Potted plants/vegetables I can grow in the fall?

Question

I live in Western Washington in an apartment. When I have more time in the fall (August/September) I'd like to have some plants and/or vegetables that I can grow on my balcony. They would need to be potted, obviously. What would work that is relatively idiot-proof? I lack a green thumb.

Answer 1

Cool weather veggies are your best bet - tomatoes still grow in fall........lettuce, beans, peas........check the seed packet and choose what bears veggies in fewer days.

Mums are a fall blooming flower so you can enjoy them too.

Answer 2

Many brassicas prefer cooler weather and do better in the fall than during summer. This includes collards, broccoli, and kale which are really easy to grow. Kale and collard greens will grow and produce harvest-able greens throughout the winter if your frosts are mild. Another good crop for fall is spinach and radishes, these grow quickly. Sometimes you can find a cool weather salad mix. Celery and parsley can also be grown, but celery grows  somewhat slowly during the winter. If you try either of these, buy starts instead of seed (this is also recommended for kale and collards). Chard (aka Swiss chard) will likewise grow throughout the winter with harvest-able leaves as long as it doesn't get too cold. All of these things do well in containers (as long as they are big enough containers- half wine barrels are great for this).

It is good to get most things established at least a month before the first expected frost date. With a little looking, you can find out when this is for your area.

I do not recommend trying to start a tomato. While established, fully grown tomato plants continue to produce fruit through the fall, a start planted that late won't do so well.