October · Mid-autumn

What to sow in October in Boston

14 crops are in their window this month in Boston — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 18 Apr
First frost≈ 31 Oct
Frost-free days30 days
October averages50°–64°F

Vegetables

9 in season
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Closes 11 Oct
Garlic
Plant cloves · plant pointy-side up for straight, strong shoots
Closes 17 Oct
Mizuna
Direct sow · cut outer leaves young for a mild, peppery bite
Closes 6 Oct
Mustard Greens
Direct sow · pick young leaves often for the mildest flavor
Closes 6 Oct
Radishes
Direct sow · harvest promptly once mature or roots go pithy
Closes 17 Oct

Herbs

1 in season
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Closes 1 Oct

Fruit

4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Opens 31 Oct
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Opens 31 Oct
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Opens 31 Oct
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn
Opens 31 Oct