October brings us the chill and coziness of fall and the long-awaited spooky season, but don’t put your gardening gloves away just yet! This month offers a perfect opportunity for gardeners to sow a variety of veggies, flowers, and other plants. From filling garden beds with cool-season crops to planning vibrant blooms for spring, there’s plenty to dig into! So, say goodbye to scratching your head wondering what to plant in October because in this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know. Let’s explore the best options for your fall planting spree!
What Is the Best Thing to Plant in October?
The second month of fall may seem like the beginning of the end for gardening, but it’s actually an ideal time to sow a variety of plants that prefer the season’s milder weather. Depending on your planting zone, you can grow crops and flowers that will either thrive throughout fall or prepare to bloom come spring.
You might be thinking, “That’s all nice, but what can I actually plant in October?” Most vegetables you’ll be working with now are cool-season crops. As for flowers, check out spring-blooming bulb varieties. They need time to establish roots before the winter freeze. October also happens to be the ideal month for planting trees and shrubs, as it allows them to settle in without the stressful summer heat.
What Can You Plant in October?
Don’t let the fall chill fool you because there’s still an abundance of possibilities to add new greenery to your garden. All you need is a bit of planning and carefully picked crops. Let’s go through some of the October plants you can grow this fall!
Vegetables for October Planting
With winter around the corner, it may seem that you’ll have to wait till next summer for some home-grown fresh veggies. But what if we told you there are still some possibilities to use your garden to the fullest? Of course, we’re talking about cool-season vegetables. These hardy crops love the drop in temperature, and with proper care, they’ll reward you with a bountiful harvest. Cooler weather means less stress on your plants and fewer pests, and some vegetables even taste sweeter after a light frost. Yep, that’s right—frost can actually make some veggies taste better:
In cold conditions, many starchy vegetables like parsnips, celeriac, and carrots turn the starches in their cells into a botanical “antifreeze” to avoid cold damage. That antifreeze is sucrose, also known as sugar!
- Niki Jabbour
- Award-winning author, Savvy Gardening
Of course, this guide won’t be complete if we don’t provide at least a couple of examples. Here are some great options for October planting.
Garlic
Zones: 3-9
If you’re looking for something easy to grow, garlic is just the October plant you need. Simply break the bulbs into cloves and plant them about 2 inches (5 cm) deep and 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
Kale
Zones: 4-9
Kale is practically indestructible. It laughs in the face of frost, and in fact, frost makes the leaves sweeter. It can be planted in garden beds, raised beds, or even large containers. Make sure to provide it with full sun and give it room to grow.
Carrots
Zones: 3-10
You can sow carrot seeds directly into the ground. Opt for fast-maturing varieties like “Nantes” or “Little Finger” if you live in cooler areas. Make sure the soil is well-drained and loose to allow for easy root development.
Flowers for Planting in October
Just because it’s getting colder doesn’t mean your garden has to lose its beauty. In October, you can still plant perennials and some hardy annuals that will add color to your garden year after year.
Tulips
Zones: 3-8
These bulbs need the cold winter months to rest and prepare for blooming. Make sure to plant them 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep in well-drained soil, pointy side up!
Chrysanthemums
Zones: 5-9
Start by choosing a variety that suits your climate, and plant them in well-drained soil. With proper care and regular watering, they’ll bring a burst of color to your garden beds and borders well into autumn.
Daffodils
Zones: 3-9
Daffodils are tough as nails and will multiply year after year if left undisturbed. Like tulips, they need to be planted in well-drained soil about 6 inches (15 cm) deep. By the way, daffodils are deer-resistant, making them particularly useful in gardens where wildlife tends to nibble on flowers.
From Seed
Planting seeds in October might seem counterintuitive, but a lot of greenery benefits from being sown in the fall. Many do well when sown directly into the soil or started indoors this time of year. Some top seeds to plant in October include:
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Swiss chard
- Radishes
- Turnips
These cool-season crops grow quickly and can handle the mild frosts of fall. Protect the seedlings from temperature fluctuations by adding a layer of mulch.
What Can I Plant in October by Space?
Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a cozy greenhouse, or just a few windowsills to work with, you can find plants to suit your space. Let’s explore what works best in each setting.
Indoors
You don’t necessarily need a backyard to grow your own produce. A sunny windowsill or a corner in your kitchen can provide the perfect spot for indoor gardening. Here’s what you can plant indoors:
- Basil
- Chives
- Thyme
- Lettuce
- Microgreens
Ensure your indoor greenery gets enough light—consider getting a grow light if your space has limited natural light.
In Greenhouse
If you have a greenhouse, you can most definitely keep growing your crops in October. Consider planting:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Cucumbers
- Leafy greens (like arugula and kale)
Things to Plant in October for Spring
Planning for spring? October is the month to get ahead. Bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths should be planted now so that they get the chilling period they need to bloom in spring. You can also grow perennials such as peonies or irises this month, giving them time to establish roots before winter.
Garden Preparations and Maintenance
A little prep work now can make a world of difference later. Here are some key steps to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead:
Soil & Mulch Tips
Any experienced gardener will tell you that healthy soil is vital for your crops. As you prepare for winter, don’t forget to take care of your soil. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips:
- Consider testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to understand its needs better. A good rule of thumb is pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Enrich your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.
- Apply a layer of mulch to help your crops retain moisture and protect their roots from frost.
How to Protect Plants from Frost
As October nights grow colder, frost poses a real threat to your garden. While some plants can tolerate a light frost, others need extra protection to survive the night. Here’s how to guard your crops from frost damage effectively.
- Keep tender plants safe by covering them with materials like frost cloth, old sheets, or burlap.
- Watering plants during the day can be surprisingly effective. Moist soil retains heat longer than dry, helping to keep the root zone warmer overnight.
- Bring your pots inside or place them in a sheltered spot near a building for much-needed protection from frost.
- Mulching insulates the root systems from freezing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around your plant bases to help trap heat in the soil.
When and How to Harvest October Crops
By October, many of your summer crops will have wound down, but others, like cool-season vegetables, are just getting started. Harvest leafy greens when they’re young and tender. You can cut the outer leaves continuously, leaving the inner growth for a longer harvest period. As for root vegetables like carrots and beets, they can be left in the ground until a light frost enhances their sweetness. As always, timing is everything, so keep an eye on your garden to avoid overripe crops!
FAQ
What Is the Best Tree to Plant in October?
There are many excellent trees you can plant this October. Deciduous trees like maples or oaks are a popular pick. But you can also go for evergreen trees like spruce and pine. Their roots establish well in the cooler soil, giving them a head start before winter.
Is It Too Late to Plant Bulbs in October?
Not at all! In fact, October is prime time for planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Just make sure to get them in the ground before it freezes so they have time to settle in.
What Plants Can I Grow Indoors in October?
You can grow herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley, or try your hand at growing microgreens—they’re quick, nutritious, and easy to harvest right from your kitchen.
Before you run off to tend to your garden, there’s one more thing. We’d love to hear what you are growing this month. Drop a comment below with your stories and tips, or feel free to ask any questions you might have!
