What to Plant in October
October begins one of the most enjoyable growing periods in the Florida Zone 9 garden. As summer heat begins to ease, we can welcome cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers back into raised beds, pots, and grow bags.
October at a Glance
This is a transition month in the YardStead. Warm days may still linger, but cooler nights make it possible to begin planting many fall and winter crops. Keep newly planted seeds evenly moist and watch young seedlings carefully during unexpectedly hot afternoons.
Vegetables
October gives us a wide selection of vegetables that can either be planted directly into the garden or started for transplanting as cooler weather develops.
Direct Sow in the Garden
Carrots
Sow directly into loose soil and keep the seedbed consistently moist while seeds germinate.
Radishes
A quick-growing cool-season crop that works well in raised beds and containers.
Beets
Sow directly where they will grow. Both the roots and young greens can be harvested.
Turnips
Plant directly in the garden for tender roots and edible greens.
Mustard Greens
Direct sow for a productive cool-season leafy green.
Collards
Seeds can be planted directly in the garden where temperatures have begun to moderate.
Lettuce
Direct sow small amounts at intervals for a longer harvest season.
Spinach
Begin sowing as temperatures cool, using well-drained soil and consistent moisture.
Start for Transplanting Later
Broccoli
Start seeds in cells or small containers for transplanting into the garden once seedlings are established.
Cabbage
Start seedlings now for planting into beds or larger containers during the cool season.
Cauliflower
Begin seeds in a protected location and transplant healthy seedlings into rich garden soil.
Kale
Start seeds for later transplanting or use young seedlings where garden space becomes available.
Flowers
Cooler weather also opens the door for many flowers that struggle through our hottest summer months.
Direct Sow in the Garden
Calendula
Sow directly in a sunny garden bed or container for cool-season blooms.
Nasturtium
Plant seeds directly where they will grow. Nasturtiums work especially well along bed edges and in containers.
Sweet Alyssum
Sow lightly over prepared soil for low-growing clusters of small fragrant flowers.
California Poppy
Direct sow because the plants generally prefer not to have their roots disturbed after germination.
Start for Transplanting Later
Snapdragons
Start the tiny seeds in trays or containers for transplanting once seedlings are large enough to handle.
Dianthus
Begin seeds for cool-season color in garden beds and containers.
Petunias
Start seeds in a protected area and transplant when seedlings are well established.
Violas
Begin seeds for transplanting into containers and garden beds as temperatures continue to cool.
October Planting Notes
- October can still bring hot afternoons, so newly planted seeds may need extra attention to moisture.
- Raised beds, pots, and grow bags can dry more quickly than in-ground gardens.
- Add compost before planting heavy-feeding cool-season vegetables.
- Succession sow quick crops such as radishes and lettuce instead of planting the entire crop at once.
- Keep an eye on young brassicas for caterpillar damage as plants become established.