This October planting guide is designed for those who live in USDA Zones 4 through 7. The seeds you plant in October will be ready to harvest in the spring. Ideally, you will plant your seeds around the beginning of October. Here are a few things to consider. First, you should decide what type of vegetable you would like to grow.
Root vegetables
Root vegetables do well in cool temperatures and are an excellent option for late fall planting. October is the time to select varieties that can survive winter’s frosts. Planting vegetables in October will also allow you to harvest them in the early spring, or even in late summer. This means you can save your seeds and harvest them before the frosts arrive!
Root vegetables can be planted directly from seed, or you can transplant them. The Brassica family, including kale, is also ideal for planting in October. The allium family also features strong tasting vegetables that will help to keep pests out of your garden. Despite their name, this family has many varieties.
Sow seeds at least 3 inches apart. Planting seeds too close together will prevent full growth and early harvest. You can also plant early broad beans directly in October. Ensure the soil temperature is suitable for the variety you’re growing.
Lettuce
This month is the perfect time to plant lettuce. While it’s not nearly as cold-hardy as other crops, lettuce is still fairly hardy. If you plant lettuce seeds in October and cover them with a cold frame, they’ll germinate and grow, producing an early crop in spring.
Whether you choose to plant lettuce from seed or transplant, there are specific steps to follow to get the best results. The first step is to water the soil, which helps the seeds germinate. A good time to water is when the soil is moist and a gentle rain can settle the row. After watering, plant the seed. If you’re planting from seed, you can also use a starter solution or fertilizer to jumpstart the seeds.
If you plan to plant lettuce in rows, you’ll need to thin the soil. It’s best to thin the soil to one-quarter inch deep. Then, evenly distribute the seeds over the soil. You should also make sure to keep the distance between rows as uniform as possible.
Peas
Peas are surprisingly effective when sowing in the fall, but you must choose the right cultivars and varieties for your soil and growing conditions. With a little planning and some tips from Amateur Gardening’s fruit and vegetable expert Lucy Chamberlain, you can reap the benefits of a late autumn planting. The result will be a pea crop that matures earlier than most, with a more robust root system and a healthy yield.
Pea plants will need to be protected from hot weather. If it is too hot, they will begin to turn yellow. To protect them, you can use row covers or mulch the soil with biodegradable materials. Plant peas at the soil level and make sure the soil remains moist.
Broccoli
If you are considering planting broccoli, this fall is a great time to do so. This vegetable requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It also prefers cooler temperatures. It is best planted in raised beds and needs rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Be sure to plant the seeds 18 inches apart.
It is important to water the soil regularly to ensure good head growth and good vigor. To test the moisture level in the soil, insert your index finger into it. If it feels dry, it is time to water. The recommended watering amount for broccoli is between one and two inches of water per week.
In addition to fertilizing, broccoli needs protection from diseases. Aphids are attracted to young plants and overfertilized plants. The damage done by aphids can result in stunted growth and wilting. Preventing these pests begins with choosing disease-resistant transplants and attracting natural predators to the soil. You can also use a chemical control product, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Peacock kale
The Peacock ™ Red Kale is an annual plant that has a distinct ornamental appearance. Its bluish-green leaves have a pink variegation and are perfect for edging or growing in cool-season pots and landscape beds. The plant is very low-maintenance and grows about twelve inches tall.
You can plant the seeds in October and harvest the peacock kale in spring. It is suitable for growing in USDA Zones 4 to 7. Its seeds are ready to sow in October. It will take about four weeks for the kale to mature and produce its first harvest in the spring.
This cool and nutrient-rich plant is an outstanding choice for the fall and winter garden. Its unique look makes it an eye-catching vegetable to plant in the fall. The peacock variety is particularly impressive, as the foliage is fluffy and wispy. It produces a sweet, peppery bounty that is ideal for winter meals.
Brassica juncea
October is a good time to plant Brassica juncea, also known as mustard. The leafy greens of this perennial plant add a zingy, spicy flavor to salads, stir fries, and more. It is also a cool-season annual, meaning it can be harvested continuously throughout the cool months. During the hot months, the plants bolt and go to seed. Many cultivars are available, including Southern Giant Curled, Red Giant, and Osaka Purple.
The cultivar ‘Red Garnet’ matures in about 40 days, but will depend on the conditions. It can tolerate some shade and grows to around two feet in height. Its baby leaves are deep red and rounded. ‘Red Garnet’ is available from True Leaf Market.
Winter mustard
If you’re thinking of planting mustard in the garden this winter, you may be wondering when the best time is. Since mustard grows well in cool temperatures, you’ll need to know the frost dates in your area. Fortunately, this crop is relatively hardy and can tolerate light frost. You can plant mustard in the late winter or early spring, or in the fall to take advantage of the last harvest before the first frost.
Plant mustard seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep in the soil, and space them eight to ten inches apart. You can plant as many as 16 seeds per square foot. Ensure that the soil temperature is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Once they germinate, mustard plants will sprout in five to ten days.
While mustard is hardy, it can be susceptible to damage from wind. Aphids feed on the sap of young leaves, so be sure to place your plants in protected areas. You can also use organic insecticidal soap and neem oil to discourage these pests. In case you are unable to find neem oil, squishing aphids with your fingers can help reduce their numbers. Watering thoroughly can also help reduce aphid numbers.
Salad mixes
If you’re considering growing your own salad mix this season, be sure to plant it in a rich, loamy soil. This will prevent it from freezing early and provide the plants with nutrients throughout the winter. You can plant it in late February or early March, and you should harvest it by early April. If the soil is not fertile enough, cover it with a layer of straw or cover crop. Organic matter will improve the soil’s structure and fertility, as well as its water-holding capacity.
