Beyond Garlic: 5 Plants to Grow in Your Fall Raised Bed

Fall's in full swing my fellow gardeners! As someone who's been tending to veggies and soil for years, garlic's one of my go-tos for fall planting, but why stop there? Raised beds are ideal for growing cool-season crops—they drain well and warm up quicker. In this blog, I'm sharing five underrated garden gems to sow or plant now, with tips from my own backyard. They will keep your beds productive right through winter, and reward you with fresh greens when your neighbors are still dreaming of harvest. 

 

1. Kale

Kale's my top pick for fall - tough as nails and sweeter after frost. I like to plant 'Lacinato' in mid-September, as their blue-green leaves hold up well to snow. Space your plants 12 inches apart to avoid crowding, and use frost covers for protection on cold nights. Last fall, I sowed a row in my raised beds, and by December, I was snipping outer leaves for kale chips while the ground froze around it. 

2. Carrots

Carrots in fall are a game-changer. They store right in the ground, getting sweeter with each freeze. I like to plant them in early October for crunchy, sweet carrots in March—just way better than limp winter ones.

Remember to plant them 2 inches apart early, and cover with a thick mulch layer after the first frost to insulate. When ready, just brush off the snow and grab what you need. They’re great for roasting or snacking.

3. Spinach

Don't sleep on spinach—it's the stealth crop that sneaks in harvests before you know it. Sow seeds in late October and your raised bed's warmth will give them a head start. One year, I tucked a patch between garlic cloves, and by early winter, I had baby leaves for salads that tasted like mild nuts. 

Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches for bigger yields, and mulch lightly with straw to keep soil moist without sogginess. Fresh spinach beats store-bought every time.

4. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a rare breed that looks good and tastes better. Start planting now and it'll produce until the ground thaws. I interplanted it with carrots last season in my raised herb bed, and the chard kept going strong through January. Harvest from the outside in to encourage regrowth, and add some compost mid-season for extra vigor. 

5. Bonus Pick: Arugula

Arugula's the spicy underdog that thrives in fall. Try sowing 'Astro' seeds every two weeks; it grows fast and will be ready in about 30 days, and the raised bed's drainage keeps it from getting slimy from rain. I scatter it in gaps around my kale, and last fall, it spiced up every salad until the holidays. 

Harvest young for tenderness, and let some bolt in spring for flowers that bees adore. In my experience, it's the easiest way to add flair without fuss. 

There you have it - five fantastic fall crops to keep your raised beds thriving beyond garlic. These picks are producers that make winter gardening feel like a breeze. So grab your seeds and plant before the ground gets too chilly. Your taste buds will high-five you come January!