While some might consider October to be the end of the gardening season, veteran gardeners know that this month signals the start of some of the best harvests of the year. These 17 cold-weather crops not only endure the frost, but thrive in it – developing sweeter tastes and more robust textures than summer crops.
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In the span of 25-30 days, Arugula (for example) goes from a peppery taste to a nice mild flavored leaf. During cool weather, you can plant arugula every two weeks until October to get multiple harvests. The leaves remain tender after light frost, so you can have fresh salads well into December in most areas.
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If you plant spinach (40-50 days) now, it will overwinter in zones 7-9 and you will get huge spring harvests. Select bolt-resistant varieties such as 'Space' or 'Olympia' which are less likely to go to seed during temperature changes.
Lettuce (30-60 days) grows best in the cooler temperatures of October. For harvests use loose-leaf varieties, and consider planting butterhead varieties that get better after light frosts.
Root Vegetables Get Sweeter With Cold
Carrots (70-80 days) will develop an amazing sweetness when grown during cold weather conditions. When cold weather occurs, the carrot plants transform their starches into sugars, making the carrots taste as sweet as candy. You should plant the Detroit Dark Red or Paris Market varieties now for harvests in February.
Radishes (25-35 days) can be grown for several plantings in October. You can try watermelon radishes which have beautiful pink centers or grow daikon varieties which will keep well through the winter.
In the 45 to 60 day range, Turnips give you both sweet roots and nutritious greens. The Purple Top variety will give you tender leaves in 30 days along with full roots by December. With this variety, you get two veggies from one planting.
Brassicas that do well in frost
Kale (55-75 days) becomes exceptionally sweet after exposure to frost. The Lacinato and Red Russian types of kale can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F, meaning that you can have fresh greens all winter long. Harvest the outer leaves continuously and the center will keep producing.
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Did you know that Brussels Sprouts (90-110 days) need cold weather to gain the proper flavor? If you October plant in zones 7-9, you will get perfect sprouts from December to March, which is peak pricing at the grocery store!
Avoid the summer heat stress and bitter flavors by transplanting set out in October. For example, 'Arcadia' has temperature swing tolerance and will produce multiple side shoots after the main head.
Cabbage (70–90 days) grows best in cooler temperatures and produces dense, sweet heads. The red varieties are especially good at storing, providing fresh slaw ingredients from the garden all winter.
Cold-Hardy Cooking Essentials
Swiss Chard (50-60 days) will keep producing stems and leaves even after it snows. The bright colors of the garden will actually get more vibrant in the cold. This plant will provide nutrition and beauty to your garden for even longer.
Zones 7-9 grow Collard Greens (60-85 days) which also keep producing leaves all winter long. they will survive winter in zone 6 with a little protection. After frost, the flavor characteristics of these nutritional powerhouse veggies improves dramatically.
Bok choy, mizuna, and tatsoi are examples of Asian Greens that do well in this time frame. These are fast growing vegetables and specialty stores charge a lot for them because of the unique flavors and textures they bring.
Herbs That Strengthen in Cold
Cilantro grows well in the fall, and ready to harvest in 40 to 50 days. If planted in October, you will have plenty of fresh cilantro to cook with all winter. It is great for holiday recipes as well as for Mexican food throughout the winter.
Planting parsley (70-90 days) at this time allows for the establishment of strong root systems that will survive the winter and show explosive growth in the early spring. Both curled and flat-leaf varieties handle frost beautifully.
Season Extension Champions
If you sow peas in October, they will develop solid root systems from winter and will be able to help you get some of the earliest spring harvests before the heat comes. Sugar snap varieties are great as you will get both pods and peas, thus maximizing the value of your garden space.
Fava Beans (80-90 days) improve soil for next seasons crops by fixing nitrogen while growing. These protein-rich legumes can withstand very cold temperatures and produce a harvest at the most expensive times of the year for fresh vegetables.
Strategies to Succeed with October Planting
Seedlings should be watered consistently with consideration of overwatering; growth will halt with cooler weather. To help with harvests and protect tender growth, add row covers when the temp drops below 35°F. Overwhelming gluts can be avoided by planning secession plantings, continuous harvests will be established by planting every 2-3 weeks.
With the right varieties and adequate protection from severe weather, winter gardening can be successful. With these 17 champions in your garden, you will enjoy winter vegetables that will save you hundreds on grocery bills.
