Fall Planting Schedule: What to Sow Each Month in Zone 1

Gardening in Zone 1 presents unique challenges and opportunities due to its cold climate and short growing season. Planning your fall planting schedule carefully can help you maximize your harvest and enjoy a vibrant garden even in the cooler months. This guide outlines what to sow each month during fall to ensure healthy growth and successful yields.

Understanding Zone 1

Zone 1 is characterized by extremely cold winters, with average minimum temperatures below -45°F (-43°C). The short growing season typically lasts from late spring to early fall. Knowing the climate specifics helps in selecting hardy plants and timing your sowing to avoid frost damage.

Fall Planting Timeline

September

September is the ideal time to start planting hardy vegetables and cover crops. Focus on sowing seeds that can withstand the early cold and will mature before the first frost.

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, turnips
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
• Cover Crops: Winter rye, clover, vetch

October

October marks the beginning of the colder months, so focus on planting hardy crops and preparing your garden for winter. Use season extenders like row covers or cold frames to protect young plants.

• Planting: Garlic, shallots, and onion sets
• Cover Crops: Continue sowing winter rye and vetch
• Protection: Install row covers over late-sown crops

November

November is primarily for garden cleanup and final preparations. If the weather permits, sow cold-hardy cover crops to improve soil health over winter.

• Cover Crops: Winter rye, vetch, clover
• Garden Cleanup: Remove dead plants and debris to prevent pests and diseases
• Protection: Ensure all tender plants are mulched or covered

Additional Tips for Zone 1 Gardeners

Maximize your fall planting success with these tips:

• Use cold frames or hoop houses to extend your growing season.
• Choose varieties labeled as hardy or suitable for short seasons.
• Monitor weather forecasts closely to protect plants from early frosts.
• Plant early in the month to give crops time to mature before freezing temperatures.

Conclusion

While Zone 1’s climate limits the length of the growing season, strategic planning and the right plant choices can lead to a productive fall garden. Sow hardy vegetables and cover crops in September and October, and prepare your garden for winter to ensure a successful harvest and healthy soil for the following year.