Fall Garden FI

Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden in San Diego

If you love to garden, you are very lucky to live in San Diego where you can grow a variety of seasonal vegetables and plants all year long. For fall, it’s best to plant vegetables that thrive well in the cooler weather, and luckily there are a lot of delicious options. Here is a list of recommended items for your fall vegetable garden in San Diego, along with their health benefits and planting tips.

Garlic 

Health Benefits: Besides being a delicious addition to many foods and sauces, Garlic is known as a sickness-fighter, with properties that help fight colds. It can help lower cholesterol, improve the look of your skin, and contribute to better blood pressure. 

Planting Tips: Set cloves root-side down in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Your garlic will be ready in about 9 months!

Broccoli

Health Benefits: This delicious green veggie is high in vitamins A, C, K, B9, and E, plus iron, fiber, calcium, and protein. If that’s not enough to convince you to add it to your garden, broccoli is also a great source of antioxidants, may reduce inflammation, and may aid in blood sugar control (thanks to its fiber and antioxidants). 

Planting Tips: Plant in an area that gets direct sunlight 6-8 hours a day, and make sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet. Broccoli grows from seed in about 4-5 months. 

Cabbage

Health Benefits: Cabbage is delicious and versatile, as it can be eaten raw in salads or coleslaw, or fermented into sauerkraut or kimchi. It’s rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, and delivers doses of calcium, potassium, folate, and manganese. Like broccoli, this cruciferous veggie is thought to help manage inflammation. 

Planting Tips: Cabbage likes regular watering of about 1-1.5 inches of water each week. Cabbage takes 3-5 months to fully grow from seed.

Cauliflower

Health Benefits: Cauliflower is another wonderful cruciferous vegetable full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. It’s often used as a low-carb substitute for grains and wheat, and it’s tasty raw or cooked!

Planting Tips: Cauliflower grows best with steady temperatures, but luckily it grows quickly, usually in just 2 months. Need some ideas on what to do with your cauliflower harvest? Check out our article on ideas for cauliflower-based meals

Spinach

Health Benefits: This leafy green is well-known as a great source of iron, but it’s also full of vitamins A, C, and K. Spinach may help reduce blog pressure and support brain and eye health. While it’s often eaten raw in salads, try wilting some in a hot pan with a little olive oil and the garlic you also grew in your garden for a delicious side dish. 

Planting Tips: Plant spinach in moist soil rich in nitrogen where it gets partial shade. It will be ready to harvest in just 6-8 weeks!

Turnips

Health Benefits: Turnips are full of fiber and vitamins, including K, A, C, E plus multiple B vitamins. While they can be eaten raw with dips or in salads, turnips are a root vegetable and are delicious when roasted with your favorite spices. 

Planting Tips: Turnips grow best in full sun and slightly acidic soil. The greens can be harvested once they reach 4 inches, and if you leave the bulbs in the ground, they will continue to grow new greens. The bulbs themselves are ready to eat in about 5 weeks to 2 months. 

Whatever you plant in your fall vegetable garden, enjoy the process of planning and planting, getting outside, and the satisfaction of knowing you are growing something nutritious and tasty!

 

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Healthy Lifestyles
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