What to plant in October in Arizona
In Arizona (AZ), October sits about 4 weeks before the average first fall frost (November 15). The state averages 245 frost-free days a year (last frost March 15, first frost November 15; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b).
8 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including chervil, mustard greens, spinach, tatsoi, turnip, arugula - and 7 of those windows close during October.
Dates here come from Arizona frost dates (last frost Mar 15, first frost Nov 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant spinach, arugula or radish in Arizona.
Arizona 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.
Arizona: planting activity through the year
Last chance in October
Chervil (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Mustard Greens (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Spinach (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Tatsoi (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Turnip (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Arugula (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 11) · Watercress (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 11)
For fall and winter harvests (8)
Sowings counted back from Arizona's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chervil | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Mustard Greens | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Spinach | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Tatsoi | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Turnip | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Arugula | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 24 – Oct 11 | Last chance - ends Oct 11 |
| Watercress | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 24 – Oct 11 | Last chance - ends Oct 11 |
| Radish | Sow for a fall crop | Oct 1 – Oct 18 | Oct 1 – Oct 18 |
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 Arizona
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Arizona: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in October in Arizona
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.
Fall garden season: October garden jobs in Arizona
- The average first frost is November 15, about 4 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: chervil, mustard greens, spinach, tatsoi, turnip, arugula. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
USDA zone chart for Arizona
Arizona spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b. 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 Arizona in October?
8 crops have a window in October: chervil, mustard greens, spinach, tatsoi, turnip, arugula, watercress, radish. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Arizona in October?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Arizona the next garlic window opens around November 26: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Arizona in October?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Arizona have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about January 18.
When is the first frost in Arizona?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 15 and the last spring frost around March 15. Arizona 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 Arizona in October?
From plantings made on time: zucchini / summer squash, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bush bean, kale, lettuce, brussels sprouts, bok choy / pak choi.
What to plant in October in other states
Dates are computed from Arizona’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.