12 Vegetables And Herbs You Can Plant Outdoors In October

Most people view October as a month to start clearing out the garden and preparing it for winter. While many summer crops stop yielding fruits and vegetables in October, it doesn’t mean your garden has to go barren in the autumn. You can successfully grow all sorts of vegetables in October, as long as you know which ones to plant.

Some great vegetables and herbs to start in October for harvest in the same year include Japanese salad turnips, carrots, green onions, winter radishes, and spinach. Plant your garlic, asparagus, snow peas, and onions in October to yield fruitful crops in late spring. You can also start herbs like basil, cilantro, and sage, and then move them indoors when the weather drops close to freezing.

Spring is the most popular time to sow seeds in your garden, but it isn’t the only time. Some plants grow quickly and love cool weather, making October a perfect month to plant them in many parts of North America. Other plants can be sown in October to ensure a healthy and early crop the following spring. Below is a list of a variety of vegetables and herbs you can start in your garden this October.

1. Garlic 

One of the best vegetables to plant in October is garlic. Garlic loves to begin its growth cycle in cool soil, which is why so many people choose to start it in October. It also thrives when temperatures are below 40 degrees for prolonged periods. These conditions all help it grow garlic you can harvest in late spring.

2. Asparagus 

Many people plant asparagus in early spring, but there are some benefits to planting it in October. Fall is the preferred time to plant asparagus, as it gives it a head start in the growing process. You can expect the asparagus you plant in October to be ready in late spring, as opposed to mid-summer.

3. Onions

Onions are also a great hearty vegetable you can plant in the late fall to give them a head start. Planting onions in October allows them to establish roots and grow before winter sets in. This will render an earlier crop and also tend to yield better and bigger onions.

4. Snow Peas

Snow peas are the best plants in the fall as well. You can have success with snow peas in the spring, but they will grow better and earlier if you plant them in October. This is particularly true if you plan to grow them from seed. You can sew the seeds directly into the ground in October. They will then germinate and establish themselves before winter comes.

5. Basil

If you want fresh basil at your disposal in the winter, consider planting it from seed in October. Basil takes about two weeks to sprout from seed, and between one month and six weeks before it is fully mature.

This means you can have fully mature basil in time for the holidays. There are many types of basil, so make sure you choose a variety that tastes delicious and thrives in your climate.

6. Green Onions

Green onions (scallions) are one of the easiest herbs to grow. These flavorful green sprouts take very little time to grow. You can plant them in early October and have herbs you can cook with by November. You can also easily transfer them inside to a sunny spot in your home for the winter.

7. Winter Radishes

Some radishes, including winter radishes, grow very quickly. You can plant winter radishes in most growing zones in early October, and pull them out of the ground to enjoy them before the first frost.

To ensure your radishes are ready before the winter, make sure you plant them as early as possible and plant them in a sunny location. Winter radishes enjoy cooler temperatures but require almost two months to grow.

8. Spinach

If you live somewhere with mild winters (zones 6 and upward) then you can plant spinach in early October, and enjoy this healthy green vegetable before Christmas. Spinach takes about two months to 10 weeks to grow to fruition. This means as long as your area doesn’t experience frost until mid-December, you should be able to plant spinach in October.

9. Japanese Salad Turnips

Turnips are a popular fall vegetable, and Japanese salad turnips are ideal for planting in October. These are delicious turnips that are smaller than a classic turnip, and thanks to their petite size, they mature quickly and enjoy cool temperatures. These vegetables can mature in as quickly as 40 days.

10. Cilantro

Cilantro is a fantastic herb that can breathe life into dull winter cuisine. From seed, it takes between two to three months to mature. You can start this herb in your container garden in October, and it will sprout in just a few weeks. Bring it in and place it in a sunny spot once frost approaches.

11. Carrots

In places with mild winters like the southern United States, carrots are a fantastic root vegetable to grow in October. These plants enjoy the sun, but they also like cooler temperatures. You will find they will thrive in the fall and may be ready in less than two months, just in time for the holidays.

12. Sage

Lastly, consider planting sage in a container in October. It takes between two to three weeks for sage to sprout, but once it establishes itself, you can move it indoors to a sunny window before the frost comes. Sage is a lovely herb that is fantastic to incorporate into your Thanksgiving feast and other seasonal cuisine.

Six Tips For Success When Planting Vegetables In October

1. Find An Area Of Full Sun

October is a month when sunlight continues to dwindle in the northern hemisphere. Towards the end of the month, sunlight becomes a crucial ingredient to a plant's success. Make sure you plant your October vegetables and herbs in an area that gets full sun for as much of the day as possible. This will help speed up the growing process.

2. Only Plant What Can Survive In Your Zone

Just because it’s possible to grow some vegetables in October, it doesn’t mean you can grow everything. Don’t be overly ambitious when you are late-season gardening. Instead, only plants herbs and vegetables that are proven to grow in your zone in late fall. This will ensure more favorable results.

3. Use Nutrient-Rich Soil

Don’t plant vegetables in your garden without adding fertilizer and nutrients. Remember, your summer plants have likely sucked out most nutrients from the top layer of soil. For a bumper crop, add more nutrients.

4. Speed Up The Germination Process

If you are planting from seed, consider speeding up the germination process. In some cases, you can put your seeds in water, or on a damp paper towel. This can speed up the growing process by a week or more. Time is of the essence when you plant in October, so every shortcut helps.

5. Use Containers To Relocate Plants When Needed

October and November can be unpredictable, especially the further north you go. If you are planting sensitive vegetables or herbs, consider planting them in a container garden. When you use a container garden, you can relocate plants inside to safety when freezing or severe weather conditions approach.

6. Use Mulch To Insulate Crops

If you have mild winters with an occasional frost, then insulate your plants like asparagus, garlic, and other vegetables that need to survive the winter. The best way to insulate your vegetables in the fall and winter is with plenty of mulch. Mulch creates a barrier between the soil and the air, and will keep your vegetables at a safe temperature for longer.

Wrapping Up Herbs And Vegetables You Can Plant In October

Fall may mark the end of a growing season, but that doesn't mean you can’t plant vegetables and herbs in October. You can get a head start on your spring garden by planting your garlic, onions, asparagus, and even snow peas in early October. 

Some plants grow quickly in the fall, including radishes, Japanese salad turnips, carrots, and spinach. Start herbs like cilantro, basil, and sage in an outdoor container in October, and then transfer them to a sunny spot indoors before the first frost.

Related Guides:

• Best Herbs To Grow When Direct Sunlight Is Limited
• Top Vegetables That You Can Easily Grow In Pots
• When Should You Move Plants Inside?