The best things to plant in georgia in october
Gardening in Georgia doesn’t stop at the end of summer as in other locations. Fall offers the perfect time to plant specific things because there are fewer insects and diseases to disrupt the growth process during this time. You can choose from , flowers, shrubs, and others that are the best things to plant in Georgia in October.
Soil temperatures are better during fall in Georgia, leading to new plants receiving weeks of root growth to prepare for winter. The plants will get established quickly, allowing them to grow heartily and thrive in your garden.
Georgia is in the USDA Hardiness Zones six, seven, and eight, so you’ll want to make sure any plants you choose will thrive in these areas. You can view and the website to learn more about plants that will thrive in Georgia.
1. Lettuce is one of the Best Things to Plant in Georgia in October
You can plant seeds directly into your garden in September, but if you wait until October, you’ll want to find transplants. Ideally, you’ll get lettuce transplants in the soil by October 15th, and they’ll be ready to harvest in 60-70 days.
©Firn/iStock via Getty Images
2. Onion
You can plant seeds or transplants between October 10th and November 10th. Transplants should go in during late summer, but seeds can go in later. They’ll take around 100-120 days to be ready for harvest.
©nnattalli/Shutterstock.com
3. Green Onion
A plant can be put into the ground anytime from September 1st to December 31st. It takes 60-90 days to mature and be ready for harvest. You’ll want to plan them in full sun with well-draining soil.
©iStock.com/Elmar Gubisch
4. Radishes
Planting involves placing seeds in your soil between September 1st and October 15. They only take 25-30 days until harvest, so it’s fast when compared to other plants.
Radishes grow best in full sun or partial share with well-drained soil. It’s also important to note that radish plants can spread up to eight inches, so you’ll want to consider this when planting them.
©iStock.com/Nastco
5. Pansies
Planting during October leads to blooms through the winter. They can survive single-digit temperatures and bounce back when the weather warms up again.
Depending on the , you can plant pansies from September 15th – November 1st. The further north you are in Georgia, the sooner you should plant them. Pansies prefer well-drained soil and should be watered immediately after transplant to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
©iStock.com/AnjoKanFotografie
6. Fescue Grass is one of the Best Things to Plant in Georgia in October
The best time of year to aerate and overseed your lawn is September and October. Fescue is a type of grass that grows best in fall and winter, so planting before the end of October is essential. Planting the seeds too soon could lead to heat stress or disease while doing it when it’s too cold won’t give the root system time to develop before the heat of summer.
©iStock.com/dbvirago
7. Violas are one of the Best Things to Plant in Georgia in October
Violas can’t survive the heat of Georgia summers, but they thrive in the fall. In Northern Georgia, you can plant violas around October 1st, while you’ll have more success around the 15th if you’re a little farther south in the middle of the state. In southern Georgia, you can plant them as late as November 1st.
You’ll want to plant transplants in the ground rather than seeds because only mature plants survive freezing weather. Start your seeds indoors around eight to 12 weeks before you want to put them outside.
They can be planted in partial shade or full sun during the cooler months, whereas they’ll only stand a chance in the summer if they are in the shade. You’ll want to put them in nutrient-rich, moist soil and make sure it’s fertilized and well-drained.
©eamesBot/Shutterstock.com
8. Spring bulbs
include things like Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. While you won’t enjoy their blooms in the fall this year, you can plant them during mid-October to help them establish their roots and thrive in the spring. You can still do it in November if you miss it in October.
©Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com
9. Dusty Miller
The dusty miller plant can survive droughts and frost, making it perfect for planting in fall. It produces a silvery lacy foliage, adding an interesting sight to your garden. This plant also blooms with cream or yellow flowers.
You’ll need to plant a transplant rather than a seed outside, so start your seeds inside with time for them to grow before moving them. Aim to get it in the ground before October 15th for the best results.
Dusty Miller prefers acidic, clay, or sandy soils but can survive in nearly any other. You’ll want to water it regularly after planting it but then cut back on watering until it starts growing.
©Joyce Grace/iStock via Getty Images
10. African Bush Daisy is One of the Best Things to Plant in Georgia in October
This plant is a bright yellow flowering evergreen shrub. It’ll continue blooming after other plants go dormant, but it prefers a sunny location. The African Bush Daisy reaches 2-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide in a mound-like bush shape.
They must be transplanted into the soil for fall planting because the seeds can be tricky to germinate. For the seeds to germinate, the room temperature must be 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Start the seeds indoors so you can control the environment and make sure they get plenty of sunlight and water, then move them outside after they develop.
Once you plant the seeds indoors, it’ll take around 14 days to grow. Then, you can immediately put the transplants in your garden. Be patient because it can take eight weeks to see blooms.
©Evans Mwaniki/iStock via Getty Images
11. Spinach
If you plant between September 1st and October 15th, it’ll mature after 40-45 days. You’ll put the spinach seed directly into the ground and should see it sprout quickly. Another option is to plant a transplant for an earlier harvest.
They can withstand a freeze but must get harvested before the weather gets hot. Aim to plant them in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
If you want to spread out harvests, consider planting seeds at various times. That way, you don’t end up with too much spinach at once and can use it as desired.
©Deyan Georgiev/Shutterstock.com
12. Snapdragons
offer a pop of color to your fall garden in Georgia. They come in a variety of colors and bloom during cool weather. Planting them in October when the soil is still warm enough allows them to get established, promoting growth and blooming when temperatures drop.
Snapdragons need well-drained soil, and you’ll want to fertilize it when you plant it. Choose a transplant rather than planting seeds outside for the best results. They make beautiful cut flowers you can place in vases around your home.
©iStock.com/Borislav
Where to Find Transplants and Seeds of the Best Things to Plant in Georgia in October
You can buy transplants from local garden centers or get them from people who already have the plant in their garden. Another option is to start indoor seed trays about a month and a half before planting to have transplants ready on time.
If you’re looking for seeds, you can typically find them at your local garden centers or nurseries. Otherwise, you can order them and have them delivered to your home.
Alternative Options for Fall Planting
If you don’t have a yard or have limited space, there are other options for growing the best things to plant in Georgia in October.
Container Gardens
You can consider a if you don’t have a big yard or want to add plants to your patio or other outdoor space. One benefit is that you can bring container gardens inside if the weather gets too cool.
Container gardens are a way to enjoy plants indoors that don’t grow well or bloom in fall. You can set them up anywhere, including on porches or in sunny spaces in your home.
©sagarmanis/iStock via Getty Images
Hanging Gardens
You might think of flowers in hanging plant baskets, but you can also grow vegetables in them. If you’re low on space, consider putting some of the best things to plant in Georgia in October in hanging planters.
©xmee/iStock via Getty Images
Verticle Gardens
You might use a verticle garden if you’re short on space or want to add character to your current garden. It involves finding ways to add wall-mounted garden beds or trellises. You can also consider growing vining plants up poles or anything else you can thing of to organize your plants vertically.
One benefit of a verticle garden is that the plants get better airflow when they’re off the ground, and it helps reduce disease. It also allows you to get creative and use fun or interesting planters.
©Oksana Aksenova/iStock via Getty Images
Raised Gardens
With raised garden beds, you can simplify your gardening experience and make it easier to separate plants. This option limits pests, eliminates weeding, and allows you more control of the soil levels. You can buy a raised garden bed or build your own, allowing for customization and variety.
©Gift Culture Media/iStock via Getty Images
Summary of the Best Things to Plant in Georgia in October
Number | Plant | Method of Planting | When to Plant |
1 | Lettuce | Seeds or transplants | September 1-October 15 |
2 | Onion | Seeds or transplants | October 10-November 10 |
3 | Green onion | Transplant | September 1-December 31 |
4 | Radishes | Seeds | August 15-October 15 |
5 | Pansies | Transplant | September 15-November 1 |
6 | Fescue | Seeds | September-October |
7 | Violas | Transplant | October |
8 | Spring bulbs | Bulbs | October-November |
9 | Dusty Miller | Transplant | September 1-October 15 |
10 | African Bush Daisy | Transplant | October |
11 | Spinach | Seeds or transplants | September 1-October 15 |
12 | Snapdragons | Transplant | October |