In Zone 7, we usually start our fall gardening prior October. But a lot of gardeners are in doubt about when to transplant the seedlings (they have started earlier). For fall gardening, I prefer to start most of the seeds in September, but they become ready to be transplanted in October.
This planting chart is for October. (You will find what seeds you can directly start now, along with the seedlings that need to be transplanted in October in Zone 7)
So, gardeners play smart this month, not hard. You should only pick the plants that actually grow best in October in Zone 7. And don't worry, I will help you make the right choice. (Not all the plants in this chart are best to start in October, but you can expect a good result if started now)
You know what's the best part? This month, you can plant comfortably without sweating too much, and you won't have to run indoors to escape mosquitoes.
Leafy Greens to Plant in October in Zone 7
You know what, leafy greens are my favorite plants in the garden. They grow fast, are healthy, and also tasty—even if you don't spend much time on them.
Always cover your plants with row covers or old sheets when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
| Leafy Green | Planting Method | Transplanting Time | First Harvest | Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | Direct seed or transplant | 3–4 weeks after sowing | 30–50 days | Buttercrunch, Romaine, Little Gem |
| Spinach | Direct seed | Not usually needed | 35–50 days | Bloomsdale, Space |
| Swiss Chard | Direct seed | Optional after 3–4 weeks | 50–60 days | Bright Lights, Fordhook |
| Collard Greens | Direct seed or transplant | 4 weeks after sowing | 60–80 days | Georgia Southern, Vates |
| Arugula | Direct seed | Not usually needed | 20–40 days | Rocket, Wild Arugula |
| Beet Greens | Direct seed | Optional after 3 weeks | 40–50 days | Detroit Dark Red, Bulls Blood |
| Turnip Greens | Direct seed | Optional after 3 weeks | 35–50 days | Seven Top, Scarlet Queen |
| Endive | Direct seed or transplant | 3–4 weeks after sowing | 55–65 days | Green Curled, Frisée |
| Mustard Greens | Direct seed | Optional after 3 weeks | 30–45 days | Southern Giant, Red Giant |
| Bok Choy | Direct seed or transplant | 3–4 weeks after sowing | 45–60 days | Joi Choi, Shanghai Baby |
| Kale | Direct seed or transplant | 3–4 weeks after sowing | 50–65 days | Lacinato (Dino), Red Russian |
Arugula grows too fast and can get bitter if it flowers. So, you should always pick young leaves for the best taste.
I always plant seeds just below the soil surface, not too deep, about ¼ inch deep is enough. This way, they can sprout easily.
Vegetables to Plant in Zone 7
I always recommend planting maximum root veggies and cool-season vegetables this month in Zone 7.
In the table below, you will find the best options for root crops, brassicas, and more, along with their harvest times and variety suggestions.
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Transplanting Time | First Harvest | Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beets | Direct sow | Not needed | 50–60 days | Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia |
| Broccoli | Transplant | 4–6 weeks old seedlings | 70–90 days | Calabrese, De Cicco |
| Carrots | Direct sow | Not needed | 60–75 days | Nantes, Danvers |
| Cabbage | Transplant | 4–6 weeks old seedlings | 65–90 days | Early Jersey, Savoy |
| Cauliflower | Transplant | 4–6 weeks old seedlings | 75–100 days | Snowball, Amazing |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant | 5–6 weeks old seedlings | 90–120 days | Long Island Improved |
| Radishes | Direct sow | Not needed | 25–35 days | Cherry Belle, French Breakfast |
| Turnips | Direct sow | Not needed | 45–60 days | Purple Top, Hakurei |
| Onions | Direct sow / Transplant | 8–12 weeks old seedlings | 100–120 days | Red Baron, Walla Walla |
| Garlic | Direct sow | Not needed | 240–270 days | Softneck, Hardneck |
| Peas | Direct sow | Not needed | 60–70 days | Sugar Snap, Green Arrow |
If you plant garlic this month, it will settle and grow strong before winter and give you big, healthy bulbs by summer.
Best Flower to Plant in October
A garden can be both useful and beautiful at the same time, only if you plant flowers in your garden, because flowers add color, fragrance, and charm that vegetables alone can't give.
So, plant flowers with your vegetables. I mean to say, mix flowers into your veggie beds—and you'll have a beautiful garden.
| Flower Name | Best Planting Time | Planting Method | First Bloom | Perennial or Annual | Flower Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pansies | October | Transplant nursery starts or start indoors | Fall–Winter | Annual | Purple, Yellow, Blue, White, Mixed |
| Violas | October | Transplant nursery starts or start indoors | Fall–Winter | Annual | Purple, Blue, Yellow, White |
| Snapdragons | October | Direct sow outdoors or transplant seedlings | Late Fall–Spring | Annual | Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Orange |
| Sweet Peas | October | Direct sow outdoors | Late Winter–Spring | Annual | Purple, Pink, White, Red |
| Iceland Poppies | October | Transplant seedlings | Winter–Spring | Annual | Orange, Yellow, White, Pink |
| Stock | October | Direct sow outdoors or transplant seedlings | Winter–Spring | Annual | Pink, Purple, White |
| Delphinium | October | Direct sow outdoors or start indoors | Spring | Perennial | Blue, Purple, White, Pink |
| Larkspur | October | Direct sow outdoors | Spring | Annual | Blue, Pink, Purple, White |
| Anemones | October | Plant corms 2–3 inches deep | Late Winter–Spring | Perennial (tuber) | Red, Blue, Purple, White |
| Ranunculus | October | Plant corms 2 inches deep | Spring | Perennial (tuber) | Yellow, Pink, Red, Orange, White |
| Daffodils | October | Plant bulbs 4–6 inches deep | Spring | Bulb | Yellow, White, Orange |
| Tulips | Late October | Pre-chill bulbs, then plant 4–6 inches deep | Spring | Bulb | Red, Pink, Yellow, White, Purple |
The Larkspur seeds germinate better if you chill them for 1–2 weeks before sowing.
Fruit & Berries to Plant in Zone 7
Yes, you can plant fruits and berries in October. They will build strong roots during winter and give you tasty fruit next season or in the future.
So, plant them right now if you want to get healthy, tasty, and juicy fruits next year.
| Fruit/Berry | Planting Method | First Harvest | Perennial or Annual | Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Transplant bare-root crowns or plugs | Spring | Perennial | 'Albion', 'Chandler', 'Seascape' |
| Blueberries | Plant potted shrubs | 2nd–3rd year | Perennial shrub | 'Bluecrop', 'Legacy', 'Duke' |
| Blackberries | Plant bare-root or container plants | 2nd year | Perennial cane | 'Navaho', 'Chester', 'Apache' |
| Raspberries | Plant bare-root or container plants | 2nd year | Perennial cane | 'Heritage', 'Caroline', 'Tulameen' |
| Figs | Plant young trees | 2–3 years | Perennial tree | 'Brown Turkey', 'Black Mission', 'Kadota' |
| Pomegranates | Plant young trees | 2–3 years | Perennial tree | 'Wonderful', 'Angel Red', 'Parfianka' |
| Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Limes) | Plant grafted nursery trees | 2–3 years | Perennial tree | 'Valencia', 'Eureka', 'Bearss Lime' |
| Pears | Plant bare-root or container saplings | 3–4 years | Perennial tree | 'Bartlett', 'Anjou', 'Bosc' |
| Apples (low-chill varieties) | Plant bare-root or container saplings | 3–4 years | Perennial tree | 'Fuji', 'Gala', 'Anna' |
| Grapes | Plant dormant vines | 2–3 years | Perennial vine | 'Concord', 'Thompson Seedless', 'Cabernet Sauvignon' |
These plants can be the best options for you if you want to plant fruits and berries this month in Zone 7.
Some varieties of Pears need cross-pollination, so plant 2 compatible varieties for better fruit set.
Herbs to Plant in October in Zone 7
| Herb | Planting Method | Transplanting Time | First Harvest | Variety Recommendations | Flavour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro | Direct sow | Not usually transplanted | 30–45 days | Slow Bolt | Fresh, citrusy |
| Parsley | Direct sow or transplants | 3–4 weeks | 60–70 days | Italian Flat Leaf, Curly | Mild, slightly peppery |
| Dill | Direct sow | Not transplanted | 40–60 days | Bouquet, Mammoth | Sweet, aromatic, tangy |
| Chives | Direct sow or transplants | 3–4 weeks | 60–75 days | Common Chives, Garlic Chives | Mild onion-like |
| Fennel | Direct sow | Not usually transplanted | 80–100 days | Florence Fennel | Sweet, anise-like |
| Chervil | Direct sow | Not transplanted | 30–60 days | French Chervil | Delicate, mild anise |
These herbs prefer cooler weather, especially Cilantro, Dill, and Chervil — they will bolt (flower too early) if you grow them in hot conditions.
