What’s better than a bunch of fall greens? Pairing them with freshly harvested root crops. And we’re not just talking about beets and carrots. Here’s a quick look at some of our favorite lesser-known fall root crops to keep your garden thriving well into the season.

Daikon Radish is a vegetable you might already be familiar with growing radishes, but this excellent Japanese variety thrives when planted in mid-summer. If sown in spring like other radishes, it often bolts before the roots have time to fully develop. For best results, plant daikon in mid-July for a hardy fall crop. It produces long, tapered white roots that are delicious pickled, fermented, roasted, or eaten fresh. Its deep roots also help break up compacted soil, making it a great addition to cover crop mixes. And if your daikon starts to flower—don’t worry! The blossoms are edible, with a spicy, delicate flavor. You can even harvest the unopened buds and enjoy them like raab.

Parsnips belong to the same plant family as carrots, but unlike their orange cousins, they need to be cooked before eating. Cooking brings out their creamy, potato-like texture and enhances their nutty, rich flavor—making them perfect for soups, roasts, or mashes. Parsnips have tapered, creamy white roots, and their sweetness intensifies if left to overwinter in the garden. These hardy roots tolerate cold well, making them an excellent choice for fall and winter gardening. For a fall harvest, plant your parsnips in late June.

 Rutabagas are a great choice if you're feeling adventurous and want to expand your garden harvest. A member of the Brassica family, rutabagas have a hint of cabbage in their raw texture and flavor, but take on a more turnip-like character when cooked. They’re often shredded into slaw, or roasted and mashed for a hearty side dish. Rutabagas form oval roots with purple shoulders and creamy-yellow flesh. Their flavor is sweet and mild, and they’re a good source of fiber and vitamin C. For a fall crop, plant rutabagas in July. They store well—either left in the ground or harvested and kept in a cool, dry place.

Happy Planting!