What to Plant in Phoenix in October
October is one of the two most important planting months in the Phoenix calendar. As temperatures finally drop below 95°F, a huge range of cool-season vegetables become plantable. By November you'll be harvesting salad greens. By December you'll have more vegetables than you know what to do with.
What to Direct Sow in October in Phoenix
These crops go directly in the ground from seed. No transplants needed.
- Lettuce (all types) — Direct sow October 1–15. Germinate in 7–10 days. Begin cut-and-come-again harvest in 4–5 weeks.
- Kale — Direct sow October 1–15. Very cold-tolerant, produces all winter.
- Arugula — Direct sow October 1. Fast-growing, harvest in 3–4 weeks. Spicy flavor gets more intense in cold weather.
- Spinach — Direct sow October 1–15. Needs our coolest temperatures; best in November–January.
- Swiss chard — Direct sow October 1–15 or transplant.
- Carrots — Direct sow October 1–15. Thin to 2 inches apart once sprouted. Harvest January–February.
- Radishes — Direct sow October 1. Ready in 3–4 weeks — fastest crop in the fall garden.
- Beets — Direct sow October 1–15. Both roots and greens are edible.
- Snap peas & snow peas — Direct sow October 15–31. Need a trellis. Harvest January–February.
- Cilantro — Direct sow October 1. Self-seeds prolifically — plant once and it returns for years.
- Dill — Direct sow October 1.
What to Transplant in October in Phoenix
These crops are best started as transplants. Start seeds indoors in September, or buy transplants from a nursery in October.
- Broccoli — Transplant October 15–31. Harvest December–January. Needs daytime temps under 75°F to form heads.
- Cauliflower — Same timing as broccoli. More finicky — needs consistent cool temperatures.
- Cabbage — Transplant in October. Harvest January–February.
- Onions (from transplants) — Transplant October through November.
What to Start in September for October Transplanting
If you want to grow broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage from seed (cheaper than buying transplants), start them indoors in September.
- Start broccoli/cauliflower seeds indoors: September 1–15
- Transplant outdoors once they have 4–6 true leaves: October 15–31
October Week-by-Week Planting Calendar
| Week | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Oct 1–7 | Direct sow lettuce, kale, arugula, spinach, chard, carrots, radishes, beets, cilantro, dill |
| Oct 8–14 | Continue sowing greens. Plant garlic cloves (point up, 4–6 inches deep). |
| Oct 15–21 | Direct sow snap peas and snow peas. Transplant broccoli and cauliflower seedlings. |
| Oct 22–31 | Last chance for direct-sow peas. Transplant remaining brassicas. Plant onion sets or transplants. |
Watering Your Phoenix Fall Garden
Fall garden watering is much more forgiving than summer. In October, you'll water 2–3 times per week at most. As temperatures drop further in November–January, once or twice a week is often enough for most crops.
Continue using drip irrigation if you have it set up — just adjust the timer frequency downward. Fall gardens are at far less risk of overwatering stress than summer gardens, but consistent moisture is still important for germination and root development.
Common Mistakes in the Phoenix Fall Garden
- Planting too early (before Oct 1): September is still too hot for most cool-season crops to germinate well. Wait for October.
- Not thinning seedlings: Carrots especially need aggressive thinning to 2 inches apart or the roots won't size up properly.
- Overwatering in cool weather: Fall plants need far less water than summer crops. Adjust your drip timer in October.
- Skipping mulch: A light layer of mulch helps moderate soil temperature during occasional cold nights in December and January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables can I plant in October in Phoenix?
In October you can direct sow lettuce, kale, arugula, spinach, Swiss chard, carrots, radishes, beets, cilantro, dill, and snap peas. You can also transplant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and onions. October is the second-most important planting month in Phoenix.
Is it too late to plant anything in October in Phoenix?
Not at all — October is the best fall planting month. Temperatures finally drop below 95°F, opening the entire cool-season vegetable window. By November you'll be harvesting salad greens; by December you'll have a full fall garden producing.
Do I need to worry about frost when planting in October in Phoenix?
No. Frost risk in Phoenix doesn't occur until December or January. October planting is completely frost-safe. The concern is actually the opposite — wait until at least October 1 to ensure temperatures are cool enough for good germination.
Should I plant tomatoes in October in Phoenix?
No. Tomatoes are a spring crop in Phoenix, planted January–February. October is the start of the cool season — perfect for leafy greens, root vegetables, brassicas, and peas, but not warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers.
Get the Complete Phoenix Planting Calendar
The Phoenix Planting Calendar PDF covers every month, every crop, with specific dates for the greater Phoenix area and East Valley.
Download the Planting Calendar — $7 →Also covers: January spring planting, February cucumbers & squash, and the full fall season harvest timeline.