October is one of my favorite months. It is FINALLY starting to cool down! I actually love planting in October. There are plenty of crops you can still get started in your garden.
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Before we get started, you need to know what garden zone you are in. This article is specifically for those of you living in zones 9 & 10. If you aren’t sure what your garden zone is you can follow this link to find out!
If you aren’t in zones 9 or 10 check out our articles on zones 5 & 6, or 7 & 8.
Alright! Let’s get started! Here is a planting guide for zones 9 & 10!
Planting in October: Zones 9 & 10
There are actually quite a few crops that you can get started in zones 9 & 10! Because the winters are milder there is much more to plant in these zones in October.
Plant by Transplants
Broccoli
We love broccoli! I’m jealous of those of you in zones 9 & 10 because you can still plant broccoli this month!
Peas
I love planting peas in the fall! They do require a little bit more work and they won’t be as productive as a spring planting, but it is well worth the effort! If you want to learn more about planting peas in the fall read this article: Planting Fall Peas
Other Crops to Plant by Transplant
- Kohlrabi
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
Plant by Seed
Lettuce
Lettuce is a great crop for planting in October. Lettuce is fairly hardy, so it can handle any cooler temperatures later in the year! I recommend planting lettuce 8 weeks before your first frost. You can continue planting up until 2 weeks before your first frost date! If you aren’t sure what your first frost date is use this frost date calculator to determine when your first frost is expected
Spinach
Spinach is pretty hardy so it can handle cooler temperatures. We love that we can harvest spinach in our garden all winter long! Similar to lettuce, you should start planting spinach 8 weeks before your first frost date and you can continue up until 2 weeks before your first frost date!
Beets
Beets are another great crop you should be planting in October! Earlier plantings of beets will yield beet roots, while you will only be able to harvest the yummy tops if you plant later. If you want beetroots plan on planting 8 weeks before your first frost date!
Kale
Frost and cooler temperatures sweeten the taste of kale which is why October is a great time to get it started in your garden!
Carrots
The cooler weather turns the starches in carrots into sugars which makes them an amazing treat for the winter! Learn more about growing carrots in the winter here: Growing Carrots for a Winter Harvest
Turnips
Turnips are actually quite tasty! Look for Oriental varieties, they are especially yummy! You’ll want to start planting 8 weeks before your first frost date if you want to harvest roots.
Other Crops to Plant by Seed
Last, but definitely not least you can plant garlic and shallots this month. You will want to wait to plant until late in the month. I always recommend planting garlic and shallots in the fall because you will get stronger, healthier, and larger bulbs. If you want to learn more you can read these articles: Growing Shallots, Planting Fall Garlic
What will you be planting in your garden this month? Is there anything that I missed?
October Planting Guide – 6 crops you SHOULD plant in October
