Small Space Gardening: What to Plant on Your Patio This Fall in Southern Nevada

As temperatures begin to ease in the fall, many vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants finally have the conditions they've been waiting for. In fact, we often lovingly refer to fall as second spring. If you have a balcony, apartment patio, courtyard, or even a sunny doorstep, fall can be one of the best times to start growing.

You don't need raised beds or a sprawling backyard to enjoy fresh herbs, crisp greens, or colorful flowers. You simply need the right plants for your space, and an understanding of our unique climate.

Before You Plant, Know Your Patio

Not every patio grows the same so take a few days to observe your space before shopping for plants.

Consider:

• How many hours of direct sunlight does it receive?

• Does it get gentle morning sun or intense afternoon heat?

• Is your patio protected from wind?

• Are you surrounded by reflective walls that trap heat?

• Are you on the ground floor or several stories up?

Container gardening gives you flexibility. Unlike plants in the ground, you can move pots throughout the season to adjust to the sun changing its angle or fluctuating seasonal  temperatures.

Your Elevation Changes Your Garden

One thing many apartment gardeners don't think about is pollination.

If you're gardening six or eight stories above ground, you probably won't see nearly as many bees, butterflies, or other pollinators as someone gardening at ground level. This doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables, it simply means choosing wisely.

Leafy greens, herbs, onions, and root crops don't require pollinators to produce the edible portion of the plant. Fruiting vegetables often perform better when pollinators visit regularly.

If you'd still like to grow tomatoes, or cool seasoned squash on an upper-level balcony, you may need to hand-pollinate flowers or gently shake blooming plants to help transfer pollen. Planning around your location can save a lot of frustration later.

What to Plant This Fall

Fall is arguably the most productive vegetable season in Southern Nevada.

Instead of battling 115-degree temperatures, plants can establish roots while enjoying cooler nights and warm, sunny days that can sometimes go into mid December.

Fall is generally an excellent time to plant the following plant families: Brassicaceae (cole crops), Amaranthaceae,  Asteraceae, and Fabaceae; especially in warm climates like the Las Vegas/Mojave region.

Leafy Greens

Lettuce

Below are some of the easiest and fastest leafy green crops for patio containers.

Great choices include:

• Lettuce

• Arugula

• Kale

• Swiss chard 

• Spinach

• Mustard greens

• Bok choy

Many can be planted successionally, and harvested a few leaves at a time, often referred to as cut-and-come-again crops which allows them to provide fresh salads for weeks.

Remember to harvest before the plant bolts and the leaves become tough or bitter.

Herbs

Herbs thrive in containers and are perfect for gardeners with limited space.

Plant:

• Parsley

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Chives

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Sage

• Mint (Pro Tip: Always plant mint in its own container)

Dill, Thyme, Mint

One healthy herb container often produces more than an average household can use. This may be the highest yield for your effort option if you’re looking to get your hands in soil.

Root Vegetables

Many root crops actually prefer our cooler fall weather.

Radishes, Beets, Green Onion

Try growing:

• Radishes

• Carrots

• Beets

• Turnips

• Green onions

Choose deeper containers, at least 10–12 inches, for carrots and beets so roots can develop properly, and be sure to amend your soil. We love using Las Vegas Worm Farm’s worm castings for the happiest and richest soil.

Compact Vegetables

Dwarf Broccoli

If you're hoping for more than greens, there are still excellent options. Look for:

• Bush beans (early fall)

• Sugar snap peas

• Snow peas

• Dwarf broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Brussels sprouts

• Compact celery

Many of these appreciate our warm autumn days and mature beautifully through winter. Be sure to be conscious of the size! You may not be able to grow more than one plant if you are growing Cabbage, Broccoli, or Cauliflower.

Don't Forget the Flowers

Flowers aren't just pretty, they attract pollinators, beneficial insects, and brighten patios throughout the season.

Some excellent fall performers include:

• Calendula

• Alyssum

• Pansies

• Violas

• Snapdragon

• Stock

• Dusty Miller

• Ornamental kale

• Ornamental cabbage

• Petunia

• Annual Salvias

• Anemone

Pansies, Ornamental Kale, Snapdragons

Mixing flowers with herbs and vegetables creates a patio that's both productive and beautiful.

Can You Still Plant Warm-Season Crops?

One of the biggest differences between Southern Nevada and much of the country is that our growing season doesn't end when the calendar says fall.

September and even early October often stay warm enough for:

• Basil

• Some tomato varieties 

• Eggplant

If temperatures remain favorable, these plants can continue producing well beyond what gardeners in cooler climates experience. 

Watch the weather rather than the calendar. Our first frost often arrives much later than people expect, giving warm-season crops extra time to mature. 

Make the Most of Every Square Foot

Small patios don't have to mean small harvests.

Use vertical shelving, hanging baskets, railing planters, and tiered stands to multiply your growing space. A handful of containers filled with herbs, leafy greens, edible flowers, and seasonal vegetables can provide months of fresh harvests while transforming your patio into a comfortable outdoor retreat.

In the Mojave Desert, fall is the season many gardeners wait all year for. With a little planning, and the right plants, you can enjoy a thriving edible garden no matter how small your space.

Please Note: Plant availability is seasonal and subject to change based on growing conditions, industry availability, and the time of year. Our inventory is continuously updated to reflect the healthiest plants and current seasonal offerings.  

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Want help taking these ideas beyond the pot and into your yard? Norm Schilling and the team at Schilling Horticulture Group design and care for desert landscapes across the Las Vegas Valley — built to thrive here, not just survive. Explore their work at schillinghorticulture.com.