October is the ideal time to grow cool-weather crops that can continue producing through winter and into the early spring.
To ensure a steady harvest, start with strong seedlings or reliable seeds. Pay attention to the days-to-maturity listed for each variety and opt for quick-growing types, as cooler conditions tend to slow plant growth.
Below are 12 vegetables to plant in October that will keep your garden thriving in the months ahead.
Tips to Start Your Fall Vegetable Garden
- Select varieties that mature quickly, as the number of warm growing days is limited.
- Add an extra 2–3 weeks to the maturity period listed on seed packets to account for slower growth in cooler weather.
- Look up the average first frost date in your region and count backward from that using the estimated growing time.
- Refresh garden beds with compost or natural fertilizer, especially in areas where summer crops have recently finished growing.
- Plant fast-maturing crops like lettuce, radishes, and carrots in intervals so you can extend the harvest.
- Pair certain plants together to support healthier growth, attract beneficial insects, and deter pests.
- Spread a layer of mulch to shield roots from lingering summer warmth while helping retain soil moisture.
Vegetables to Plant in October
We highlight 12 best vegetables to plant in October, along with a few growing tips we have picked up over the years.
Pumpkins
Nothing captures the spirit of autumn quite like pumpkins. They come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes. While some are perfect for carving, the tastiest ones for cooking usually have thicker flesh and thinner skin. Pumpkins require ample space to spread out, as their vines can extend up to 30 feet. If your garden is small, train them to climb on trellises to save ground space.
Winter Squash
Winter squash is an excellent choice for fall gardening, as it stores well for months when kept in a cool, dry spot. Varieties such as acorn, butternut, spaghetti, buttercup, and hubbard are all reliable. It’s best to start them from seed earlier in the season, but if you still have seedlings on hand, they can be transplanted. Like pumpkins, they require a significant amount of space, so vertical growing methods can help maximize your space.
Arugula
Arugula often bolts to flower and seed too quickly in spring because of rising temperatures. In the fall, however, cooler weather allows the leaves to develop fully, giving them a rich, peppery flavor.
Kale
Kale isn’t just ornamental—it’s one of the best leafy greens for the fall and winter garden. In warmer areas, sow seeds directly, while in cooler regions, plant seedlings for quicker results. This cold-hardy vegetable actually tastes sweeter after frost and can often withstand snow, giving you fresh greens well into winter.
Carrots
Carrots are another crop that benefits from the crisp fall weather. Roots maturing in cooler soil tend to develop a naturally sweeter taste, with orange varieties often being the sweetest. Carrots can last up to three months in the fridge, making them a reliable winter staple. Let them reach full maturity before harvesting for optimal flavor and texture.
Beets
Beets thrive in cooler soil, which makes fall an ideal time to grow them. While they may need shade protection in summer, once temperatures drop, the roots develop a sweeter flavor. They can handle light frost and will continue growing until the first hard freeze. Beets store well in the refrigerator and are also great for canning or pickling.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts thrive in the cool weather of fall and are often the last crop standing as the season shifts into winter. Harvest from the lower stalk first, since new sprouts continue forming toward the top. To keep pests like cabbage moths and aphids away, plant marigolds or nasturtiums alongside your vegetables.
Broccoli
Starting broccoli in late summer gives it a head start and helps avoid the surprise frosts that often affect spring crops. Once mature, the plants can tolerate light frosts, but it’s best to harvest before a hard freeze sets in. Because broccoli takes extra time to develop, starting seeds early and transplanting them mid-summer usually brings the best results.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower grows particularly well in the fall, producing firm and tender heads when given the right conditions. Since it requires a longer growing period, it’s best to plant seeds earlier in the season and move seedlings outdoors by mid-to-late summer. This gives the plants plenty of time to mature before cold weather arrives.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are simpler to grow than pole varieties, as they don’t require support. They thrive in slightly cooler conditions and usually mature in 45–60 days. These beans also improve soil health by adding nitrogen to the soil. Once the crop finishes, till the plants back into the soil to naturally restore nutrients
Radishes
Radishes tend to taste better when grown in the fall rather than in the spring. They grow fast, and you can often squeeze in two or three succession plantings by sowing every couple of weeks. If the raw flavor feels too sharp, roasting them creates a milder, sweeter taste.
Spinach
Planting spinach in late summer gives seeds warm soil to sprout, while cooler autumn days ensure tender, flavorful leaves. Spinach tolerates light frost better than most greens, making it an excellent choice for late-season crops. Sow every two weeks to keep a continuous harvest of tender leaves throughout the growing season until winter.
