October 2024, Summary of Planting and Harvesting Activities: Omaha, Nebraska (USDA Hardiness Zone 5b)

Written By Brittany Puncochar, Gardens and Giving Grove Manager

Planting 

1. Cool-Season Vegetables - These crops thrive in cooler temperatures and can often withstand light frosts. Some will even improve in flavor after frost exposure.

1. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and mustard greens are great choices for fall planting. These greens can often continue to grow into early winter, depending on your region.

2. Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips can be planted in October. They will grow slowly in cool temperatures and can be harvested throughout the fall.

3. Garlic and Shallots: In many areas, October is the perfect time to plant garlic and shallots. They’ll develop roots over the winter and be ready for harvest the following summer.

4. Onions: Planting onion sets or seedlings in October allows them to establish roots before winter. They'll mature in late spring or early summer.

2. Herbs

1. Cilantro: This herb thrives in cool weather and can be planted in early October for a quick harvest before winter sets in.

2. Parsley and Thyme: These hardy herbs can withstand colder temperatures and will continue to produce well into fall.

3. Perennials and Cover Crops

1. Perennials: October is a good time to plant perennials like asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries. These will establish themselves during fall and be ready to grow in spring.

2. Cover Crops: Consider planting cover crops like clover, winter rye, or vetch to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and add nutrients to the soil.

Harvesting 

1. Summer Vegetables (Final Harvest)

1. Tomatoes: If frost hasn’t yet arrived, you can still pick the last of your ripe or nearly ripe tomatoes.

2. Peppers: Harvest any remaining peppers before the first frost. Green peppers may continue to ripen indoors if brought in before the cold hits.

3. Zucchini and Summer Squash: These will be winding down, but you can still harvest smaller fruits as they appear.

2. Fall and Cool-Season Vegetables

1. Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts thrive in cooler weather and can be harvested in October.

2. Cabbages: Cabbage heads may be ready for picking this month, and they store well for winter.

3. Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and turnips are ready for harvesting when their tops begin to push out of the soil. These can be stored in cool, moist conditions for several weeks.

4. Potatoes: If you planted potatoes in spring, October is a good time to dig them up before the ground freezes.

3. Fall Fruits

1. Apples and Pears: Many apple and pear varieties reach peak ripeness in October. Harvest them before the fruit becomes overripe or starts to fall.

2. Pumpkins and Winter Squash: These crops are synonymous with fall. Harvest them when the skins are hard and before a frost damages them.

General Tips 

Mulching: Mulch your garden beds with leaves, straw, or grass clippings. Mulch helps insulate the soil, maintain moisture, and protect plant roots during cold snaps.

Frost Protection: Be prepared for the first frost of the season. Have row covers or cloths ready to protect delicate plants.

Soil Preparation: After your final harvest, clean up plant debris and prepare the soil for winter. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility for the next growing season.