October · Mid-autumn

What to sow in October in Philadelphia

18 crops are in their window this month in Philadelphia — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 12 Apr
First frost≈ 11 Nov
Frost-free days41 days
October averages53°–69°F

Vegetables

15 in season
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Closes 22 Oct
Bok Choy
Direct sow · fall crops resist bolting better than spring ones
Closes 7 Oct
Broad Beans
Direct sow · pinch growing tips once pods set to deter aphids
Closes 21 Oct
Choy Sum
Direct sow · cut flowering stems young for the most tender bite
Closes 7 Oct
Garlic
Plant cloves · plant pointy-side up for straight, strong shoots
Closes 28 Oct

Herbs

3 in season
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Closes 7 Oct
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Closes 12 Oct
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
Closes 2 Oct

Fruit · nothing to sow this month