For gardeners in Zones 6-7, late summer and early fall are ideal times to plant cold-tolerant, overwintering vegetables. These crops can survive winter’s chill and reward you with early harvests from March through May.
To succeed, focus on vegetables that are cold-hardy, able to grow slowly through winter, and quick to resume growth once spring arrives. Mulch, low tunnels, or row covers can extend protection and help maintain steady conditions for overwintering success.
Table of Contents
Kale and Collards
Among the hardiest greens, kale and collards improve in flavor after frost and often survive deep freezes.
- Red Russian Kale – Exceptionally hardy; survives with light mulch and sweetens after frost. Resumes rapid spring growth.
- Dwarf Siberian Kale – Compact plants with strong cold resistance. Grows back quickly after winter dormancy.
- Scotch Blue Curled Kale – Dense, frilled leaves and excellent frost tolerance. Produces sweet, tender greens into spring.
For overwintering, direct-sow seeds in late August through early October, mulch lightly, and harvest new leaves in early spring.
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Spinach
Spinach is one of the most reliable overwintering crops. It can freeze solid and still regrow once days lengthen.
- Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach – The classic cold-tolerant heirloom. When fall-planted and mulched, it overwinters easily and bursts into growth in early spring.
- Giant Noble Spinach – Large, smooth leaves that handle cold well and yield heavily once spring warmth returns.
- New Zealand Spinach – Not a true spinach but a fine companion crop in mild winters. Less suited to deep freezes but excellent for extended cool weather.
Plant spinach in late summer through early fall for continuous harvest into spring.
Beets and Swiss Chard
These crops handle cool weather well and often regrow after light freezes. Roots may overwinter with protection.
- Detroit Dark Red Beet – Classic heirloom beet that may overwinter under mulch in milder winters. Roots and greens both edible.
- Early Wonder Beet – Quick to mature; produces tender greens for fall and early spring harvests.
- Swiss Chard ‘Fordhook Giant’ – Extremely cold-tolerant and productive; often regrows from the crown after frost.
Mulch deeply to protect crowns and roots through winter.
Lettuce and Other Greens
Certain lettuces and mustard greens tolerate light freezes and resume growth early in spring.
- Buttercrunch Lettuce – Semi-hardy Bibb-type lettuce that bounces back after frost.
- Grand Rapids Leaf Lettuce – A dependable cool-season type, great for overwinter baby greens.
- Lettuce Blend #1 – A mix of loose-leaf lettuces for cut-and-come-again harvests through fall and spring.
- Southern Giant Curled Mustard – Fast-growing and flavorful; produces tender spring leaves even after winter cold.
Protect young plants with lightweight row covers or cold frames during severe freezes.
Onions and Leeks
These crops grow slowly through winter and mature early the next year.
- Evergreen Long White Bunching Onion – Hardy perennial scallion type that overwinters easily and greens up early in spring.
- American Flag Leek – Mild and sweet; when sown in late summer, it produces beautiful, thick stalks by early spring.
Mulch well to keep soil temperatures stable and prevent heaving from freeze-thaw cycles.
Carrots and Root Crops
Shorter, stouter roots tolerate cold soil better than long types. Mulch heavily for insulation.
- Danvers 126 Carrot – Dependable and hardy; overwinter under straw mulch and harvest early in spring.
- Parisian Carrot – Small, round roots suited to heavy or cold soils; good for protected overwintering.
- Purple Top White Globe Turnip – Traditional overwintering root crop whose tops often survive and regrow in spring.
For the best results, direct-sow in late summer and mulch once temperatures drop.
Best Compact Garden Plan for Zones 6-7 and Similar Climates
For a small, resilient fall-sown garden that provides early spring harvests, try planting:
- Red Russian Kale
- Bloomsdale Spinach
- Detroit Dark Red Beet
- Buttercrunch Lettuce
- Evergreen White Bunching Onion
- Purple Top White Globe Turnip
Sow these from late August through early October. Mulch with straw or dry leaves and cover with row fabric during hard freezes. By late March, you can begin picking spinach, kale, and turnip greens, with beets, carrots, and onions ready by April and May.
Closing Thoughts
Planning a fall garden in Zone 6-7 is one of the best ways to extend your growing season and enjoy early harvests next spring. With a bit of preparation and the right heirloom varieties, you can keep your garden productive year-round. Cold-hardy crops such as kale, spinach, and beets not only survive winter but come back stronger as the weather warms. A well-planned fall garden brings satisfaction during the quiet months and a welcome abundance when spring returns—proof that a little effort now yields rich rewards later.
FAQ:
What vegetables grow best in Zones 6-7 during fall?
Cold-hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, beets, turnips, carrots, lettuce, and leeks perform especially well in Zones 6-7. These crops can be planted in late summer or early fall and often overwinter successfully for a spring harvest.
When should I plant fall vegetables in Zones 6-7?
Most fall vegetables should be planted between late August and early October in Zones 6-7. This timing allows seedlings to establish before the first hard frost while still benefiting from cooler temperatures.
Can I overwinter vegetables outdoors in Zones 6-7?
Yes. Many cold-tolerant vegetables can overwinter in the ground when protected with mulch, row covers, or cold frames. Spinach, kale, leeks, and bunching onions are especially dependable overwintering crops in Zones 6-7 climates.
What kind of mulch should I use for overwintering crops in Zones 6-7?
Use clean straw, dry leaves, or pine needles to insulate soil and protect roots. A layer two to four inches thick helps prevent freeze-thaw damage while keeping soil moisture steady through winter.
How early can I harvest in spring after overwintering crops in Zones 6-7?
Most overwintered greens begin growing again in late March. By April or May, you can harvest kale, spinach, turnip greens, and early root crops like carrots and beets.
Do I need a greenhouse to grow vegetables through winter in Zones 6-7?
A greenhouse helps but isn’t required. Simple row covers, cold frames, or low tunnels often provide enough protection for hardy vegetables in Zones 6-7. These low-cost solutions work well for home gardeners.
Which spinach varieties are best for overwintering in Zones 6-7?
‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ and ‘Giant Noble’ are excellent cold-tolerant heirlooms for Zones 6-7. They survive heavy frosts and resume rapid growth once daylight increases in spring.
How can I protect my fall garden from sudden cold snaps in Zones 6-7?
Keep row cover fabric or frost blankets on hand. When temperatures drop suddenly, cover young plants overnight and remove the fabric during the day for sunlight and airflow.
Are root vegetables like carrots and beets reliable for overwintering in Zones 6-7?
Yes, shorter-rooted types such as ‘Danvers 126’ and ‘Detroit Dark Red’ perform well. Mulch heavily once the ground begins to freeze, and you can often dig roots fresh in early spring.
Can lettuce survive winter temperatures in Zones 6-7?
Certain varieties like ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Grand Rapids Leaf’ can survive light freezes and rebound early in spring. For best success, plant them under row covers or cold frames to buffer against extreme cold.
