Still thinking about planting in New Jersey? You’ve got time—and some tasty options. There are a few veggies that don’t mind a late start and will still give you a solid harvest before the cold sets in.
I just tucked in a few rows myself, and it feels good knowing fresh food is still on the way. If your garden’s looking a little empty, this is your chance to fill it up fast.
1. Spinach
Fast-growing and cold-tolerant, spinach thrives in New Jersey’s cooling fall temperatures. Plant seeds now for baby leaves in just 30 days.
Many Jersey gardeners find fall spinach actually tastes sweeter than spring crops because the cooler weather reduces bitterness. Give it partial shade during hot September afternoons for best results.
2. Kale
Cold snaps actually improve kale’s flavor by converting starches to sugars. Garden centers across New Jersey still have seedlings ready to transplant right now.
Harvest outer leaves first and the plant will continue producing through light frosts. Many Garden State farmers markets feature kale well into November thanks to its remarkable cold tolerance.
3. Radishes
Ready in just 21 days, radishes give instant gratification for impatient Jersey gardeners. Plant them between slower-growing fall crops to maximize garden space.
The cooler New Jersey autumn temperatures prevent radishes from becoming woody or overly spicy. Try varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast’ for reliable fall harvests.
4. Arugula
Peppery and quick-growing, arugula seeds germinate in cool New Jersey soil within days. Harvest baby leaves in just three weeks for tender salads with attitude.
Many Jersey gardeners succession plant arugula every two weeks through September. The nutty flavor intensifies after light frosts, making late-season harvests especially prized.
5. Lettuce
Loose-leaf varieties mature quickly, perfect for New Jersey’s shortening fall days. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ for early fall planting success.
Garden State gardeners can harvest outer leaves while letting plants continue growing. Provide afternoon shade in September to prevent bitterness as temperatures fluctuate.
6. Carrots
Short varieties like ‘Paris Market’ or ‘Thumbelina’ mature quickly in New Jersey’s fall growing window. The state’s sandy coastal soils are perfect for straight, sweet roots.
Fall carrots develop higher sugar content as temperatures drop across the Garden State. Mulch heavily in late October to extend harvests well into December.
7. Beets
Both roots and greens are edible, giving Jersey gardeners double the harvest. Plant now for tender baby beets in October and full-sized roots by November.
The Garden State’s moderate fall climate prevents the woodiness that summer-grown beets often develop. Try golden varieties for milder flavor if you’re new to this nutritional powerhouse.
8. Green Onions
Ready in just 30 days, green onions provide quick rewards for New Jersey fall gardens. Plant them densely and harvest some as microgreens while others mature fully.
Many Garden State cooks appreciate having fresh scallions through Thanksgiving. They tolerate light frosts, making them reliable even as temperatures fluctuate in Jersey’s unpredictable autumn.
9. Bok Choy
This Asian green matures in just 45 days, perfect for New Jersey’s fall growing window. The tender leaves and crunchy stems add variety to autumn meals.
Garden State farmers have increasingly added bok choy to their fall crop rotations. Its cold tolerance means you’ll have fresh harvests even after lighter frosts hit northern Jersey counties.
10. Mustard Greens
Spicy and fast-growing, mustard greens add zing to fall salads across New Jersey. Harvest baby leaves in just three weeks or wait for full heads.
The Garden State’s cooling temperatures actually improve flavor by reducing bitterness. Many Jersey gardeners find these nutritional powerhouses self-seed readily for volunteer plants next spring.
11. Swiss Chard
Colorful ‘Rainbow’ varieties brighten New Jersey gardens as other plants fade. The hardy leaves withstand temperature fluctuations common in Garden State autumns.
Many Jersey families harvest outer leaves throughout fall while the plant continues producing. Its impressive cold tolerance means you’ll have fresh greens until hard freezes hit northern counties.
12. Turnips
Quick-maturing turnips offer both roots and nutritious greens to Jersey gardeners. Plant now for tender baby turnips in just 30 days.
The Garden State’s sandy soils in southern counties produce especially sweet roots. Many New Jersey farmers traditionally plant turnips as both a fall crop and soil improver.
13. Cilantro
This herb thrives in New Jersey’s cooling temperatures after struggling in summer heat. Seeds germinate quickly, providing fresh cilantro for fall salsa made with the last Jersey tomatoes.
Many Garden State gardeners find fall-planted cilantro less likely to bolt than spring crops. Its moderate cold tolerance means fresh herbs through October in most counties.
14. Kohlrabi
This unusual vegetable matures in just 45 days, perfect timing for New Jersey’s fall season. The crisp, apple-like bulbs grow above ground for easy harvest.
Many Garden State farmers markets now feature kohlrabi in fall displays. Its impressive cold tolerance means late plantings survive light frosts common in northern Jersey counties.
15. Collard Greens
Incredibly cold-hardy, collards often survive New Jersey winters with minimal protection. Plant now for continuous harvests through fall and beyond.
Many Garden State families have traditional recipes featuring these nutritional powerhouses. The flavor actually improves after frost touches the leaves, making them a true cold-weather crop.
16. Garlic
Plant garlic now for harvest next summer in New Jersey gardens. Fall planting allows roots to develop before winter dormancy sets in.
Many Garden State gardeners find locally-adapted varieties perform best. The Jersey Shore’s moderate climate provides perfect conditions for developing flavorful bulbs with proper winter protection.
17. Peas
Fall peas thrive in New Jersey’s cooling temperatures after summer’s heat fades. Quick-maturing snap varieties can produce before first frost in most counties.
Many Garden State gardeners find fall peas sweeter than spring crops. Provide trellises or supports at planting time to maximize garden space and keep pods clean.