Good news: You don’t have to wait until next spring to plant delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers in your garden. While many gardeners assume they’ve missed the planting window once autumn officially arrives, there are many gorgeous blooms, sturdy vegetables, and other things to plant in October. Some of these quick-yielding crops, like beets and kale, can be harvested before you’re celebrating the new year. Others won’t produce blooms until the spring, but we promise it’s worth the wait.
Cooler temperatures and generally sunny days make October a fantastic month for many plants. (It also doesn’t hurt that sunny, mild weather is perfect for spending time in the garden). Before you plant anything new, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to determine which plants are likely to thrive in your region. You can also talk to staff at your local nursery or garden center to see what they recommend planting in your climate before the frost comes.
Ahead, learn about the best vegetables and flowers to plant in October. For more seasonal outdoor advice, read up on the fall gardening tricks every gardener should know and three things a pro always does to get a lawn mower ready for winter.
Beets
Beets thrive in cooler weather, and their roots tend to become sweeter and more flavorful. Ideally, they should be planted 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost and should reach harvest in about 50 to 65 days—ideally before deep freezes, depending on your climate. Another pro: Beets growing in the fall are less susceptible to pests and diseases.
Allium
These purple pom-pom flowers, a popular perennial plant, are actually a part of the onion family. The bulbs should be planted in cool soil after the first frost, but before the ground freezes to establish hardy roots. They whimsical blooms, a favorite for pollinators, should start to bloom in the spring.
Tulips
Tulips are popular for their vibrant petals and ability to return year after year. Start planting the bulbs when average temperatures are between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Tulips need colder soil to develop their roots for spring. Although the flower bulbs are durable, avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
Kale
Kale is a cold-tolerant—the frost and cold temperatures can actually make the flavor sweeter. Depending on where you live in the country, you ideally want to plant kale six to eight weeks before the first fall frost. Kale is ready to harvest when it's about the size of your hand.
Shallots
Shallots are part of the Allium family, including onions, garlic, and chives that tend to thrive when roots have time to establish before winter. Shallots do best in warmer climates, where soil temperatures are between 35 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When it's time for planting, their cloves are placed in the soil (thicker part pointing down) with the top just peaking above the soil line. It's time for harvesting when their tops begin to turn brown.
Iris
Irises are known for their unique, sword-shaped petals and vibrant shades, ranging from purple and blue to yellow. They should be planted when temperatures are between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and need a good deal of sun to bloom. Keep in mind: you don't want to bury iris rhizomes too deep, they should be planted close to the surface for best results.
Garlic
Plant your garlic cloves in October, so the roots can develop before the freezing months. Yes, you can plant garlic cloves from the grocery store. Prepare the soil by removing weeds, then plant your garlic cloves (pointed-end up) in an area that receives about six to eight hours of sunlight.
Daffodils
If you're new to gardening, daffodils are very durable and easy to grow. Plant the bulbs two to four weeks before the ground freezes in an area that receives full or partial sun. When they begin to bloom, the cut flowers look beautiful on display—but never mix them with other flowers. Daffodils secrete a liquid that causes other flowers in the same vase to wilt.
Pansies
Known as the flowers with "faces," pansies make great decor for windowsills. With just a little bit of potting soil, pansies can grow in containers with the right amount of sunlight (not too much). If your pansies are thriving, they are often under watered.
Arugula
If you live in a warmer region, you can plant arugula in October and expect young leaves six to eight weeks later. You'll want to harvest your arugula when the leaves are younger, as older leaves tend to be a bit tough.
Hellebores
You'll likely spot hellebores poking through the snow during late winter. There are two popular varieties: the Christmas Rose has white petals and blooms in warmer climates and the Lenten Rose takes on a pink or purple color. Due to their early blooming nature, Hellebores like to be kept in the shade or partial shade, along with well-drained soil.
Katarina Avendaño (she/her) is the senior SEO editor for Good Housekeeping, where she writes and edits lifestyle content and contributes to SEO strategy. Before joining GH in 2021, she was the digital editor at New York Family, where she was responsible for the website’s content and strategy. Katarina received her bachelor's degree in communications and Spanish from the University of Washington.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
