Welcome to October in zones 7-8, where the gardening season isn’t winding down – it’s revving up for round two! The scorching summer heat has finally backed off, leaving you with warm soil and crisp air – perfect conditions for a whole new cast of cool-season characters to take center stage. Gone are the days of wilting lettuce and bolting spinach. Now, these leafy greens are ready to shine, along with a host of other fall-loving crops.

But here’s the kicker – fall gardening in zones 7-8 isn’t just about planting a few hardy veggies and calling it a day. Oh no, it’s a whole different ballgame. We’re talking fewer pests, less watering, and temperatures that don’t make you feel like you’re gardening in a sauna. Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about harvesting fresh veggies while the rest of the country is deep into pumpkin everything.

So, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb looking to maximize your growing season or a gardening newbie ready to dive into the world of fall planting, you’re in the right place. We’re about to explore 10 veggies and fruits that’ll thrive when planted in October in your mild climate zones. We’ll also cover some crucial fall garden tasks that’ll set you up for success.

Grab your favorite flannel shirt (because it may finally be cool enough to wear one), and let’s dig into the wonderful world of October gardening in zones 7-8. Your future self will thank you when you’re enjoying homegrown produce long after the last leaves have fallen!

1. Garlic

October is the ideal month for planting garlic in zones 7-8. The cooling soil temperatures trigger robust root growth, setting the stage for vigorous plants come spring. Choose softneck varieties like ‘California Early’ for milder winters, or hardneck types like ‘Georgian Crystal’ for areas expecting harder freezes. Plant cloves 4 inches deep and 6 inches apart, and mulch heavily to protect them through winter.

Learn more about growing garlic in our Garlic Gardening Guide.

2. Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula)

October’s cooler temperatures are perfect for leafy greens, which tend to bolt in summer heat. For lettuce, try the cold-hardy ‘Winter Density’ romaine. Spinach lovers should opt for the slow-bolting ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’. Spice things up with ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ arugula, which offers a peppery kick to winter salads. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart, then thin as they grow.

Learn more about growing these greens in our Lettuce Gardening Guide and Spinach Gardening Guide

3. Carrots

October-planted carrots develop an intensely sweet flavor as they mature in cool soil. The ‘Napoli’ variety is particularly well-suited for fall planting, offering good cold tolerance and faster maturation. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows 12 inches apart, and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Learn more about carrots in our Carrots Gardening Guide.

Watermelon radish

4. Radishes

For a quick crop before winter sets in, radishes are your go-to. The ‘Cherry Belle’ variety matures in just 22 days, perfect for October planting. For something different, try the ‘Watermelon’ radish, which develops its striking pink interior as temperatures cool. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart, thinning to 2 inches as they grow.

Learn more about radishes in our Radishes Gardening Guide.

5. Beets

These earthy gems are perfect for fall planting. In zones 7-8, you can sow beets until about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. That means October is still prime beet-planting time! October-planted beets offer both nutritious roots and tasty greens. The ‘Bull’s Blood’ variety is not only cold-hardy but also provides stunning deep red foliage for fall color in your veggie patch. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart, thinning to 3-4 inches. The thinnings make excellent additions to salads!

Learn more about beets in our Beets Gardening Guide.

6. Broccoli

For fall-planted broccoli, speed is key. The ‘Happy Rich’ variety, a quick-growing broccoli raab, is perfect for October sowing. It produces abundant side shoots even after the main head is harvested. Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart, and keep an eye out for those delicious secondary sprouts.

Learn more about growing broccoli in our Broccoli Gardening Guide.

7. Peas

October is your last chance for a fall pea crop in zones 7-8. Opt for the super snow-resistant ‘Wando’ variety, which can withstand light frosts and even some snow. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Provide a trellis or support for these climbers to reach their full potential.

Learn more about growing peas in our Peas Gardening Guide.

8. Onions

October is ideal for planting onion sets for a spring harvest. The ‘Walla Walla Sweet’ variety, when planted in fall, produces large, juicy onions by early summer. Plant sets 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. For green onions, try the hardy ‘White Lisbon’ variety, planting them closer together for a continual harvest.

Learn more about growing onions in our Onions Gardening Guide.

9. Strawberries

Yes, you read that right – strawberries! October is an ideal time to plant strawberry crowns in zones 7-8. They’ll establish strong roots over fall and winter, setting you up for a bountiful spring harvest. Plant crowns so the crown is just at soil level, spaced about 12 inches apart. Try ever-bearing varieties like ‘Ozark Beauty’ or ‘Quinault’ for a longer harvest season.

Learn more about growing strawberries in our Strawberries Gardening Guide.

10. Fava Beans

Also known as broad beans, these cool-season legumes are perfect for October planting in zones 7-8. They’ll establish before winter, go dormant during the coldest months, then resume growth in early spring. Plant seeds about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Choose varieties like ‘Windsor’ or ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ for best results in our climate.

Learn more about growing beans in our Beans Gardening Guide.

Planting Fruit Trees in October

October is an ideal time to plant fruit trees in zones 7-8. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, while the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the new trees. This gives them time to establish before winter dormancy and sets them up for strong growth in spring. Here are some fruit trees well-suited for fall planting in these zones:

• Apples: Choose varieties like ‘Fuji’, ‘Gala’, or ‘Honeycrisp’ for sweet eating apples, or ‘Granny Smith’ for a tart option.
• Pears: Try ‘Bartlett’ for a classic pear flavor, or ‘Asian Pear’ for something different.
• Figs: The ‘Brown Turkey’ or ‘Chicago Hardy’ varieties do well in these zones.
• Persimmons: Both American and Asian varieties thrive, with ‘Fuyu’ being a popular choice.
• Peaches: ‘Belle of Georgia’ or ‘Elberta’ are excellent options for zones 7-8.
• Plums: The ‘Santa Rosa’ or ‘Methley’ varieties are well-adapted to these zones.

When planting, ensure the hole is wide enough for the roots to spread and only as deep as the root ball. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots.

October Garden Chores for Zones 7-8

1. Harvest and cure winter squash and pumpkins for long-term storage.
2. Plant garlic and shallots for next year’s harvest.
3. Sow cover crops like winter rye or hairy vetch in empty beds to improve soil health.
4. Collect seeds from open-pollinated vegetables for next year’s garden.
5. Clean up fallen fruit and vegetable debris to prevent pest and disease overwintering.
6. Protect frost-sensitive herbs like basil and cilantro with row covers on cold nights.
7. Divide and replant perennial herbs like chives and oregano.
8. Start cool-season vegetables like lettuce and spinach under cloches or cold frames.
9. Prune summer-bearing raspberry canes and tie up fall-bearing varieties.
10. Apply compost or aged manure to vegetable beds to enrich the soil for spring planting.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those seeds and get planting! October in zones 7-8 is like gardening’s last hurrah before winter, so make the most of it. And hey, I’d love to hear about your October gardening adventures. What are you planning to plant this fall? Any favorite cool-weather crops I missed? Drop a comment below and let me know. Let’s keep this garden party going!