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Food Gardening Magazine • October 2026

October in the garden always feels a little bittersweet. The mornings are crisp, the days are noticeably shorter, and colorful leaves are beginning to collect around the garden beds. Here in New England, I know that frost could arrive at any time, so every warm afternoon feels like a little gift. Peppers are making one last heroic effort, hardy greens seem perfectly happy with the cooler weather, and root vegetables are still tucked safely beneath the soil. I find myself lingering a little longer on my garden rounds, knowing there won’t be too many more mornings like these before the season comes to an end.  READ MORE right arrow
Christy Page

Fresh Takes

  Inside every seed is a promise: another plant, another harvest, and another chance to grow something wonderful. When you save seed from your own garden, that promise becomes personal. The tomato seed in your hand did not come from just any tomato. It came from the vigorous plant beside your back fence—the one that…  READ MORE right arrow
What to Plant in October Zone 4-6
Oh, October in zones 4-6 - when the leaves are putting on their autumn best, and most gardeners are hanging up their trowels for the season. But not us, right? We're the diehards, the ones who see the first frost as a challenge, not a finish line. Sure, our neighbors might think we're a bit…  READ MORE right arrow
What to Plant in October in Zone 7-8
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…  READ MORE right arrow
What to Plant in October in Zone 9-10
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…  READ MORE right arrow
Pumpkins
You’ve grown pumpkins. You started them as seeds, watched them sprout, watched the vines spread and flower. And now you have pumpkins ready for harvest. Just one problem. You have a LOT of pumpkins and you’re probably wondering what to do with pumpkins so you can get the most enjoyment possible from them.  READ MORE right arrow
Cranberries
Cranberries aren't just a Thanksgiving and holiday thing. If you like cranberries, you can learn how to use them all year long—to fill your life with the joy of this bright, deep-red berry. And it doesn't always have to be about cooking them! First, you should know that cranberries are great candidates for freezing. Because…  READ MORE right arrow
Tomato Salsa
Do you love salsa? If so, you're definitely not alone. This delicious Mexican dish is enjoyed by millions of people all around the world. And if you're looking to make the best salsa possible, it's important to use the right ingredients. In this article, we will discuss the best types of tomatoes for salsa and…  READ MORE right arrow
Onion
One summer I lost half my onion harvest to black mold because I rushed the curing process. After many years of growing alliums, I should have known better – but that's how gardening goes sometimes. We learn from our mistakes, and now I have a foolproof system that keeps my onions fresh and safe for…  READ MORE right arrow
Beets
Beets are the best! Most vegetables are easy to love, but beets have a lot going for them. They're an easy-to-grow, fast-developing crop that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family alongside Swiss chard. Even better, not only is the root edible, but so, too, are its leaves—providing you with a host of flavors to choose from! And…  READ MORE right arrow

Featured Kit

Featured Videos

A few years ago, I was in line at the farmer’s market talking to a farmer about how great he must be feeling because it’s the “end of the season.” (Did I mention that I stink at small talk?) My new farmer friend gently schooled me explaining there really is no “end of season” for a farmer, no matter what time of year it is. As we finished up and I removed my foot from my mouth, he told me there was plenty I could do in my vegetable garden to get a jumpstart on my spring crops.  READ MORE right arrow
Pickling is so much fun, but there's a lot of confusion around it, so many people are a little afraid to do it! I totally get that too, because fermented pickles are a science show all on their own. But that's not the only way you can pickle, and in fact, there are many ways to do it.  READ MORE right arrow
When you come up with a plan for your garden, do you usually have a cuisine in mind? I know that when I plant, I always want to have tomatoes and basil on hand for Caprese salads, pesto, and tomato sauce. Though in reality, because my garden is always so full of fresh juicy vegetables, they sometimes go to waste because I haven't gotten to them in time. I'm sure you know what I mean, frustrating, right?  READ MORE right arrow
Pumpkins are for more than just carving and pies, you can make a number of dishes with them. And if you’re growing and tending to the little wildlings that are sugar pumpkins, then you deserve a bigger menu to choose from! That’s where this pumpkin grilled cheese comes in. Sugar pumpkins are your most traditional pumpkins for cooking, but you can also use Butternut Squash (aka Butternut Pumpkin) and Dumpling Squash (aka Dumpling Pumpkin) which are both sweet.  READ MORE right arrow

Featured Recipes

Vegetarian Meatloaf
There's something timeless about a classic meatloaf—it’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for gathering around the dinner table. But if you're looking to go meatless without sacrificing flavor or texture, this Vegetarian Meatloaf is your new go-to dish. It's packed with protein-rich lentils, savory oats, and a medley of herbs and spices, all held together with…  READ MORE right arrow
Dump 'n' Go Italian Meatloaf
I am not usually a fan of meatloaf, but this Easy Italian Meatloaf recipe changed my mind. It is packed with flavor, has a nice Italian twist to it, and the fact that it's so easy to make is just an added bonus. I'm all about convenience, especially when it comes to cooking! This Italian…  READ MORE right arrow
Sweet ginger meatloaf
When my daughters were young, I had no problem trying to pull a fast one over on them by creating new dishes that looked just like their classic favorites — and let me tell you, meatloaf was definitely a favorite. When I think of ginger, my brain goes anywhere from Pickled Ginger next to my…  READ MORE right arrow
Secret Ingredient Meatloaf
There's something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade meatloaf, especially one with a secret ingredient that elevates it beyond the ordinary. This particular rendition stands out in the crowded field of meatloaf recipes by swapping traditional breadcrumbs for crackers – a subtle but significant twist that transforms this humble dish into something special. The…  READ MORE right arrow
Daniel's Meatloaf
There's something wonderfully humbling about discovering that one of the world's most celebrated chefs—a master of French gastronomy who commands kitchens producing some of the most exquisite dishes on the planet—has a soft spot for meatloaf. Not just any meatloaf, but a simple, comforting version that became the centerpiece of family meals for his restaurant…  READ MORE right arrow

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