As the air becomes crisp and leaves paint the landscape in a riot of warm colors, many gardeners might think it's time to hang up their gardening gloves for the year. But not so fast! With the Tower Garden, you can continue to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the fall season. Read on as we explore some of the best fall Tower Garden Crops, turning your green thumb into a fall harvest wonder. Read on as we share 14 of the best Tower Garden fall crops.
14 of the Best Fall Tower Garden Crops
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Spinach
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Collards
- Broccoli
- Swiss Chard
- Cauliflower
- Romanesco
- Cabbage
- Arugula
- Strawberries
Lettuce
Lettuce thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall making it one of the best fall Tower Garden crops. The controlled environment of a Tower Garden allows you to grow lettuce with ease, ensuring a steady supply of fresh salads throughout the season. With proper care, lettuce can even tolerate light frosts, making it ideal for autumn cultivation.
There are several types of lettuce to choose from, including butterhead, romaine (cos), loose-leaf, and iceberg.
Pests
Common pests that may affect lettuce include aphids and caterpillars. Monitor your plants regularly and take action if pests are a problem. You can use insecticidal soap, neem, Thuricide, or other organic pest control methods. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
You can begin harvesting lettuce leaves when they reach around 4-6 inches long. For loose-leaf varieties, you can start harvesting the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. You can also harvest by cutting two to three inches above the rockwool. The lettuce will grow back and you'll be able to harvest again in about 7-10 days. You'll be able to harvest this way 2-4 times before the lettuce starts to taste bitter. For head lettuce, harvest the entire head by removing the entire plant.
This video will show you the three ways to harvest your lettuce.
Lettuce is a fast-growing crop, and with the right care, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, crisp leaves throughout the growing season. It's a versatile addition to salads, sandwiches, and various dishes, making it a favorite for many gardeners.
Kale
Kale is a nutritious leafy green that's relatively easy to grow in your Tower Garden. Kale is a cold-hardy plant that actually becomes a little sweeter after exposure to frost so it's one of the best fall Tower Garden crops. It grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun. Ensure your Tower is getting at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Kale is not a particularly heavy feeder, but it will be one of the first crops to let you know if the pH is off or nutrients are not balanced (either too little or too much). Kale is traditionally a cool-weather crop, so it makes it another good choice for fall Tower Garden crops. But honestly, you can grow kale year-round!
Pests
The most common pests you'll find on kale include aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage worms. You can control these pests with organic methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and Thuricide. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Kale leaves can be harvested when the leaves are the desired size. Harvest it as baby kale or mature kale. It's up to you! You can start harvesting the outer leaves while allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting actually encourages the plant to produce more leaves. To harvest, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves from the stem. Avoid cutting the central growing point (the apical meristem), as this will allow the plant to continue producing.
Spinach
There are several spinach varieties to choose from, including smooth-leaf, savoy, and semi-savoy. Spinach is a cool-weather crop that bolts in the heat. This makes it a great fall Tower Garden crop. Spinach prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Pests
Common pests that can affect spinach include aphids, mites, and leafhoppers. Monitor your plants regularly for any signs of trouble. You can use insecticidal soap or other organic pest control methods. Additionally, spinach can be susceptible to downy mildew, so good air circulation is essential and a fungicide may be required. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Spinach leaves can be harvested when they reach the desired size, usually about 2-4 inches long. Harvest the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. You can cut the entire plant or pick individual leaves.
Thyme
Thyme is another great fall Tower Garden crop, that you can grow year-round. Thyme is an easy herb to grow and it pairs well with rosemary when cooking. Thyme thrives in full sun, so select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade but will be less productive.
Pests
Thyme is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
You can start harvesting thyme when the plant is well-established, typically after about 4-6 weeks. Trim the tips of the stems, which are the most flavorful parts, and avoid cutting too much at once.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant and flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes and is known for its aromatic foliage. It's incredibly easy to grow too and thrives in full sun, so select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, so it is a great fall Tower Garden crop, that can be grown year-round too!
Pests
Rosemary is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, you should still keep an eye out for issues such as aphids or powdery mildew and treat them promptly. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Typically, you should cut stems that are 4-6 inches long, although you can harvest longer stems if needed. Position your pruning shears or scissors just above a set of leaves or a node. Make a clean, diagonal cut, snipping the stem about 1/4 inch above the node. This encourages new growth to sprout from the node. Be mindful not to take more than one-third of the plant at a time. Rosemary is a slow grower, and overharvesting can stress the plant. Avoid cutting the woody, central stems too close to the base, as these are less likely to produce new growth.
Sage
Sage just reminds me of Fall. It's a great fall Tower Garden crop so you'll find it in many recipes at this time of year. Like other herbs, Sage thrives in fun sun and does best with 6 hours or more direct sunlight each day.
Pests
Sage is one of those crops that few pests bother. However, you're still going to want to keep an eye out for aphids and powdery mildew. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
When the plant is well established, which is usually going to be after 4-6 weeks, snip off leaves and stems as needed. Be sure not to remove too much at once.
Collard Greens
Collard Greens are traditionally a cool-weather crop, so they're another great fall Tower Garden crop, but they can also be grown year-round in a Tower Garden. Collard greens (Brassica oleracea) are not only a nutritional powerhouse but also a delicious addition to Tower Garden. These hearty leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals and can be enjoyed in a variety of culinary dishes. Collard greens thrive in full sun to partial shade, but they perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests such as cabbage loopers and aphids. Handpick worms or use Thuricide as needed. Insecticidal soap and/or neem oil or Azamaz are great for treating aphids. Collard greens are generally hardy and less susceptible to diseases, but ensure you prune leaves that turn brown and harvest often to allow air to circulate. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
You can harvest collard greens when the leaves are large enough to use. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This method allows for continuous harvesting throughout the growing season.
Broccoli
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a vegetable that is both nutritious and versatile in the kitchen. Broccoli thrives in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. Ensure that your chosen spot receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can surprise a new gardener just how big Broccoli plants grow. The leaves are similar in size to Collards, Cauliflower, and Romanesco. Broccoli doesn't tolerate heat so it makes it a great fall Tower Garden crop.
Pests
Broccoli is a brassica, and like other brassicas, the most common pests you'll find bothering it are aphids and cabbage worms. Hand-pick cabbage worms or use Thuricide to treat them. Neem and/or insecticidal soap or Azamax are great for treating aphids. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
It often surprises new growers with just how long it takes Broccoli to grow. Sure, you can harvest some of the leaves, but it takes almost 3 months for the head to form. You can start harvesting broccoli when the central head is firm, compact, and about 4-7 inches in diameter. Harvest before the florets start to separate and open up. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the central head just above where it joins the main stem. Leave the plant in place to produce smaller side shoots for later harvest.
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is relatively easy to grow in your garden. It is relatively cold hardy so it made its way onto our best fall Tower Garden crops list. But like kale and collards, you can grow it year-round. It is known for its colorful stems and delicious leaves, which can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Swiss chard thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade though.
Pests
Swiss Chard is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but you should monitor for issues like aphids, leaf miners, and broad mites. Use organic methods or insecticidal soap if necessary. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Swiss chard is known for its continuous production. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf growth. Leave the central growth point intact to promote ongoing leaf production. After around 5-6 months the stem will be very thick and wide. You'll want to get another seedling ready and remove the chard before it cracks the Tower Garden.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is a versatile and nutritious cruciferous vegetable that can be a valuable addition to your Tower Garden. This low-calorie vegetable is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. Cauliflower is available in a variety of colors including white, yellow, orange, and purple. Cauliflower thrives in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It does well in the cooler fall temperatures over the heat of the summer, so it's a great fall Tower Garden crop. It gets pretty large, as you can see from the picture, so bear that in mind.
Pests
Cauliflower is a brassica, and like other brassicas worms and aphids are going to be the most common pests you'll deal with. You'll want to have Thuricide, Insecticidal soap, and/or Neem Oil or Azamax on hand. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Like Broccoli, you can harvest some of the leaves. Just be sure not to harvest too many. You'll slow down the production of the head you are waiting for. Cauliflower is ready for harvest when the heads are compact and firm, usually around 2-3 months after transplanting into the Tower Garden. Cut the cauliflower heads about an inch below the curd (the central white head) using a sharp knife. Be sure to cut cleanly to avoid damaging the plant.
Romanesco
Romanesco, also known as Romanesco broccoli or Roman cauliflower, is a unique and visually stunning addition to your Tower Garden. As a cool weather crop, it's made our list of Tower Garden fall crops! Romanesco has striking, fractal-like florets and is known for its nutty flavor. Romanesco thrives in full sun, similar to other members of the Brassica family. Ensure the chosen location receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Pests
Watch for common pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use Neem, Thuricide or Azamax depending on what pests you are dealing with to manage these issues. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
As Romanesco plants mature, they will produce a central head. This is the most sought-after part of the plant. Keep an eye on the head's development to ensure it's harvested at its peak. Romanesco heads are ready for harvest when they are compact and firm, typically about 2-3 months after transplanting into the Tower Garden. To harvest, cut the head about an inch below the curd using a sharp knife, ensuring a clean cut to avoid damaging the plant.
Romanesco plants can produce side shoots after the central head is harvested. These shoots are smaller but still tasty and can be harvested as they develop.
Cabbage
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), like broccoli and cauliflower, is a cool-weather-loving brassica. Even though this fall Tower Garden crop loves the cooler weather, it still needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Pests
Watch for common cabbage pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use Azamax, Insecticidal soap or Thuricide depending on the pest you are dealing with. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Cabbage plants develop a central head that is ready for harvest. As the head matures, it will become firm and compact. Cabbage heads are ready for harvest when they are firm and fully formed, typically around 70-100 days after planting. To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the head just above the lowest leaves. Make a clean cut to avoid damaging the plant. Consider planting cabbage in successive batches, so you have a continuous supply of fresh heads over the growing season.
Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a delightful leafy green that adds a peppery and slightly nutty flavor to your salads and dishes. This fast-growing and versatile plant is easy to grow in your Tower Garden, making it a favorite among both experienced and first-time gardeners. It also thrives in the cooler weather so it's a great fall Tower Garden crop, that can also be grown in the summer too!
Pests
Aphids are the main pest you'll see on arugula. Read 3 Steps to Simplify Pest Control on a Tower Garden for more useful tips on pest control.
Harvesting
Arugula can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use, typically 2-4 weeks after planting. Snip off the leaves you need, leaving the center stem intact.
Strawberries
I might have saved the best for last. If you live in the Southern States then Strawberries are a fantastic Tower Garden fall crop for sure! If you're not in the South then you might want to consider purchasing Tower Garden Grow Lights and growing Strawberries inside. To really thrive they're going to need at least 8 hours of direct sun outside. Protect them from frost and they'll produce until it gets too warm.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Florida's humid climate can lead to fungal diseases, so it's essential to provide good air circulation by spacing plants properly and removing any diseased leaves or fruit promptly.
Harvesting and Pruning
Regularly prune your strawberry plants to remove old or damaged leaves and encourage healthy growth. This will help to improve air circulation and disease prevention.
Harvest strawberries when they are fully ripe. Pick them in the morning when the fruit is cool. Be gentle when picking to avoid damaging the plants.
To learn more about growing strawberries read our detailed post on Growing Strawberries in the Tower Garden.
While this isn't an exhaustive list, these 14 crops are some of the best fall Tower Garden crops to get you started. A Tower Garden is a fantastic solution for gardeners looking to extend their growing season into the fall. The controlled environment, space-saving design, and efficient water usage make it an ideal choice for growing a variety of crops, even when temperatures drop. Whether you're interested in leafy greens, root vegetables, or herbs, there are numerous options for fall tower garden crops. By choosing the right crops and providing the proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest that keeps your dinner table filled with fresh, homegrown goodness throughout the autumn months. So, don't hang up your gardening gloves just yet; your Tower Garden is ready to deliver a fall harvest that's both delicious and satisfying.