What to plant in October in District of Columbia
In District of Columbia (DC), October sits about 1 week before the average first fall frost (October 25). The state averages 198 frost-free days a year (last frost April 10, first frost October 25; USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month: shallot.
Dates here come from District of Columbia frost dates (last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia: planting activity through the year
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from District of Columbia'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shallot | Plant in fall (after first frost) | Oct 29 – Nov 15 | Opens Oct 29 |
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 District of Columbia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for District of Columbia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in October in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia
- The average first frost is October 25, about 1 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: shallot. 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 District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a. 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 District of Columbia in October?
1 crops have a window in October: shallot. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in District of Columbia in October?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In District of Columbia the next garlic window opens around November 5: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in District of Columbia in October?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in District of Columbia have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 13.
When is the first frost in District of Columbia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia’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.