USDA Hardiness Zones 9-10 are the envy of gardeners across the country, and for good reason. These zones typically cover parts of Florida, southern Texas, Arizona, and coastal areas of California. We’re talking about a climate where winter is more of a concept than a reality. In October, while northern friends are watching leaves turn golden, you’re still dealing with average daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Nighttime temperatures usually don’t dip below 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C). That’s practically tropical!

This unique climate allows you to grow a mix of warm-season crops well into fall, while also giving you a chance to dabble in some cool-season veggies that would wilt in your summer heat. Now, you might be wondering why we chose the plants we did for our October planting list. Well, it’s all about working with your climate, not against it. We’ve selected heat-tolerant varieties of typical summer crops like tomatoes and peppers because, let’s face it, October is still pretty toasty. These plants will thrive in your warm soil and appreciate the slightly cooler nights.

But we’re not just sticking to summer crops. As the days gradually shorten and temperatures ever-so-slightly decrease, you get a unique opportunity to grow some cooler season crops that would have turned to mush in your August heat. That’s why you’ll see things like lettuce and carrots on our list. These plants appreciate the still-warm days but benefit from the incrementally cooler nights.

Many of the plants you’re sowing in October will keep producing well into winter and even early spring. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, why not squeeze in one more crop before the year’s out?” And who are we to argue with Mother Nature?

So let’s dig into 10 veggies, fruits, and herbs that’ll thrive when planted in October in your sun-soaked paradise. We’ll also cover some crucial fall garden tasks that’ll set you up for success. Remember, gardening in zones 9-10 is all about embracing your unique climate. You may miss out on the whole “autumn leaves” thing, but who needs that when you can have a second (or third, or fourth) growing season? Your October garden is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of plants – and gardeners! So make the most of your endless summer and keep that garden growing strong.

1. Tomatoes (Heat-Set Varieties)

Yes, you read that right – tomatoes in October! While the rest of the country is putting their tomato plants to bed, we’re just getting started. Choose heat-set varieties like ‘Solar Fire’ or ‘Florida 91’ that can handle our lingering heat. For cherry tomatoes, ‘Sweet 100’ is a tried-and-true winner. Plant seedlings 24-36 inches apart, providing sturdy support like cages or stakes. Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch well to retain that precious water. With a little TLC, you could be enjoying fresh tomatoes in your holiday salads!

Learn more about growing tomatoes in our Tomatoes Gardening Guide.

2. Beans (Bush and Pole Varieties)

October is prime time for a fall bean bonanza in zones 9-10. For bush beans, try ‘Contender’ or ‘Provider’ for quick results. Pole bean enthusiasts should look to ‘Kentucky Wonder’ or ‘Blue Lake’ for vigorous climbers. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing bush varieties 4-6 inches apart and pole beans 6-8 inches apart along a trellis or support. Keep the soil moist until germination, and you’ll be harvesting tender beans in about 50-60 days.

Learn more about growing beans in our Beans Gardening Guide.

3. Peppers (Sweet and Hot)

Our warm October weather is perfect for pepper planting. For sweet peppers, ‘California Wonder’ or ‘Cubanelle’ are great choices. Heat seekers can spice things up with ‘Jalapeño’ or ‘Habanero’. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart in full sun. Peppers love well-draining soil, so consider planting them in raised beds or containers if your soil tends to hold water. With our extended growing season, you might just be adding homegrown peppers to your Cinco de Mayo salsa!

Learn more about growing peppers in our Bell Peppers Gardening Guide and our Hot Peppers Gardening Guide.

4. Eggplant

While eggplant is typically a summer crop, our warm falls give us a second chance at these purple beauties. Try heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Florida Market’ or ‘Long Purple’ for best results. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart, and consider providing some afternoon shade if temperatures are still consistently above 95°F. Keep the soil evenly moist, and you’ll be enjoying homemade baba ganoush before you know it.

Learn more about growing eggplants in our Eggplant Gardening Guide.

5. Cucumbers

Crisp, refreshing cucumbers are perfect for our warm October days. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Ashley’ or ‘Armenian’ for best results. Plant seeds or seedlings 12-18 inches apart, providing a trellis for climbing varieties. Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch well to retain moisture. For an endless supply of cucumbers, try succession planting every 2-3 weeks.

Learn more about growing cucumbers in our Cucumber Gardening Guide.

6. Okra

Okra is the reigning champion of heat tolerance, making it perfect for our October gardens. This Southern favorite thrives when other veggies wilt. Try ‘Clemson Spineless’ for a classic variety or ‘Red Burgundy’ for a pop of color. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Okra grows quickly, so be prepared to harvest frequently once it starts producing.

Learn more about growing okra in our Okra Gardening Guide.

7. Sweet Potatoes

October is your last chance to get those sweet potato slips in the ground for a winter harvest. Choose varieties like ‘Beauregard’ or ‘Centennial’ for reliable producers. Plant slips 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil, and be prepared for vigorous vines – they’ll need some space to spread! Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and in about 100-120 days, you’ll be unearthing these nutrient-packed tubers.

Learn more about growing sweet potatoes in our Sweet Potatoes Gardening Guide.

8. Lettuce and Other Leafy Greens

Believe it or not, October is prime time for leafy greens in zones 9-10. The slightly cooler temperatures (and I use that term loosely) help prevent bolting. Try heat-tolerant lettuce varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Buttercrunch’. For other greens, consider ‘Tatsoi’ for a mild mustard flavor or ‘Red Russian’ kale for a nutrient powerhouse. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them in containers. Provide some afternoon shade to keep these cool-season crops happy in our warm climate.

Learn more about growing lettuce in our Lettuce Gardening Guide.

9. Carrots

October-planted carrots will reward you with sweet, crunchy roots in winter. ‘Imperator’, ‘Nantes’, ‘Danvers’, and ‘Chantenay’ are popular to grow in Florida. Sow seeds directly in the garden, planting them about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Carrots need consistent moisture to germinate, so keep the soil damp and consider covering the bed with burlap until sprouts appear. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once they’re a few inches tall.

Learn more about carrots in our Carrots Gardening Guide.

10. Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Parsley)

October is the perfect time to start a fall herb garden. Cilantro, dill, and parsley all prefer cooler temperatures and will thrive as our nights start to cool off (slightly). Sow seeds directly in the garden or in containers, keeping the soil consistently moist until germination. For cilantro, try the slow-bolting ‘Santo’ variety. ‘Bouquet’ dill offers both flavorful leaves and seeds. And for parsley, ‘Giant of Italy’ is a robust flat-leaf variety perfect for our climate.

Bonus: Strawberries

While not typically thought of as a fall crop, October is an ideal time to plant strawberries in zones 9-10. Plant bare-root crowns or seedlings, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Choose ever-bearing varieties like ‘Quinault’ or ‘Seascape’ for a longer harvest season. Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch well to protect the shallow roots. By spring, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with your homegrown strawberries!

Learn more about growing strawberries in our Strawberries Growing Guide.

Planting Fruit Trees / Plants in October in Zones 9-10

• Citrus trees like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits thrive in these warm zones and establish well when planted in fall.
• Avocado trees, both Mexican and Guatemalan varieties, benefit from fall planting in zones 9-10.
• Guava trees, including both tropical and pineapple guava, do well when planted in the fall in these zones.
• Loquat trees, with their attractive foliage and sweet fruits, establish nicely when planted in October.
• Persimmon trees, especially Asian varieties, can be planted in fall for a strong start.
• Fig trees adapt well to zones 9-10 and can be planted in October for best results.
• Pomegranate trees benefit from fall planting in these warm zones.
• Low-chill stone fruit varieties (peaches, plums, nectarines) that are adapted to mild winters can be successfully planted.

October Garden Chores for Zones 9-10

1. As temperatures hopefully start to cool, adjust irrigation by reducing watering frequency but increasing duration to encourage deeper root growth.
2. Apply a fresh layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
3. While frost is rare, have frost cloth or old bedsheets ready to protect sensitive plants and fruit trees just in case.
4. Clean up fallen fruit and leaves to prevent pest and disease issues.
5. Fall is a great time to start a compost pile with all those garden trimmings.
6. In any bare spots, sow cover crops like clover or vetch to improve soil health.
7. Give your perennial herbs a light trim to encourage bushier growth.
8. Give your citrus trees a fall feeding to support fruit development.
9. Keep an eye out for pests and treat as necessary.
10. Start planning and planting your winter vegetable garden.

So there you have it, my fellow eternal summer gardeners! October in zones 9-10 isn’t about winding down, it’s about gearing up for another round of garden goodness. While northern friends are breaking out the rakes, you’re breaking out the seedlings. So what if we can’t enjoy the crunch of fallen leaves under our feet? Enjoy the crunch of a fresh carrot instead!

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What are you planning to plant this October? Any tried-and-true varieties that thrive in October? Or maybe you have a secret trick for keeping lettuce from bolting when it’s still 90°F out? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep this gardening party going. After all, in zones 9-10, the growing season never really ends – it just takes a brief siesta now and then.