October · Mid-autumn
What to sow in October in Portland
11 crops are in their window this month in Portland — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 23 Mar
First frost≈ 28 Oct
Frost-free days27 days
October averages49°–64°F
Vegetables
7 in season
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Garlic
Plant cloves · plant pointy-side up for straight, strong shoots
Mizuna
Direct sow · cut outer leaves young for a mild, peppery bite
Mustard Greens
Direct sow · pick young leaves often for the mildest flavor
Radishes
Direct sow · harvest promptly once mature or roots go pithy
Herbs · nothing to sow this month
Fruit
4 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Raspberries
Plant canes · ever-bearing types fruit the first autumn