22 Frost-Hardy Vegetables to Plant This Fall

Having a flourishing vegetable garden doesn’t have to end when summer fades. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can extend your growing season well into winter—or even year-round if you’re in a warmer southern climate. Regardless of where you live, there are several frost-hardy crops that can thrive in cooler temperatures, frost, and even snow.

Did you know some vegetables become sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to frost? When faced with cold weather, these plants naturally produce extra sugars to protect themselves, making traditionally bitter vegetables taste surprisingly sweet.

Prepare now to enjoy a garden that thrives through fall and winter! The following crops are resilient, frost-tolerant, and some even thrive after light snow.

1. Beets

Beets thrive in cool, moist conditions and tolerate frost once they’re established. They can survive temperatures as low as 28°F. Harvest them when mature, but leave some in the ground for an extended growing season.

2. Boy Choy (or Toy Choi)

Bok choy is a cold-hardy Asian green that can tolerate temperatures as low as 28°F. It grows quickly and is perfect for fall planting, producing tender, flavorful leaves even after light frosts.

3. Broccoli

This cool-weather crop thrives in temperatures between 40°F and 70°F and can survive frosts as low as 28°F. For best results, grow broccoli during sunny days with cool nights.

4. Brussels Sprouts

These frost-loving plants produce their sweetest sprouts after frost exposure. They can survive temperatures down to 20°F and will continue producing through light freezes.

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is remarkably cold-tolerant, withstanding temperatures as low as 15°F. Its heads may even become sweeter after exposure to frost, making it a staple for fall and winter gardens.

6. Carrots

Carrots tolerate frosts and freezing temperatures, thriving as low as 15°F. The roots will develop an even sweeter flavor after exposure to frost, but prolonged cold can cause pale roots.

7. Cauliflower

Cauliflower grows best in cool temperatures and can survive frosts as low as 10°F. To protect the heads from extreme cold, you can tie the leaves over them.

8. Celery

Celery prefers mild frosts and tolerates temperatures down to 30°F. However, it’s less cold-hardy than many other vegetables on this list and may need additional protection in colder climates.

9. Collard Greens

Known as one of the hardiest greens, collards thrive after frost exposure and can survive temperatures as low as 5°F. Frost also enhances their flavor, reducing bitterness.

10. Garlic

Garlic is typically planted in fall for a spring or summer harvest. Once established, it can survive temperatures as low as -20°F with proper mulching, making it an essential cold-weather crop.

11. Green Onions

Green onions are incredibly hardy, thriving in freezing temperatures and surviving down to 0°F. They’ll continue to grow slowly even through light snow.

12. Kale

Kale is exceptionally cold-resistant, capable of surviving temperatures as low as 0°F. Snow often protects the plants from extreme cold, allowing them to last longer in the garden.

13. Kohlrabi

This unique vegetable thrives in cool weather and can withstand frosts down to 20°F. Kohlrabi’s bulbous stems remain tender and flavorful even after frost exposure.

14. Leeks

Leeks are among the most cold-tolerant vegetables, enduring temperatures as low as 0°F. Their mild, onion-like flavor intensifies after frost exposure, making them a perfect addition to winter meals.

15. Lettuce (Leaf Varieties)

Leafy lettuces handle frost well, tolerating temperatures down to 28°F. While frost may damage some outer leaves, the plant will continue to grow, and undamaged portions remain edible.

16. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens grow best in cool conditions and tolerate frost, enduring temperatures as low as 20°F. Snow cover can even protect the plants from damage.

17. Parsnips

Parsnips are highly cold-resistant, surviving temperatures as low as 0°F. Frost not only improves their hardiness but also enhances their sweetness, making them a flavorful winter crop.

18. Radishes

Radishes thrive in the cooler weather of fall and can survive hard freezes down to 26°F. For quick growth and tender roots, plant them early in the fall season.

19. Rutabagas

This root vegetable develops a sweeter flavor after frost and can survive down to 20°F. Add a thick layer of mulch or straw to protect the roots during heavier frosts.

20. Spinach

Spinach is one of the hardiest leafy greens, enduring temperatures as low as 15°F. It grows slowly through winter but bounces back in early spring, making it a reliable cold-weather crop.

21. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard tolerates frost and can survive dips to 15°F. Its vibrant stalks add color to your garden, even in the cold months.

22. Turnips

Turnips thrive in cold conditions, withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F. Frost improves their flavor, reducing bitterness and enhancing sweetness.