What to Plant in October
USDA Zone 4a
Last frost: May 1 – May 15
Frost-free days: 120–150
The growing season is winding down. Plant garlic for next year, clean up spent crops, and sow cover crops on empty beds. Cold frames can extend the harvest.
October at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Garlic
Direct Sow 1
Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.
Garlic
Oct 1–31
9 per sq ft
180–240 days
October Gardening Tips
- Direct sow Garlic straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
- Clean up spent crops to reduce overwintering pest and disease pressure.
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