October · Mid-autumn

What to sow in October in Nashville

7 crops are in their window this month in Nashville — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 22 Apr
First frost≈ 18 Oct
Frost-free days17 days
October averages48°–73°F

Vegetables

3 in season
Garlic
Plant cloves · plant pointy-side up for straight, strong shoots
Closes 4 Oct
Rhubarb
Plant crowns · stop picking by midsummer to let the plant recover
Opens 18 Oct
Shallots
Plant sets · plant sets pointy-end up, just under the soil
Closes 4 Oct

Herbs · nothing to sow this month

Fruit

4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Opens 18 Oct
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Opens 18 Oct
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Opens 18 Oct
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn
Opens 18 Oct