Zone 5B — October
What to Plant in October in Zone 5B
October in Zone 5B:
1 crop to start indoors,
1 to plant or direct sow outside, and
3 entering harvest window.
Last frost averages April 17. Reference city: Kansas City, MO.
Updated April 10, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
1 Start Indoors
1 Plant Outside
3 Harvest
Start Indoors in October
| Plant | Type | Start Indoors | Transplant Outside | Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | root_vegetable | Oct 12 | Oct 19 | Jun 16 – Jul 16 |
Plant Outside in October
| Plant | Type | Action | Target Date | Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | root_vegetable | Transplant | Oct 19 | Jun 16 – Jul 16 |
Harvest in October
| Plant | Type | Planted / Sown | Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosne tubers | root_vegetable | May 1 | Oct 28 – Dec 7 |
| Elephant garlic bulbs | root_vegetable | May 1 | Oct 28 – Dec 27 |
| Winter rye cover crop stands | cover crop | May 1 | Oct 28 – Dec 7 |
Key Tasks for October in Zone 5B
- 1 Start 1 variety indoors this month under grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window. Use a seed-starting mix and bottom heat (70–75°F) for best germination rates.
- 2 Harden off transplants before moving outdoors — set them outside in a sheltered spot for increasing hours over 7–10 days before planting in the ground.
- 3 Check soil moisture before watering — stick a finger 2 inches into the soil. Water only when the soil is dry at that depth. Consistent moisture is more important than frequency.
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