Both mustard and Swiss chard thrive in Alabama's cool season—plant them now through October for harvest before the real cold sets in. These leafy greens tolerate partial shade and prefer consistent moisture, making them far less fussy than warm-season vegetables.

Mustard brings peppery bite to salads and cooking, while chard offers tender, mild leaves you can cut repeatedly from the same plant. Six inches of established growth means you'll be harvesting within weeks of planting.