Sow now › USDA zone 5 › October
What to sow in October
in USDA zone 5
1 crops can go in this month. Typical last frost zone 5: about 15 April. First autumn frost about 15 October. This is the October page; jump to this month.
Sow in October
Plant out in October
Sown earlier under cover, hardened off, and going in the ground once the last frost has passed.
Ready to pick in October
Your ZIP code
Type your ZIP and you'll get the page for your zone, with the typical frost dates.
Questions people ask
What can I sow in October in USDA zone 5?
1 crops go in this month in USDA zone 5: Garlic.
When is the last frost in USDA zone 5?
Typically around 15 April, with the first autumn frost about 15 October. Treat those as averages and watch the forecast; a cold spring can push them back a fortnight.
What's ready to harvest in October in USDA zone 5?
Acorn Squash (Pumpkin), Apple, Arugula, Asian Pear, Beetroot, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and more.
Plan the plot, track every sowing, cook the harvest
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 4 September 2026.