Tips for fall planting in the school garden

8/29/2022

Now that school is back in session, many school garden programs are gearing up again. Below are some tips for specific vegetables to grow in fall.

While all crops in the list below are cold tolerant, they will all benefit from plastic or fabric row covers to protect against extreme cold temperatures. None of these crops are pollinator dependent.

• Direct seed radishes Aug. 1-Sept. 15. Plant seeds every few weeks for a steady harvest.
• Direct seed cilantro Aug.1-Oct. 1. It can grow over winter under row covers.
• Direct seed spinach Sept. 1-Oct. 15. It can grow over winter under row covers.
• Direct seed collards Aug. 1-Sept. 15. Collards taste better when grown in colder temperatures.
• Direct seed kohlrabi Aug. 1-Sept. 1. It can grow over winter under row covers.
• Direct seed kale Aug. 1-Oct. 15. It can grow over winter under row covers.
• Direct seed leaf lettuce Aug. 1-Oct. 1. Plant seeds every couple of weeks for a steady harvest.
• Direct seed beets Aug. 1-Sept. 15. Thin seedlings to 2 inches of spacing.
• Direct seed carrots Aug. 1-Sept. 15. Thin seedlings to 2 inches of spacing.

Always be sure to check the back of seed packets for planting depth. Generally, plant seeds about three times deep as they are wide.

The information above was adapted from this guide. Contact local Ohio State University Extension offices or the Central State University Extension office for additional gardening information.