October yard work and other gardening jobs are important for preparing plants for winter. Knowing what to do in the garden in October will help ensure a great spring the following year. While some plants will be coming to the end of their lives, others may go dormant and return next year, and some may thrive right through winter.
All of these plants need proper care this time of year. Although the summer gardening season is winding down, there are plenty of fall gardening tasks on your October to-do list.
Key Gardening Jobs for October
Where you live will determine the specific tasks on your October gardening to-do list. Some jobs are important in most regions. For instance, fall is the right time to trim back and tidy up many of your ornamentals and perennials. If you collect seeds, this is the time to do it.
Garden jobs in October also usually include a lot of harvesting if you grow vegetables or fruits. Other typical tasks include laying down mulch to protect roots from the cold, removing bulbs for winter storage, and fall lawn care. Tasks vary by region, so find your October checklist for ideas about what you should be doing now where you live.
Looking for a final splash of brightness to close out the growing season? Add fall color to your garden with these plants from the Gardening Know How Shop.
Northwest
- Plant spring flowering bulbs
- Plant winter vegetables
- Harvest cool season vegetables, like greens
- Mulch and protect plants from frost as needed
- Collect and compost yard waste
- Pull out spent plants
- Prune back perennials
- Plant cover crops
- Divide perennials that need it
- Fertilize the lawn
West
- Fertilize turf lawns
- Divide perennials as needed
- Plant spring flowering bulbs
- Plant cool season annuals
- Plant cool season vegetables
- Clean up and compost yard waste
- Mulch plants
- Clean up perennial beds
- Remove any spent plants
Northern Rockies and Plains
- Remove spent vegetable plants and annuals
- Fertilize the lawn
- Plant cool season annuals
- Cut back perennials
- Clean up and compost yard waste
- Remove bulbs for winter storage
- Harvest fall crops
- Divide plants as needed
Upper Midwest
- Plant spring flowering bulbs
- Divide perennials as needed
- Harvest last cool weather vegetables
- Fertilize lawn
- Cut back perennials and add to compost
- Pull out spent annuals
- Dig up and store tender bulbs
Southwest
- Plant roses and fruit trees
- Seed or overseed lawns
- Harvest last warm weather vegetables
- Plant cold weather and winter vegetables
- Protect plants from frost
- Decrease watering
- Weed beds
South Central States
- Fertilize lawn, trees, and shrubs
- Reduce watering
- Plant new trees and shrubs
- Plant new perennials
- Mulch perennials
- Store bulbs for winter
- Harvest warm season vegetables
- Plant cool season vegetables
Southeast
- Continue watering garden
- Plant new perennials
- Plant trees or shrubs
- Harvest warm season vegetables
- Plant cool season vegetables
- Plant cover crops
- Protect plants from frost
Central Ohio Valley
- Divide perennials if needed
- Plant spring flowering bulbs
- Add mulch
- Protect plants from frost
- Harvest cool weather vegetables
- Fertilize lawn
- Plant cool weather annuals
- Plant winter vegetables
Northeast
- Harvest last cool season vegetables
- Protect plants with mulch and covers
- Clean up yard waste and compost
- Fertilize lawns
- Plant spring flowering bulbs
- Bring tender bulbs in for winter
- Pull out spent annuals
- Trim back perennials
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vegetables are Good to Grow in October?
If you live somewhere warm enough to grow winter vegetables, try planting cool season plants like beets, carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts, and greens.
What is the Best Fertilizer for Fall Gardens?
Fertilizing in the fall helps plants grow strong roots and survive the winter. Look for products with more phosphorus, like 0-20-0, to stimulate root growth.
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