October in Georgia brings cooler mornings and a fresh planting vibe. It’s the perfect time to think about what can still go into the soil for a fruitful harvest.
Some vegetables thrive in this gentle fall weather if you give them the right start. Here’s a list of ten seeds worth planting in Georgia this month.
1. Lettuce
Crisp, homegrown salad greens taste miles better than store-bought varieties, and lettuce loves Georgia’s October weather. Plant seeds about a quarter-inch deep in well-drained soil, spacing them four to six inches apart.
You’ll see sprouts popping up within a week when temperatures stay cool. Leaf lettuce matures fastest, ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days across Georgia.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy for the best flavor and texture.
2. Spinach
Nothing beats fresh spinach for salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes, making it a must-have in Georgia gardens. Seeds germinate best when soil temperatures range between 50 and 70 degrees, which October provides perfectly.
Plant seeds half an inch deep and thin seedlings to three inches apart once they emerge. Spinach handles light frosts beautifully, actually becoming sweeter after cold snaps.
Expect to harvest tender leaves within 40 to 50 days throughout Georgia’s fall season.
3. Carrots
Sweet, crunchy carrots grown at home taste remarkably different from grocery store versions. Georgia’s October planting gives carrots time to develop before winter truly arrives.
Loose, sandy soil works best since carrots need room to grow straight and long. Sow seeds directly into the ground about a quarter-inch deep, then thin seedlings to two inches apart.
Patience pays off because carrots take 60 to 80 days to mature, but the wait is absolutely worth it for Georgia gardeners.
4. Radishes
Fast-growing radishes deliver quick results for impatient gardeners across Georgia. Plant these spicy little vegetables half an inch deep and one inch apart for best results.
They mature incredibly fast—sometimes in just 20 to 30 days—making them perfect for teaching kids about gardening. Cool October temperatures in Georgia help radishes develop their characteristic crisp texture and peppery bite.
Harvest promptly when they reach full size to prevent them from becoming woody or bitter tasting.
5. Kale
Packed with vitamins and incredibly hardy, kale stands up to Georgia’s occasional cold snaps without complaint. Sow seeds about half an inch deep, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart for mature plants.
Kale actually improves in flavor after experiencing frost, developing a sweeter, less bitter taste. Young leaves work wonderfully in salads, while mature leaves excel in cooked dishes across Georgia kitchens.
Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the plant to continue producing throughout the season.
6. Broccoli
Growing your own broccoli in Georgia brings restaurant-quality vegetables straight to your dinner table. October planting gives broccoli time to establish strong roots before producing heads.
Space seeds or transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rich, well-composted soil for best results. Broccoli thrives in Georgia’s cool fall weather, taking 60 to 90 days to produce harvestable heads.
Watch for the main head to form tightly, then cut it before flowers open for peak flavor and nutrition.
7. Peas
Sweet garden peas taste like candy straight from the vine, especially when grown in Georgia’s mild autumn climate. Plant seeds one to two inches deep and two inches apart along a trellis or support.
Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, actually improving garden health for future crops across Georgia. Both snap peas and snow peas work wonderfully for October planting, maturing in 60 to 70 days.
Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production throughout the cooler months ahead.
8. Turnips
Often overlooked, turnips offer double the harvest since both roots and greens are delicious and nutritious. Georgia’s October weather provides ideal growing conditions for these versatile vegetables.
Sow seeds half an inch deep and thin plants to four inches apart once they sprout. Turnips mature quickly, ready to harvest in just 40 to 60 days across the state.
Smaller turnips taste sweeter and more tender, so don’t wait too long before pulling them from Georgia garden beds.
9. Arugula
Peppery arugula adds sophisticated flavor to salads and sandwiches, making it popular among Georgia gardeners. Seeds germinate remarkably fast, sometimes sprouting within just three to five days after planting.
Scatter seeds thinly across prepared soil and barely cover them with a light dusting of earth. Arugula reaches harvest size in only 30 to 40 days throughout Georgia’s fall season.
Cool October temperatures keep arugula from bolting, ensuring leaves stay tender and flavorful rather than turning bitter.
10. Collard Greens
A Southern staple, collard greens practically define Georgia cooking and grow beautifully through fall and winter. Plant seeds half an inch deep, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart for full-sized plants.
Collards handle freezing temperatures better than almost any other vegetable, continuing to produce through Georgia winters. Frost actually sweetens the leaves, making late-season harvests particularly delicious.
Pick lower leaves first while letting the plant continue growing upward for months of continuous production.