Complete Gardening
October is here, and you know what that means—it’s time to break out those gardening gloves and dive into some fall planting!
While the idea of growing things might feel like a spring and summer activity, autumn has its fair share of crop magic, too.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to embrace that green thumb, fall is an ideal time to plant crops that love cooler weather.
Let’s dig into 20 crops you can plant in October and keep that garden thriving well into the chilly months.
1. Garlic
One of the easiest crops to plant in October is garlic. Fall is the perfect time to plant garlic because it allows the bulbs to get settled before winter. By planting now, you’ll get a harvest of full-sized, delicious garlic bulbs by next summer.
Just break the garlic cloves apart and plant them about an inch or two deep in well-drained soil. Once the snow melts, they’ll be some of the first to sprout in the spring.
Pro Tip: Plant garlic in an area that gets plenty of sun and make sure you leave enough space between cloves for them to grow into full bulbs.
2. Carrots
Believe it or not, carrots thrive in cooler weather, and October is still a great time to plant them. While you won’t see them pop up right away, they’ll quietly grow under the soil and be ready to harvest in the early spring.
Carrots prefer sandy, loose soil, so they can grow straight and long. You’ll thank yourself in a few months when you pull up those vibrant, crunchy beauties.
Pro Tip: Mulch your carrot bed to keep the soil warm and protect it from the harsher frosts.
3. Spinach
Spinach loves cool weather, so October is perfect for getting it in the ground. It’s a hardy plant that can survive the first frosts, and you might even get a few harvests before winter sets in fully.
Just scatter the seeds and lightly cover them with soil. In a few weeks, you’ll have fresh spinach ready for your salads and smoothies.
Pro Tip: Plant spinach in rows with at least 6 inches of space between to allow the leaves to spread out.
4. Kale
Kale is the king of fall gardens. This super-nutritious green not only survives cooler temperatures, but it actually tastes better after a frost!
October is a great time to plant kale, and you can harvest it throughout the winter if you’re in a milder climate. The leaves get sweeter and more flavorful after a cold snap—talk about a win-win!
Pro Tip: For a continuous harvest, pick the outer leaves first and let the inner ones keep growing.
5. Radishes
If you’re looking for something quick to grow, radishes are your crop. They grow incredibly fast, sometimes ready in just 25-30 days.
Plant them in October, and you’ll be enjoying crisp, peppery radishes in no time. They’re also super easy to grow and don’t take up much space in your garden.
Pro Tip: Don’t let them linger in the ground too long after they mature; they can get woody if left too long.
6. Lettuce
There’s something so satisfying about growing your own lettuce, and fall is a great time for it.
Most varieties of lettuce do well in cooler temperatures, and October planting ensures you’ll have fresh leaves ready before winter hits.
Mix different types of lettuce seeds in your garden for a colorful salad mix!
Pro Tip: Lettuce can handle partial shade, so if you have a spot that doesn’t get full sun all day, that’s okay too.
7. Beets
Beets are another root crop that loves the cooler temperatures of fall. They can handle a light frost and will continue to grow under the soil as long as the ground isn’t frozen solid.
October is a good time to plant beets because they’ll mature in the cool weather, making them tender and sweet.
Pro Tip: Thin your beet seedlings early, as overcrowding can lead to small or oddly shaped roots.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those plants that actually prefers cooler temperatures. Planting it in October gives it time to develop before the winter frost.
While it might not grow as fast as in spring, it will still thrive, especially if you give it a good start before the hard frosts hit.
Pro Tip: Broccoli heads are ready to harvest when they’re firm and tight—don’t wait too long, or they’ll start to flower!
9. Cabbage
Cabbage is a cold-hardy vegetable that will do well if planted in October. It might take a little longer to mature, but it can handle the frosts and even light snow.
Cabbage heads will be ready to harvest in late winter or early spring, depending on your climate.
Pro Tip: Make sure to space cabbage plants at least 12-18 inches apart for full head development.
10. Onions
October is a great time to plant onion sets. Onions planted in the fall will be ready for harvest in late spring or early summer.
They’ll spend the winter developing roots and will sprout when the weather warms up. Plant the bulbs about 1 inch deep with the pointy end facing up.
Pro Tip: Cover your onions with mulch to protect them from harsh winter conditions and encourage even growth.
11. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is another leafy green that loves cool weather. It’s super easy to grow and can handle frost without any issues.
Plant it in October, and you’ll get a beautiful harvest before winter. Plus, Swiss chard adds a pop of color to your garden with its vibrant stems.
Pro Tip: Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth through the season.
12. Turnips
Turnips are a root vegetable that thrives in cool weather, making October a perfect planting time. They grow quickly and will be ready for harvest in as little as two months. The greens are also edible, so you get a two-for-one with this crop!
Pro Tip: Turnips don’t need a lot of space, so they’re great for small gardens or even containers.
13. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts love the cold and actually need a little frost to develop their best flavor. They take a while to mature, so plant them in October for a winter harvest.
These miniature cabbage-looking veggies are perfect for roasting and add a sweet, nutty flavor to your meals.
Pro Tip: Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk and work your way up as the sprouts mature.
14. Parsley
Herbs aren’t just for summer! Parsley can handle cooler temperatures and will continue to grow in mild winter weather.
Plant it in October, and you’ll have fresh herbs ready to go whenever you need them. It’s great for garnishing your fall soups and stews!
Pro Tip: Parsley likes well-drained soil, so make sure it doesn’t sit in waterlogged areas.
15. Peas
Peas love the cool fall weather, and October is a good time to plant them for a quick harvest.
Some varieties can be ready in just a couple of months, giving you fresh, sweet peas before winter really kicks in. They’re also fun to grow because they climb, making them a great option if you’re short on space.
Pro Tip: Make sure to give your peas something to climb, like a trellis or a fence, to maximize your growing space.
16. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another cool-weather crop that does well when planted in October. It takes a little time to mature, but the cooler temperatures help keep the heads tight and flavorful.
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, mashed, or even turned into rice for a low-carb alternative.
Pro Tip: If you want white heads, blanch your cauliflower by tying the outer leaves over the developing head to shield it from the sun.
17. Leeks
Leeks are part of the onion family and thrive in cooler weather. They take a little longer to grow, but by planting them in October, you’ll have delicious, mild-flavored leeks ready in the late spring.
Leeks are great for soups and stews, adding a delicate onion flavor.
Pro Tip: Hill the soil up around the base of the leeks as they grow to encourage the tender white stalks that are prized in cooking.
18. Endive
Endive is a leafy green that loves cool weather and will continue to grow well into the fall and early winter.
It has a slightly bitter taste, making it a great addition to salads. Plant endive in October for a crisp, fresh harvest before the ground freezes.
Pro Tip: Endive likes well-drained soil and partial shade, making it perfect for spots in the garden that don’t get full sun.
19. Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that adds a peppery flavor to your salads. October is a great time to plant it because it thrives in cool weather and is quick to mature.
You can have fresh arugula in just a few weeks, perfect for spicing up your fall meals.
Pro Tip: Arugula doesn’t need a lot of space, so it’s perfect for small garden beds or containers.
20. Fava Beans
Fava beans are a fantastic crop to plant in October. They can withstand cool temperatures and will continue to grow through the winter in milder climates.
Fava beans are nutrient-dense and a great source of protein, making them a nutritious addition to your garden.
Pro Tip: Plant fava beans in a sunny spot and be sure to give them some support as they grow—they can get pretty tall!
So there you have it—20 crops you can plant in October to keep your garden productive, even as the temperatures drop.
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean your gardening days are! Grab your gloves, plant those seeds, and get ready to enjoy a bountiful harvest long after the summer sun has set.
