Sowing seeds in the late summer or early fall can be a beneficial practice for gardeners. This timing allows for optimal conditions and advantages that can lead to successful plant growth and a bountiful harvest.

Key advantages of sowing seeds this time of year are:

• As the heat of summer begins to fade and cooler weather sets in, it creates an ideal environment for seed germination. The soil is still warm enough to support seed growth, while the air temperatures are more moderate. This combination provides favorable conditions for seeds to sprout and establish strong root systems.
• Another benefit of fall planting is reduced competition from weeds. By sowing seeds at this time, there tend to be fewer weed species actively growing compared to spring planting. This gives newly planted seeds a better chance to receive the necessary nutrients and water without having to compete with aggressive weed growth.
• Fall-planted crops often experience less stress from pests and diseases compared to those planted in spring or summer. With fewer pest populations present during the cooler months, plants have a better chance of thriving without being heavily attacked by insects or susceptible to diseases commonly associated with warmer seasons.

Here are five seeds you can sow in late summer and early fall:

Arugula - Arugula, known for its peppery and distinct flavor, is a fantastic choice to plant in the late summer or early fall. It thrives in cooler temperatures and prefers to grow in mild weather conditions rather than extreme heat. Planting arugula during late summer or early fall allows it to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and achieve optimal growth. Arugula has a relatively short growing season. Unlike some other vegetables that require a longer time to mature, arugula can be ready for harvest within 4-6 weeks after planting. By planting it in late summer or early fall, you can enjoy fresh and crisp leaves before winter arrives. The plant is quite resilient to light frost. Its hardy nature allows it to withstand colder temperatures without significant damage. By planting arugula during this time period, you can extend its growing season and continue harvesting well into the fall months. If it is planted in the late summer or early fall the timing helps avoid common pests and diseases associated with warmer seasons. Many insect pests that target leafy greens are more active during the spring and summer months. By planting arugula later in the year, you reduce the risk of encountering these pests and ensure healthier plants.

Nasturtium - Nasturtium, a popular flowering plant with vibrant blooms and unique foliage is a great choice to plant in the late summer or early fall. Nasturtiums have a well-deserved reputation as easy flowers to grow. While they may be considered old-fashioned or not enough of a challenge for more advanced gardeners there is always room in your yard for this carefree annual flower. Nasturtiums also grow very quickly, which appeals to gardeners of all ages. They are quite versatile as they can be used in containers or even as an annual groundcover and they look particularly attractive climbing up a trellis or cascading over a wall. The blooms can be used as a cut flower in floral arrangements and both the flower and leaf are edible. The flowers come in variations of yellow, orange, and red, and while the flowers are typically what gardeners focus on the foliage is very interesting in its own right.

Pot Marigold - Pot marigold, also known as Calendula officinalis, is a versatile and beneficial plant. It is a colorful, vibrant, and cheerful flower that makes it an excellent choice to grow this time of year. This plant has the ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and offers a prolonged blooming period. The petals of this plant are edible and often used in culinary applications such as salads or garnishes. They can also be dried and used for herbal teas or infused oils due to their medicinal properties. Pot marigold is an attractive choice for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. By planting these flowers in your garden during late summer or early fall when other nectar sources may be dwindling, it can provide a much-needed food source for bees and butterflies as well as beneficial insects before they enter hibernation or migration periods. It is a fantastic choice for enhancing your garden during this time of year.

Radish – Radish, a root vegetable known for its crisp texture and peppery flavor, is an excellent choice to plant in the late summer or early fall. This cool-season crop prefers milder temperatures. Planting them now allows them to grow during cooler weather conditions, which helps to prevent bolting (premature flowering) and ensures the production of high-quality roots. Radishes are another plant with a short growing cycle. Many varieties can be harvested three to four weeks after planting. These low-maintenance plants are great if you have unused garden space after harvesting other crops earlier in the season. By sowing radish seeds during this time, you can maximize your yield and make efficient use of available resources. The plant also can grow in many soil conditions and once established does not have extensive water needs.

Swiss Chard - Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious leafy green vegetable that thrives when planted in the late summer or early fall. Planting Swiss chard during this time allows it to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and milder weather conditions. Swiss chard has a relatively long growing season, typically lasting around 60-70 days from seed to harvest. By planting it in late summer or early fall, you can ensure that it has enough time to mature before the arrival of frost or freezing temperatures. Swiss chard withstands light frosts and even thrives under colder conditions. Its hardiness makes it a reliable option for colder climates where other vegetables may struggle to survive. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium, Swiss chard provides a healthy addition to your diet during the winter months when fresh produce options may be limited.