When dropping temperatures signal the end of the growing season, many gardeners may believe their time with the vegetables is coming to a close, but smart growers know better. Wisest of the wise know that the cold makes for the sweetest produce of the entire season.

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Here's what happens to veggies when it gets below 50°F. The veggies trigger a survival response that turns starches into sugars. The sugars act as a natural antifreeze, so the veggies can survive the cold. This process is called cold sweetening and it makes veggies so sweet, they become like candies, and no amount of summer heat can change that.

1. Carrots – Nature's Candy Canes (Growing Regions 3-9)

Frost makes carrots taste sweeter because it changes starch in carrots to sugars. To make sure this happens in your carrots, plant your seeds 10-12 weeks before your expected frost date. For a winter harvest, mulch heavily so your carrots can be accessed through the snow.

2. Kale is a superfood that is frost tolerant (growing zones 3-10).

Kale is exposed to lower temperatures that will alter the bitter compounds and the sugars in the kale leaves. This means it gives a more tender leaf that you would be able to use for a raw salad. You can harvest the individual leaves during winter, as the plant continues to grow new leaves in temperatures as low as 20°F.

3. Brussels Sprouts – Kings of Cold Weather Conversion (Zones 3-9)

These mini cabbages grow better in colder temperatures as they become sweeter after frost. Therefore, you should start your transplants around mid summer, and for optimal flavor development, wait to harvest until after a few deep frosts.

4. Parsnips – Subterranean Sugar Factories (Growing Zones 3 to 8)

Because of colder temperatures, parsnips will convert their starches into sugars. This means that they will be inedible before the frost. Additionally, you can leave them in the ground all winter, and then harvest them anytime you wish. The parsnips will be protected in the frozen soil.

5. Spinach – An Iron Powerhouse of Winter (Zones 3-9)

The spinach grown in the cooler seasons has the ability to create thicker spinach leaves. Thicker leaves mean more nutrients. In addition, winter spinach can survive winter temperatures down to 15°F (with protection). To have continual harvesting throughout the winter, plant your spinach in the late summer, then make sure to use row covers when the temperatures drop.

6. Swiss Chard – Cold Champion with Colors (Zones 3-10)

Chard stems become more tender and less fibrous after exposure to frost. Additionally, the flavors of the leaves become concentrated. In mild areas, chard can be harvested using the cut and come again method throughout the winter. In colder areas, it is possible to harvest entire plants prior to severe freezing.

7. lente – Soet Herbruik Groot Groente (Sone 3-9)

Leeks have an exceptionally long growing season, however they can be very sweet after the first frost, so it is advisable to start your seeds indoors in early spring if you want to plan for a fall harvest. In many climates, heavy winter mulching can extend your harvest season.

8. Winter Radishes – The Surprises of Storage (Zones 3-9)

Daikon-type winter radishes exhibit a range of interesting and sweeter-tasting flavors when growing conditions are cool. These radishes can be kept fresh in storage for several months and to maximize storage, planting in late summer and harvesting before the soil freezes is best.

9. Cabbage Can Be Stored For A Long Time (Possible In Zones 3-9)

The heads of cabbage that are grown in colder temperatures are denser and have a greater sweetness. Plant and time the heads to mature in the colder fall weather. When harvesting, keep them in cooler and more humid conditions during the winter to encourage storage.

With knowledge of different maturity times of the vegetables, starting your fall vegetable garden will be easier. If you want your vegetables ready for harvest before the cold weather begins, you must begin to start your seeds or transplants 8-12 weeks before your anticipated first frost.

With the use of cold frames or row covers you can extend your harvest season by weeks to even months. This is because they provide 4-8 degrees of frost protection. You will be able to harvest fresh vegetables while your neighbors will have to buy shipped products that are very expensive.

You should put mulch around your plants before winter freezes come. This helps to keep the soil from solidly freezing and keeps the soil from freezing to the point that winter harvesting is impossible. Also, when it is harvesting time, mulch can be removed and other insulation can be put in place.

Your fall vegetable garden can keep going for your first frost! With planning and the right varieties, you will enjoy the sweetest and most flavorful crops while others settle for bland store veggies. The dormant season just became your most productive season.