Quick facts
Main tasks: Plant garlic in many zones; bring tender plants indoors; plant shrubs/trees in mild regions.
Good candidates: Garlic, spring bulbs, pansies, cool herbs.
Timing note: Quarantine outdoor plants before bringing inside.
Planting calendar guide
October
Main tasks: Plant garlic in many zones; bring tender plants indoors; plant shrubs/trees in mild regions.
What to do next
- Find your local first and last frost dates.
- Sort crops into cool-season and warm-season groups.
- Start slow with a few reliable crops or herbs.
- Use containers or row cover to extend the season.
- Write down what worked so next year is easier.
Watch-outs
A month-by-month calendar is general. Your exact dates depend on ZIP code, frost, heat, rainfall, and microclimate.
Related
FAQ
How do I use this planting calendar guide?
Start with the light, soil, water, symptom, or purpose notes on this page, then make one careful change at a time.
What is the biggest mistake with October?
A month-by-month calendar is general. Your exact dates depend on ZIP code, frost, heat, rainfall, and microclimate.
When should I get more help?
Get local help if the plant is valuable, symptoms are spreading quickly, or outdoor disease and pest problems may affect nearby plants.