Fall Planting Guide for Your Kitchen Garden (Zone 7 – Maryland)
Why Autumn is the Secret Season for Homegrown Veggies
Hi friends,
As the long summer days start to shorten and the heat finally begins to lift (thank goodness!), it’s time to start thinking about one of my absolute favorite times in the garden—fall planting season. If you’re in Maryland (Zone 7) like me, this is a golden opportunity to refresh your kitchen garden, grow cool-season veggies, and enjoy a second wave of homegrown goodness before winter sets in.
So many people think of spring as the only real time to plant, but here at Nest & Bloom, I’m all about embracing all the seasons. And fall? It’s a dream for gardeners—fewer pests, cooler temps, and some of the tastiest greens of the year.
🍂 Why Fall is a Great Time to Plant a Kitchen Garden
If you’re new to gardening or just unsure about fall planting, here’s why it’s worth getting into the rhythm of this season:
Cool-season crops love it. Leafy greens, root veggies, and herbs often thrive in fall's milder temps.
Less maintenance. Cooler weather means less watering and fewer weeds and bugs to battle.
Fresh harvests when it matters most. There’s nothing cozier than a bowl of soup made with your own fall-grown carrots or herbs.
A fresh start. If your summer garden got a little unruly (mine totally did), fall gives you a chance to regroup and replant.
🥕 What to Plant in a Fall Kitchen Garden (Zone 7)
In our Baltimore/Maryland climate, we’re lucky to have a decent fall growing window. Here’s what I’m planting (and what you can too!):
✨ Leafy Greens
Lettuce – Butterhead, romaine, red leaf, and mesclun mixes all do great.
Spinach – Cool-weather hero! Great for salads or sautés.
Swiss chard – Vibrant and versatile, and tolerates light frost.
🥕 Root Vegetables
Carrots – Sweeten as the temps drop. Try succession planting for a longer harvest.
Radishes – Fast-growing and perfect for new gardeners.
Beets – A two-for-one crop: eat the roots and the greens!
🧅 Onions & Alliums
Green onions – Easy, flavorful, and can even overwinter.
Bunching onions – Sow now for early spring harvests.
🌿 Cool-Weather Herbs
Parsley – Will stick around long into the chilly months.
Cilantro – Loves the cold way more than the heat.
Dill – Delicate and fragrant, it shines in fall.
Cilantro
🥔 Fall Potatoes
Yes, it’s true! You can tuck in a short-season potato variety now and harvest a surprise crop before the ground freezes.
🛠️ Tips for a Thriving Fall Garden
Start with fresh compost. Replenish your soil with compost or organic fertilizer to boost fall growth.
Watch the calendar. Use your local frost date (around Nov 1 in Zone 7) to time your plantings. You want crops to mature before a deep freeze.
Use row covers if needed. These can help protect tender greens into the early winter.
Don’t overthink it. A couple pots of lettuce and herbs on your stoop totally count!
🌱 A Personal Note from Me
I know it’s easy to feel like you’re “behind” when the growing season winds down. But fall gardening isn’t about perfection—it’s about reconnecting to your garden, your food, and that peaceful, quiet rhythm of the changing seasons. Even planting just one thing this fall can bring joy, a sense of accomplishment, and something beautiful to your plate.
💬 Ready to Plant?
Let me know what you’re growing or dreaming of this season. You can always reach out for tips, ideas, or support designing your own kitchen garden.
Here’s to crisp air, cozy harvests, and dirt under your fingernails 🌿
With love,
Katie