Zone 9 - What to Plant in October

Zone 9 - What to Plant in October

It's finally cooling down a bit in zone 9 and this gives us a good window to grow some crops before the first frost in mid-December. Try growing a mix of fast growing warm and cool season crops. Below is a list of items that can be planted in zone 9 in October.

Watermelon radish is a striking and flavorful root vegetable that adds both color and variety to the garden. Known for its vibrant pink to red interior, which contrasts with its pale greenish-white skin, this radish variety is a favorite among gardeners looking for something unique. Watermelon radishes are cool-season crops, thriving in the early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. They prefer well-drained, loose soil and require consistent moisture to grow to their full potential. The plants develop large, round roots that can reach up to 4 inches in diameter, and their slightly peppery flavor becomes milder and sweeter when grown to full maturity. Watermelon radishes grow best when spaced 2-3 inches apart to allow room for their large roots. They are relatively easy to grow, with a quick turnaround from planting to harvest—usually around 50 to 70 days. Besides their stunning appearance, watermelon radishes are versatile in the kitchen, perfect for salads, pickling, or as a crunchy garnish. Their unique beauty and crisp, mildly spicy flavor make them a showstopper in any home garden.

The very sweet Red Creole Onion is the perfect variety for home gardens! This short day onion is great for the South and Mid-West climates and is also a good keeper. The solid, flat bulbs of the Red Creole has a spicy, red flesh that makes it a good cooking onion and is also great raw in salads.

The German Red garlic is an easy to grow garlic that is well suited for cold winters. This garlic variety offers a strong, spicy and robust flavor with large, easy to peel cloves. Averages 14 cloves per bulb. Hardneck variety.