What to plant in October
October is the primary month for planting garlic (zones 5–8), spring-flowering bulbs (zones 5–7, after soil cools below 55°F), and cold-hardy fall greens (kale, mâche, spinach, arugula in zones 6–8). In zones 9–10, October is peak cool-season planting. First frost arrives in zone
October is a month of lasts and beginnings. Last chance to plant spring bulbs in zones 6–8. Last direct sowings of cold-hardy greens before frost. Garlic goes in. And the gardening year, rather than ending, starts its next cycle.
This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases - at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally tested or that are the universal first recommendation from university Extension publications. See our full disclosure.
The most important October task: plant garlic
Per Penn State Extension, garlic is "planted in fall in most of the US because the cloves need cold stratification to develop properly." The optimal timing is 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes: mid-to-late October in zones 6–7, early November in zone 8.
Variety selection:
- Hardneck types (Rocambole, Porcelain, Purple Stripe): Best flavor; better in zones 4–7 where cold winters are reliable. Per Penn State Extension, "hardneck types produce scapes in early summer that are edible and should be cut to encourage larger bulb development."
- Softneck types (Artichoke, Silverskin): Milder, longer storage life; better in zones 7–9 or warmer winter areas.
Planting method: Break heads into individual cloves. Discard the smallest inner cloves (plant the largest outer ones). Plant 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart, in rows 12 inches apart. Apply 2–3 inches of straw or shredded leaf mulch after planting. Per Penn State Extension, mulch "prevents frost heaving of newly planted cloves" and moderates soil temperature during the critical early root-establishment period.
In my zone 7a Long Island beds, garlic goes in mid-October. It sprouts in 3–4 weeks, overwinters as small green plants under mulch, and is harvested in late June–early July of the following year when half the leaves have dried down.