I used to think gardening stopped in August. Boy, was I wrong! Now I can’t wait for late summer to plant veggies in my pots.
Here are my 10 favorites that grow like crazy right now.
1. Carrots
Carrots have always been a family favorite in our household. I love how versatile they are for container gardening. They can be planted in almost every climate, making them a perfect choice for gardeners everywhere.
For successful carrot growth, I’ve found that a 10 to 12 inch deep pot is ideal for growing most carrot varieties. This depth allows the roots to develop fully, resulting in those satisfyingly long carrots we all love.
I’ve found that my kids get especially excited about pulling these colorful roots from the soil come harvest time.
2. Arugula
Arugula is my go-to for adding a peppery kick to salads and sandwiches. It’s best planted in late summer and early fall, which works perfectly for my autumn garden plans.
One of the things I love most about arugula is how fast it grows. It can be harvested in just 4-6 weeks, providing a quick turnaround for fresh greens.
When it comes to container considerations, keep in mind that arugula has shallow roots. Because of this, you don’t need to use too deep of a pot.
I’m always amazed at how quickly arugula grows, providing fresh greens in no time.
3. Beets
Beets are a staple in my late summer garden. As a cold weather crop, they’re perfect for planting in late summer and early fall.
One important thing to remember is the temperature considerations. I always make sure to plant my beets when temperatures are below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures they get off to a good start.
The earthy sweetness of homegrown beets is unmatched, and they’re so easy to grow in containers.
4. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that’s super easy to grow. Like arugula, it’s best planted in late summer and early fall in most regions. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in the tropics or subtropics, you’ll find it’s quite easy to grow spinach year-round.
This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for container gardening. I love having fresh spinach on hand for smoothies and quick sautés.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a must-have in my container garden. One of the great things about lettuce is that it can be grown all year round, providing a constant supply of fresh greens. It has shallow roots, which makes it perfect for container growing.
I’ve found that a 6 to 8 inch container is suitable for growing lettuce easily. There’s nothing quite like stepping out onto the patio to harvest fresh lettuce for a crisp salad.
6. Bok Choy
Bok choy, also known as pak choi, is a delightful addition to any container garden. I like to plant it in late summer and early fall. One of the things I appreciate about bok choy is its quick growth cycle.
Small varieties are ready to harvest in 4-5 weeks, while large varieties take 5-7 weeks. This means I can have several harvests throughout the season.
I’ve found bok choy to be incredibly versatile in stir-fries and soups.
7. Turnip
Turnips are often overlooked, but they’re a fantastic choice for container gardening. They can be planted in spring and fall, making them perfect for my late summer planting plans. However, it’s worth noting that they’re not suitable for areas with hot summers.
When it comes to container size, I use an 8 to 10 inch deep pot, which provides an ample harvest for my family. Both the roots and greens are edible, making turnips a two-for-one veggie in my garden.
8. Kale
Kale is a superfood that thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for late summer planting. It’s a cold hardy crop with a sweet and nutty flavor that I’ve come to love. In warm regions, I plant kale in late summers, while fall is the ideal time for areas with mild winters.
I love how kale gets sweeter after a light frost – it’s like nature’s own flavor enhancer!
9. Cabbage
Cabbage is a rewarding vegetable to grow in containers. I start planting it in late summer, which allows it to develop in the cool fall temperatures. These cool temperatures actually intensify the taste, resulting in more flavorful cabbage.
Depending on the variety, my cabbage is usually ready to harvest by winter or spring. One care tip I’ve learned: keep the soil moist for the best flavor.
Watching cabbage heads form is always exciting, and homegrown cabbage makes the best coleslaw.
10. Radish
Radishes are perfect for impatient gardeners like me. They’re classified as a cool season vegetable, making them ideal for late summer planting. I’ve found that radishes develop a juicy, tender flavor when grown in the low temperatures of late summers.
To get the best results, I make sure to provide my radish plants with moist and fertile soil. These crisp, peppery veggies are often the first to be ready for harvest in my fall container garden.