October is such a vibe for planting! The days are more relaxed, the soil is still warm, and it’s the perfect time to get some serious gardening done before the ground freezes. Fall planting is like prepping your garden for a big reveal in spring—plants get all cozy underground, focusing on their root growth, so when warmer weather hits, they can bloom like crazy. You’re giving them a head start!
What’s even better? Cooler weather means less stress on the plants. There’s no sweltering summer heat, and the natural moisture from autumn rains helps everything establish well. So, if you’re not ready to give up on your garden yet, October is a great time to keep the magic going by planting spring flowering bulbs, vegetables, and even trees and shrubs.
But it’s not as simple as just sticking plants in the ground. Fall gardening has its tips, tricks, and a few common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re planting veggies or flowers, some golden rules ensure your fall garden thrives well into the following spring.
Best Plants to Plant in October
1. Peas
Peas in October? Yep! Cool-weather is their jam. Planting peas gives them enough time to settle in before late winter, preparing them to sprout when the weather warms up. They prefer well-draining soil and lots of sun. And the best part? You can have a fresh crop by early spring, perfect for gardeners who can’t wait to harvest after winter.
Pro tip: When planting peas, remember to mulch! Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the soil warm enough for these guys to do their thing. As the weather cools, that mulch becomes a crucial barrier against any surprise frosts.
A common mistake is planting too late in the season. If you wait too long, the first frost might hit before the plants can establish, so aim for early fall for the best results.
2. Tulips
Ahh, tulips—the spring showstopper! But to get those vibrant colors next year, you’ve got to plant bulbs in October. Tulips need cooler temperatures to develop their root, but they don’t want to deal with a hard frost too soon.
To set your tulips up for success, space them properly and plant them deep enough. Most people plant them too shallow and then wonder why they don’t bloom as well. The trick is to plant them three times as deep as the bulb’s height—around 6-8 inches down.
A fun fact? Tulips need the cold! It signals to the bulbs that winter is coming, and when they’re ready to emerge in early spring, they’ll be stronger and more colorful than ever.
3. Blackberries
Want to grow some sweet, juicy blackberries next summer? October is the perfect time to plant these hardy perennials. The cooler weather gives the roots time to develop without stressing the plants out, and by the time summer rolls around, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest. Plus, blackberries are low-maintenance, making them a fave among busy gardeners.
Plant your blackberries in well-draining soil with plenty of sun to get started. These babies need room to sprawl, so give them enough space in your garden beds. Mulching around the base can help keep the soil warm and protect the roots from winter chill.
One mistake to avoid: not pruning! Blackberry plants can get out of hand if left unattended. Trim them back after planting in the fall to encourage healthy growth and better fruit production for the coming spring.
4. Crocus
If you’re after early bloomers, Crocus is your go-to! These dainty little spring-blooming bulbs are among the first to appear after winter. You can plant them in pots, bedding plants, or garden beds. They thrive in well-drained soil, and planting them in October gives them time to settle in before winter. These guys will be ready to bloom and brighten up your space when the snow melts.
One key thing to remember when planting Crocus? Ensure they get enough sunlight—at least 6 hours of full sun each day. They don’t need much else, making them one of the most accessible fall planting choices. Oh, and did you know they’re deer-resistant, too?
If you’ve got kids or pets running around, plant Crocus in a local garden center near pathways or the garden’s edge. They won’t mind a little foot traffic and can handle those early spring showers like champs!
5. Anemone
Looking for cool-season flowers that pack a punch? Anemones are the way to go. These fall-planted perennials bloom beautifully in spring and add a touch of elegance to your garden. They come in stunning shades of pink, blue, and white, perfect for beautifying your fall garden.
For best results, plant them with a bit of partial shade. October is ideal because it gives them time to build up their root systems before the cold sets in. Once spring arrives, your garden beds will be filled with long-lasting flowers.
A common mistake is not soaking the bulbs before planting! Anemone bulbs need to soak in water for a few hours before planting to help them bloom bigger and better in the coming spring.
6. Fruit Trees
Now’s the time to start thinking long-term. If you’ve always wanted a mini orchard, planting fruit trees in October is perfect. Whether you’re growing apples, pears, or plums, the cooler weather helps them focus on root growth without being stressed by heat. And when spring comes around? You’ll have strong, established trees ready to blossom.
Before you plant, make sure to dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball. You want to give those roots plenty of room to spread out. And don’t forget the mulch! It’ll keep the newly planted trees cozy during winter.
Pro tip: Avoid planting fruit trees too close to buildings or other trees. They need space to spread their branches and bloom beautifully come spring.
7. Leafy Greens
Veggie lovers, rejoice! October is the prime time to plant leafy veggies like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. These cool-season veggies love the cooler temperatures of fall and will grow steadily into the winter months. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients, making your fall garden both tasty and healthy.
If you’re in a warmer region, you might need a little afternoon shade to keep them from wilting. Mulching around the base can help them retain moisture and stay strong as the weather cools.
One mistake to avoid: planting too late! Mustard greens, spinach, and other veggies need time to establish their roots before the first hard frost, so aim to get them in the ground in early fall.
Conclusion
Planting in October might sound counterintuitive, but trust me, it’s the secret to a killer garden come spring. Whether you’re growing spring flowering bulbs, planting fruit trees, or getting some leafy greens going, fall is your window to set the stage for the growing season ahead. The cooler days mean less work for you and less stress on your plants, so why not take advantage?
Just remember to prep your soil, remember the mulch, and avoid the common mistake of planting too late! When you plant in October, you’re giving your garden the ideal conditions for strong root growth and stunning blooms that will reward you when the warmer weather rolls in.
So grab those garden gloves, hit up your local nursery, and get those plants in the ground! Spring will be here before you know it, and you’ll have a head start on the season while everyone else is just beginning to plan.