As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to fall, you can begin to plant vegetables that will prosper in cooler weather. Below are some suggestions of vegetables that are cool season plants. These vegetables can tolerate a light frost, thrive in minimal daylight and perform best with mild temperatures. Believe it or not, some vegetables even taste better when touched by a light frost.

Beets – Beets are inexpensive, tolerate cool weather and both the roots and the leaves are useful. They are extremely nutritious when it comes to vitamins A and C. You want to plant the beets deep into the ground so that they are able to stay cool. However, don't let the roots get longer than three inches or else the beets may become tough.

Broccoli – Broccoli is a great vegetable to plant in general because it is one of the least susceptible plants to pests and is rich in vitamins and minerals. The plants can be started indoors or outside in July or August. However, protect your plants from the extreme temperatures of each season. Plant your broccoli seeds about ten weeks from the first frost. It is very imperative to mulch around the plants to keep the area cool and moist.

Brussel Sprouts – Brussels sprouts are one of the vegetable that taste better when grown in cooler weather. Plant your Brussel sprouts in midsummer. Don’t give up if you don’t see sprouts for a while! It will take three months for sprouts to even appear. They are ready to eat once they are green and firm.

Cabbage – Cabbage is perfect for a fall garden because it thrives in cool temperatures. It grows into maturity in late fall and should be planted about 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. If the temperatures are still hot in the summer when you plant your cabbage, be sure to protect your plants from the sun. Cabbage requires a lot of water and soil rich in organic matter. Be careful when you are watering your cabbage because your soil can become too saturated. After your cabbage has been harvested, they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Carrots – Carrots are the most popular vegetables to grow in the fall. They can be stored for up to nine months at a time. Plant your carrots in September for a winter harvest. Carrots can be picked whenever they reach a size that you like, making them perfect for those gardeners who are impatient.

Cauliflower – Cauliflower is a great fall plant, however, they can be pretty tricky to grow. Consistent moisture and fertile soil are key components. Variations in temperature, moisture and nutrients can cause the plant to produce undersized heads. Plant your seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost.

Soil Conditioner: The Help Your Vegetables Need to Succeed

Adding a soil conditioner to your crops, such as EM 1, can help your vegetables grow to their maximum potential. Moisture retention is improved and makes the water easily accessible for the roots of all of your plants. The result of EM 1 is strong plants, healthier flowers and higher quality fruits and vegetables.