15 Fall Crops for the Tower Garden

Summer has officially bid farewell to Central Florida. With daytime highs dipping below the 90s, morning lows settling in the upper 60s, and a noticeable drop in humidity, it’s time to embrace the cooler weather. You might even find yourself reaching for a light jacket on those crisp mornings! This seasonal shift signals the perfect opportunity to start growing your fall crops. If you haven’t started yet, don’t worry—there’s still time! Thanks to the Tower Garden’s innovative technology, your crops will grow 20-30% faster than they would in traditional soil, helping you catch up in no time.

What Should I Be Growing This Fall?

If you’ve been growing summer crops like lettuce or greens, you’re already ahead of the game! The Tower Garden’s unique system allows for extended growing seasons, even enabling summer growth of crops that typically wouldn’t thrive in the ground in the summer.

Keep in mind that the Tower Garden extends your growing season, and with a few added tools—like a pop-up greenhouse or a submersible heater—you can stretch it even further. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post with more tips on how to maximize your Tower Garden’s potential through fall and winter.

Tips for Starting Your Fall Crops

In some regions, it might still be too warm for certain seeds to germinate successfully. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start Seeds Indoors: Begin seeds inside where temperatures are more controlled. Once the seeds crack open, transfer them outside to your Tower Garden.
2. Use Grow Lights: If starting indoors, consider using a 2-foot grow light to give your seeds the best chance to sprout and thrive.

Here’s a list of popular fall and winter crops you can start (or continue) growing now, depending on your location:

1. Lettuce
   Lettuce is a versatile and fast-growing crop, making it a staple for fall gardens. From crisp romaine to tender butterhead, it thrives in cooler weather and can be harvested as baby greens or full heads. With the Tower Garden, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown lettuce in as little as 3-4 weeks.
   
   

2. Kale
   Kale is a nutrient powerhouse that loves cooler temperatures. Its hardy nature makes it an excellent choice for fall and winter gardens. Whether you prefer curly, Tuscan, or Russian varieties, kale is perfect for salads, smoothies, and soups, and it becomes sweeter after exposure to a light frost.
   

3. Collards 
   Collards are a Southern favorite known for their large, tender leaves and mild flavor. They’re frost-tolerant and thrive in the cooler months, providing a continuous harvest when picked from the outer leaves. Rich in vitamins and minerals, collards are a nutritious addition to any meal.
   

4. Chard
   Chard, with its vibrant stems and glossy leaves, is both beautiful and nutritious. It grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. Perfect for sautéing, adding to soups, or using as a spinach substitute, chard is a versatile crop that thrives in cooler weather.
   

5. Asian Greens
   Asian greens like bok choy, tatsoi, and mizuna are fast-growing and thrive in the mild fall temperatures. These flavorful greens are perfect for stir-fries, soups, or fresh salads. Their tender leaves and crunchy stems make them a favorite among Tower Garden growers.
   

6. Cabbage
   Cabbage is a cool-weather classic that grows into dense, flavorful heads. Whether you prefer green, red, or savoy varieties, cabbage is perfect for slaws, soups, and fermenting into sauerkraut. It does take a bit longer to mature, but the wait is well worth it.
   

7. Kohlrabi
   Kohlrabi is a unique and fast-growing crop with a crisp, sweet flavor. Its bulbous stem can be eaten raw in salads or roasted for a nutty taste. Kohlrabi is frost-tolerant and thrives in the cooler months, making it a great addition to your fall garden.
   

8. Brussels Sprouts
   Brussels sprouts grow best in cooler weather, developing their signature nutty sweetness after exposure to frost. They grow on tall stalks and take some time to mature, but the payoff is a plentiful harvest of tender, flavorful sprouts perfect for roasting or sautéing.
   

9. Cauliflower
   Cauliflower is a cool-season crop known for its creamy white heads. While it takes time and space to grow, it’s a rewarding addition to your garden. Use it as a low-carb substitute for rice or mash, or enjoy it roasted with your favorite seasonings.
   

10. Broccoli
    Broccoli thrives in cool weather and produces delicious, nutrient-packed heads. While it takes longer to grow and requires space for its large leaves, it’s worth the effort for its versatility in cooking, from steaming and roasting to soups and casseroles.
    

11. Spinach
    Spinach is a fast-growing leafy green that loves cool weather. Packed with iron and vitamins, it’s perfect for fresh salads, smoothies, or cooking. Spinach can be harvested as baby leaves or allowed to mature, providing a continuous harvest throughout the season.
    

12. Mustard Greens
    Mustard greens bring a peppery kick to your fall garden. Their bold flavor pairs well with soups, stir-fries, or as a sautéed side dish. They grow quickly and are frost-tolerant, making them a reliable crop for cooler months.
    

13. Arugula
    Arugula, also known as rocket, is a spicy, fast-growing green perfect for salads and garnishes. It thrives in cool weather and can be harvested in just a few weeks. Its distinctive flavor adds a zesty punch to any dish.
    

14. Peas
    Peas are a cool-season favorite that can be grown for their sweet pods or tender shoots. They climb as they grow, making them a space-efficient crop for your Tower Garden. Peas are perfect for snacking, stir-fries, or adding to soups and salads.
    

15. Chives
    Chives are a hardy herb with a mild onion flavor, ideal for garnishing soups, salads, and baked potatoes. They thrive in cool weather and are a perennial crop, meaning they’ll come back year after year if cared for properly.

Take advantage of this perfect growing weather and get your fall crops started today! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just beginning your Tower Garden journey, there’s no better time to enjoy the rewards of fresh, homegrown produce. 🌱

What are your favorite fall crops to grow? Share them in the comments below!