8 Things You Can Still Plant in October Before the First Frost
October may signal the end of summer gardening, but there’s still plenty of time to put your green thumb to work. The beauty of autumn planting lies in its potential to establish strong roots before the harsh winter.
By choosing the right plants and planting in October, you set your garden up for a healthier, more resilient spring bloom.
Let’s explore eight fantastic planting options to enrich your garden even as the colder months approach.

1. Fruit Trees: Plant for a Future Harvest
Autumn provides an excellent window for planting young fruit trees. As temperatures cool, trees enter dormancy, making it easier for them to adjust without the shock of summer’s intense heat.
Preparing the planting site is essential: dig a hole three times the pot’s diameter, allowing the tree roots ample space to expand.
Zones: Typically, Zones 3–8
Size: Approximately 30 feet tall and wide
Care Requirements: Full sunlight, consistent watering, and well-drained soil are vital for fruit trees.
Pro Tip: Ensure the soil is nutrient-rich to encourage root establishment before winter.

2. Tulips: Prepare for a Spring Festival of Colour
Planting tulip bulbs in October ensures a vibrant spring display. Zones 4–7 are ideal for October planting, allowing the bulbs to settle and store energy for spring. Kathy Jentz, gardening expert and host of GardenDC, suggests adding azomite to rejuvenate the soil and supply essential minerals.
Zones: Zones 4–7
Size: 6–24 inches tall by 6–12 inches wide
Care Requirements: Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil.
Pro Tip: Tulips require cooler soil temperatures, so October is perfect for achieving stunning spring blooms.

3. Crocus: An Early Bloomer for Spring
For those craving a burst of colour in early spring, crocus is the answer. This resilient flower, often blooming before the snow melts, thrives when planted in autumn. Planting crocus bulbs now guarantees early blooms and a fresh start to spring.
Zones: 3–8
Size: 5 inches tall by 3 inches wide
Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade with moderate water.
Pro Tip: Plant crocus in clusters to create a carpet of vibrant colours at the season’s first hint of warmth.

4. Daffodils: Diversity in Bloom
With over a hundred daffodil varieties, autumn planting offers the chance to diversify your garden. Choose different bloom times to extend the display through spring. Daffodil bulbs should be planted in the fall to take advantage of the winter rest period for stronger blooms.
Zones: 3–9
Size: 20 inches tall by 10–20 inches wide
Care Requirements: Full sun, moderate water, and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
Pro Tip: Deer and rodents avoid daffodils, making them a low-maintenance, reliable addition.

5. Hardneck Garlic: Plant for a Bountiful Summer Harvest
October is prime time to plant hardneck garlic. Each clove grows into a new bulb, provided it’s given enough time in the cold ground. Hardneck garlic thrives in Zones 1–6, while softneck varieties are better for warmer areas.
Zones: Hardneck garlic, Zones 1–6
Size: 2–3 feet tall by 1 foot wide
Care Requirements: Full sun, moderate watering, and well-drained soil.
Pro Tip: Space cloves adequately to give each bulb room to expand, and add mulch for winter protection.

6. Peonies: The Perfect Perennial for October Planting
Planting peonies in October allows them to establish well before winter. Kathy Jentz advises fall planting to strengthen their root systems, increasing the chances of seeing blooms the following year.
Zones: 3–9
Size: 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun, moderate watering, and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
Pro Tip: Peonies are hardy perennials, so choosing a sunny spot with good drainage will keep them blooming for years.

7. Maple Trees: Add Shade and Colour to Your Garden
Maple trees bring vibrant colour in autumn, and October is the perfect time to plant them. Start with healthy saplings and ensure they have ample water until winter.
Zones: 3–8
Size: 40–70 feet tall by 35–50 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun, consistent watering, and well-drained soil.
Pro Tip: Use tree guards to protect saplings from winter pests like rodents.

8. Asparagus: Invest Now for a Long-Term Harvest
Although it requires patience, planting asparagus in October provides perennial produce for years to come. Once established, asparagus will thrive, yielding a reliable crop each season.
Zones: 3–8
Size: Up to 8 feet tall by 5 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun, moderate watering, and well-drained soil.
Pro Tip: Choose the site carefully since asparagus will remain in place for many years.
Conclusion
October’s cool, crisp weather is ideal for planting many hardy species, from bulbs and trees to perennials. By taking advantage of this time, you not only increase your garden’s beauty but also set it up for a head start come spring.
Autumn planting of these resilient plants allows roots to grow strong and deep before winter, providing a healthy garden for the new year.
FAQs
What are the benefits of planting in October?
October planting lets plants establish roots before winter, boosting their spring growth.
Can I plant anything in October even if I live in a colder region?
Yes, plants like garlic, daffodils, and crocus can withstand colder climates if properly mulched.
Do I need special soil for autumn planting?
Rich, well-drained soil is essential for most plants. Consider adding compost for extra nutrients.
Why is garlic planted in October?
Garlic bulbs benefit from the winter cold, leading to larger, more robust bulbs by summer.
How much watering is needed for autumn-planted crops?
Moderate watering helps establish roots, but overwatering should be avoided as plants go dormant.
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