summer and early fall, making this an ideal time to get them in the ground.
Lettuce & Spinach
These leafy greens love the shorter, cooler days and can be harvested as baby leaves or allowed to mature. Spinach, in particular, can survive surprisingly low temperatures and may even overwinter if protected.
Scallions (Green Onions)
Quick to grow and tolerant of cool temperatures, scallions are a reliable crop for late-season planting. They can be harvested at nearly any stage and add fresh flavor to fall meals.
Swiss Chard
Beautiful, versatile, and tolerant of light frosts, Swiss chard continues to produce through the fall. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
Beets
Beets are a two-for-one crop—the roots and the greens are both edible and nutritious. Sow beets now for small to medium-sized roots by the time frost hits. They tolerate cool soil and grow well in lower light conditions.
Brussels Sprouts
A slower grower, Brussels sprouts are worth the wait. They perform best when they mature in cooler weather, and their flavor improves with frost. Get starts in the ground as soon as possible for a late fall harvest.
Pro Tip:
To maximize your fall harvest, consider staggering your plantings every couple of weeks. This creates a steady supply of fresh produce instead of everything maturing at once. And keep an eye on the forecast—young starts can be protected from early frosts with row covers or cold frames, helping you stretch the season even further.
So don’t hang up your garden gloves just yet. There’s still plenty of time—and plenty to plant. Let’s finish the season strong.