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In October, the garden’s pace slows down, but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty to plant that will yield beautiful blooms and hearty harvests in the months to come. From robust vegetables and flavorful herbs to vibrant flowers and spring-blooming bulbs, each category of plant comes with its own set of benefits for planting during this month.
This guide will walk you through 15 different foods, herbs, and flowers ideal for planting in October. You’ll find tips on how to manage your garden during this transitional time and how to prepare for a lush spring. So grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get ready to plant!
Vegetables to Plant in October
1. Garlic
October is the prime time to plant garlic. As a hardy crop that benefits from the winter chill, planting garlic now ensures it has enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes. For successful growth, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Plant the cloves about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Cover them with mulch to protect against severe cold. Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with robust garlic bulbs ready for harvest.
2. Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season favorite that thrives when planted in October. The cooler temperatures reduce the risk of bolting, which can be a common issue in warmer weather. To grow spinach successfully, select a spot with rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture.
Sow seeds directly into the ground about half an inch deep, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Keep the soil moist, and you’ll see seedlings in as little as 5 to 9 days. Spinach can be harvested as early as 45 days after planting, providing fresh greens through fall and into winter.
3. Kale
Kale is exceptionally hardy and can continue to grow well into the winter months. Planting kale in October allows it to benefit from the mild cold, which sweetens its leaves. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and enrich the soil with compost to provide adequate nutrients.
Plant seeds about a quarter to half an inch deep and 12 inches apart, or plant seedlings slightly deeper than they were grown in pots. Water consistently and watch for pests like aphids and cabbage loopers. With minimal care, kale will flourish and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is another excellent vegetable to plant in October, particularly in regions where frost arrives later in the season. This nutrient-rich vegetable prefers cooler weather, which enhances its flavor and texture. For successful planting, select a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil.
Plant the seedlings about 18 inches apart to give them room to grow, burying them up to their first leaves to promote stability and growth.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and consider using row covers to protect the young plants from extreme temperatures. With proper care, broccoli planted in October will be ready to harvest in late winter or early spring, offering a fresh, home-grown addition to your meals.
Herbs to Plant in October
5. Parsley
Parsley, a versatile culinary herb, actually prefers the cooler temperatures of October. This biennial plant thrives in cool weather, which can enhance its flavor and prolong its harvest period. When planting parsley, choose a spot that receives full to partial sunlight and has rich, moist soil.
Sow the seeds directly into the ground, about 1/4 inch deep, and water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Parsley seeds can take a few weeks to germinate, so patience is key.
Once established, parsley requires minimal maintenance and can be harvested as needed by clipping the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly and can be particularly rewarding to plant in the fall as it thrives in cooler temperatures and shorter days. To get started, plant cilantro seeds in well-drained, fertile soil. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them a few inches apart.
Cilantro can start to be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to use, generally within 3 to 4 weeks after planting. For a continuous supply, consider sowing seeds at intervals throughout October and even into November if the weather is mild.
7. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that is perfect for an October planting. Its ability to withstand winter cold makes it an excellent choice for fall gardening. Choose a well-drained location with full sun, which will intensify the herb’s flavor.
Plant thyme either from small plants or seeds, placing them about 9 to 12 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Thyme requires little water once established and thrives on neglect, making it perfect for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance herbs. Its aromatic leaves can be harvested at any time and are perfect for seasoning a variety of dishes, from meats to soups.
8. Rhubarb
Planting rhubarb in October can give you a head start on the spring harvest. This perennial vegetable is typically planted using root divisions or crowns, which establish quickly in cool fall soil. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden as rhubarb thrives in direct sunlight and loamy soil.
Plant the crowns so that the top of the root is just below the surface, about 2 to 3 inches deep, and space them about 3 to 4 feet apart to accommodate their large growth. Enrich the planting area with plenty of compost to feed the heavy-feeding rhubarb plants.
Water them in a well and mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. With proper care, your rhubarb will be ready to harvest in the following spring, and it will continue to produce for up to 10 years.
Flowers to Plant in October
9. Pansies
Pansies are ideal for adding color to the garden during the fall and even into the winter months, as they are incredibly frost-tolerant. The cool weather of October enhances their growth and prolongs their blooming period. For best results, choose a site that receives full to partial sunlight and has rich, well-draining soil.
Plant pansy seedlings about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for full growth and air circulation. Regular watering and a layer of mulch can help keep the soil moist and protect the roots as temperatures begin to drop. Pansies come in a variety of vibrant colors and will keep your garden lively as other plants begin to fade.
10. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are the quintessential fall flower, known for their bright blooms that last well into the cooler months. To plant chrysanthemums in October, choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil.
Plant the mums about 18 inches apart to provide ample room for growth and ensure good air circulation. Water regularly to establish roots and apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage prolific flowering.
Mums can be purchased as potted plants and transplanted into the garden, offering an instant splash of color that can revive any fall landscape.
11. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a delightful addition to the October garden with its delicate, honey-scented flowers. This low-growing annual thrives in cooler temperatures, which helps to enhance its fragrance and extend its blooming period.
Plant Sweet Alyssum in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. It can be sown directly into the ground or transplanted as young plants, spaced about 6 inches apart.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and you’ll find that Sweet Alyssum quickly fills in gaps with its cascading blooms. Its hardiness and ease of care make it an excellent choice for borders, containers, or as a ground cover.
12. Tulips
October is the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs for a vibrant display in spring. Tulips require a period of cold dormancy to bloom, making fall planting essential. Choose a location that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil to prevent bulbs from rotting.
Plant tulip bulbs about 4 to 6 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. It’s beneficial to add a bit of bulb fertilizer or compost in the planting hole to provide nutrients for growth.
After planting, water the area well to settle the soil around the bulbs. With proper care, your tulips will burst into color when spring arrives, transforming your garden with their spectacular hues.
13. Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the easiest spring bulbs to grow and can be planted in October for a cheerful burst of yellow early next year. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer a sunny or partially shaded location.
Plant the bulbs at least 3 to 4 times their depth, about 4 to 8 inches deep, and 3 to 6 inches apart. Point the tip of the bulb upward and place a small amount of bulb fertilizer into the hole before covering it with soil.
Daffodils are hardy and often become more plentiful each year. Water them thoroughly after planting and again in the spring when they start to grow. With minimal maintenance, these hardy bulbs will brighten your garden year after year.
14. Saffron Crocuses
October is the ideal time to plant saffron crocuses, the world’s most valuable spice by weight. This unique crop requires a bit more attention than typical garden plants but offers great rewards. Plant saffron crocus bulbs in well-drained soil and a sunny location to prevent rot. Plant the bulbs about 3 to 4 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart, with the pointed ends.
Saffron crocuses bloom in fall, and each flower produces three red stigmas, which are the saffron spice. Harvest the stigmas on the day the flowers bloom for the best quality spice. Dry them carefully and store them in an airtight container.
Growing your saffron can be a delightful challenge with a flavorful payoff, making it a rewarding addition to your October garden.
15. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are an excellent addition to your October planting list, offering a brilliant range of colors and the ability to withstand cooler temperatures once established. These distinctive flowers bring height and vibrancy to your garden and can bloom well into the fall if planted early enough in the month.
For optimal growth, choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has rich, well-draining soil. Plant snapdragon seedlings about 6 to 12 inches apart to allow for adequate airflow and growth. They benefit from a light fertilizer at planting time and occasional feeding throughout their blooming period.
Water regularly, but avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. With their fascinating shape and array of colors, snapdragons make a charming addition to borders, flower beds, and containers.
