What to plant in October in Alaska
In Alaska (AK), October sits about 31 weeks before the average last frost (May 17). The state averages 119 frost-free days a year (last frost May 17, first frost September 13; USDA zones 1a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: shallot, garlic - and 2 of those windows close during October.
Dates here come from Alaska frost dates (last frost May 17, first frost Sep 13). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in Alaska.
Alaska covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Alaska: planting activity through the year
Last chance in October
Shallot (plant in fall (after first frost), by Oct 4) · Garlic (plant in fall (after first frost), by Oct 11)
For fall and winter harvests (2)
Sowings counted back from Alaska's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
Harvesting in October
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Alaska
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Alaska: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in October in Alaska
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
A planning month: October garden jobs in Alaska
- Order seed while stock is good. Alaska's average last frost is May 17, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 22 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - October is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Alaska
Alaska spans USDA zones 1a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Alaska in October?
2 crops have a window in October: shallot, garlic. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Alaska in October?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Sep 24 – Oct 11 in Alaska, so do it before October 11.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Alaska in October?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Alaska have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 22.
When is the first frost in Alaska?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 13 and the last spring frost around May 17. Alaska covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Alaska in October?
From plantings made on time: radicchio, turnip, celery, chervil, luffa (loofah gourd), peanut, borage, parsley, sweet potato, green onion / scallion.
What to plant in October in other states
Dates are computed from Alaska’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.