Root vegetables thrive in cooler weather, and many gardeners don't realize that this also makes them perfect for fall planting and extended harvesting. "Fall gardening not only takes advantage of warm soil but also allows you to grow plants with reduced pest pressure," explains Amy Enfield, Ph.D., Senior Horticulturist at ScottsMiracle-Gro. "Whether you're working with raised beds, in-ground gardens, or containers, growing in the fall can bring an abundance of delicious and nutritious produce to your table throughout the autumn season." 

She adds, "Many vegetables and herbs, such as carrots, beets, kale, parsley, and thyme, thrive in cooler temperatures and some even improve in flavor after a light frost."

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these hardy crops are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for extending your harvest into the cooler months. If you're looking to keep getting more out of a hard-working garden, here's a breakdown of some common root vegetables that thrive in the cool fall soil, as well as some optimal planting and harvesting tips.

1. Carrots

Carrots can be planted in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest. "Fall grown carrots tend to be sweeter than spring carrots when they are exposed to cool weather and a light frost," highlights Enfield.

  • Planting Time: 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
  • Harvest:
    • Zones 4-6: Carrot seeds should be sown in July through early August for harvest in late September through mid-October
    • Zones 9+: Carrots can be grown as a winter crop—planted between October and February/early-March, some frost protection may need to be provided in zones 9-10 during December and January.
    • Zones 7-8: Carrots seeds should be sown in September through early October for harvest in late October through November

2. Beets

Beets are another root crop that can be planted in your fall vegetable garden. They thrive in cool temperatures and can also be harvested into early winter. "Like carrots, fall grown beets tend to be sweeter and the coloring tends to be more intense (ie: “redder” reds)," notes Enfield. "They tolerate light frosts without protection but should be covered with a frost blanket if a hard frost is expected."

  • Planting Time: 6 weeks before the first frost.
  • Harvest: 50-70 days from planting.
    • Zones 4-6: seed in August through early September for a harvest in mid-September through mid-October
    • Zones 9+: beets can be grown as a winter crop—planted between October and February/early-March, some frost protection may need to be provided in zones 9-10 during December and January.
    • Zones 7-8: seed in October for a harvest in mid- to late-November
Beets growing in a garden
Enjoy beets and their greens late into fall. Credit: Tina Terras & Michael Walter / Getty Images

3. Turnips

Turnips are quick growers, making them an ideal fall crop. They handle cool temperatures well and can be harvested before the ground freezes.

  • Planting Time: 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
  • Harvest: 40-60 days from planting.

4. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing root vegetables and can be planted late into the season. Their quick growth makes them perfect for fall planting.

  • Planting Time: 4-6 weeks before the first frost.
  • Harvest: 25-30 days from planting.
Parsnips grow in a garden.
Similar to carrots, you may continue to get a great haul even as temperatures begin to drop overnight. Credit: duckycards / Getty Images

5. Parsnips

Parsnips, while slower growing, can be planted in late spring or summer for a late fall harvest. They require a longer growing season but develop a sweeter flavor after a light freeze.

  • Planting Time: 16-18 weeks before the first frost. If you live in an area that doesn't experience frost, you're in luck because these plants will thrive in cooler temperatures, as long as they get enough sunlight.
  • Harvest: 100-120 days from planting.

6. Rutabagas

Rutabagas are similar to turnips but take longer to mature. They have a great cold tolerance and can be left in the ground until after the first frost.

  • Planting Time: 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
  • Harvest: 90-120 days from planting.
Person harvests turnips from garden
Turnips are one of my favorite secret ingredients to spice up ordinary mashed potatoes. Credit: PeopleImages / Getty Images

Tips for Successful Fall Planting

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure that your garden soil is loose , moist, and the garden bed is well-drained to allow for proper root growth.
  • Frost Tolerance: Many root vegetables actually benefit from a frost during colder temperatures. Unlike spring crops that can quickly wilt with cold temperatures, a frost can enhance the sweetness of a delicious cool-season vegetable.
  • Mulching: Adding mulch can protect roots from temperature fluctuations and extend the harvest window.
  • Succession Planting: To maximize your harvest of winter crops, plant seeds in succession every few weeks. You'll have a continuous supply right up until the end of the gardening season.

Potatoes in basement storage during the winter with canned goods.
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Harvesting and Storing Root Vegetables

Most cool-season crops can be left in the ground for an extended period and harvested as needed, especially if the ground isn't frozen. For long-term storage, consider curing vegetables like beets and turnips in a cool, dark place. There's a reason so many older homes have root cellars! Parsnips and carrots can be left in the soil and harvested as needed during winter months, provided the soil remains unfrozen.