WHAT TO PLANT IN OCTOBER

October is the time of year when the cool mornings welcome us outside to enjoy the garden.

What to plant in October depends on your location and climate zone, but generally in Central Texas (Zone 9), it's a great month for planting cool-season vegetables, spring-flowering bulbs, and perennials. We have our greenhouse full of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other cole crops. As soon as our highs trend below 90, we will transplant in the garden.

Here's a breakdown below for various zones and also a link to my favorite planting calendar, provided by Texas A&M.

Central Texas Vegetable Planting Calendar

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GENERAL GUIDELINES BY REGION

🧊 Cold Climates (Zones 3–6)

• Spring bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths
• Garlic: Plant before the ground freezes
• Shallots & onions
• Cover crops: Winter rye, clover (to enrich soil for spring)
• Perennials: Divide and replant now
• Trees & shrubs: Fall planting is ideal before frost

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🌤️ Mild/Temperate Climates (Zones 7–9)

• Vegetables:
  • Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, collards
  • Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
  • Root veggies: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
  • Alliums: Garlic, onions, leeks
• Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, thyme, chives
• Strawberries: Fall planting for spring harvest
• Spring bulbs
• Annual flowers: Pansies, violas, snapdragons

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☀️ Warm Climates (Zones 10–11)

• Vegetables:
  • Tomatoes (early in the month)
  • Peppers, beans, squash
  • Leafy greens & herbs
• Cool-season crops: Start in mid to late October
• Tropical & citrus trees
• Wildflowers: Sow seeds for spring bloom