October: Planting Garlic & Cool-Weather Greens

October: Planting Garlic & Cool-Weather Greens

Introduction

October is a transition month — the last of the warm sun, the start of cooler nights, and a perfect time to prepare your garden for fall and winter success. You’ll still harvest the last of your summer crops, but this is also the month to focus on cold-tolerant plantings, soil preparation, and overwintering strategies.

With LifeSpace Gardens powered by GardenWells sub-irrigation, you’ll keep your beds hydrated even as rainfall becomes unpredictable and your plants need steady moisture to establish before winter.

Reservoir Rhythm for October

Cooler temperatures mean slower plant growth and reduced water uptake. Refill your GardenWells reservoirs roughly every 14–18 days. Use the WaterStem to check your levels — when the Hummingbird rises, your garden’s hydrated and ready.

Pro Tip: As rainfall increases, check moisture levels before topping up to avoid oversaturation.

Reservoir vs. Top-Watering Comparison for October

Watering Method Average Refill Frequency Water Efficiency Plant Stress Risk Maintenance Level
GardenWells Wicking Bed Every 14–18 days ★★★★★ (90%+ retained) Very low — consistent moisture keeps roots active Minimal
Traditional Top Watering Every 3–4 days ★★☆☆☆ (50% retained) Moderate — drying cycles still possible between rains High
Hand-Watering Containers Daily to every other day ★☆☆☆☆ (35% retained) High — shallow soils dry quickly in wind Intensive

Key Gardening Tasks for October

1. Finish Harvesting Summer Crops

  • Gather the last tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and cucumbers before frost hits.

  • Pick green tomatoes to ripen indoors if frost threatens.

2. Plant Overwintering Crops

  • Direct-seed spinach, kale, and garlic now for early spring growth.

  • Sow hardy greens like arugula and mache to enjoy salads later into fall.

3. Prep Beds for Winter

  • Top-dress SIPs with compost to restore nutrients.

  • Mulch heavily around late-season plantings to protect roots from temperature swings.

4. Protect Tender Crops

  • Cover plants with row fabric, cloches, or tunnels when overnight lows drop below 5°C (41°F).

  • Move your CondoFarms closer to walls for extra warmth.

🌟 Veggie of the Month: Garlic

Garlic loves being planted in October so it can establish roots before the ground freezes.

Quick Garlic Tips:

  • Planting: Separate cloves and plant them pointy side up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

  • Mulch: Cover heavily with straw or leaves to protect during cold snaps.

  • Bonus Tip: Pair garlic with kale and spinach for efficient overwintering beds.

📘 Read the Full Garlic Growing Guide →

What to Plant, Start, Transplant & Harvest in October

Action Veggies & Herbs
Direct-Seed Outdoors Spinach, Arugula, Lettuce, Radishes, Kale, Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens, Turnips, Garlic
Start Indoors (optional for mild climates) Mache (corn salad), Winter Lettuce
Transplant Now Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Chives, Parsley
Harvest This Month Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Lettuce, Spinach, Carrots, Beets, Herbs

Out-of-the-Box: Start Your Garden Today

Just unboxed your LifeSpace Garden? October is a perfect reset month:

  • Plant garlic, spinach, and kale now for strong overwintering harvests.

  • Set up protective mulch and row covers to keep your SIP beds insulated.

  • Fill your GardenWells, confirm your Hummingbird is floating, and let your wicking system take over.

💡 Product Tips

October is all about preparing for the season ahead:

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