October Garden Priorities
October is a month of transition. The main harvest season is ending and it is time to prepare for winter. How you handle October sets the stage for next spring.
Harvest Warm-Season Crops
Before the first frost, harvest all remaining tomatoes, peppers, squash, and basil. Green tomatoes ripen indoors in a paper bag with a ripe banana. Peppers can be picked at any size.
Plant Garlic and Onions
October is prime time for planting garlic. Separate bulbs into cloves and plant 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart, pointy side up. Mulch heavily with straw. Plant onion sets for an early spring harvest.
Clean Up Spent Plants
Remove dead or dying plants. Do not compost diseased plants — trash them to prevent spread. Remove weeds so they do not go to seed. Healthy material goes in the compost.
Amend and Mulch Beds
Fall is perfect for adding compost or well-rotted manure. Top with shredded leaves or straw. Organic matter breaks down over winter and enriches soil for spring.
Order Seeds for Next Year
October is a great time to order seeds. Many companies release catalogs in late fall. Ordering early ensures you get varieties before they sell out. Note what worked this year.
Protect Perennial Herbs
Perennial herbs like oregano, thyme, and chives benefit from protective mulch in cold climates. Container perennials should be moved to sheltered locations or wrapped for insulation.