Zone 6a Planting Schedule
Action Plan: October in Zone 6a
Expert Note
In October, keep peppers and garlic beds evenly moist but avoid soggy soil; cool nights slow growth and increase rot risk. Watch for aphids and mites on remaining foliage, and remove any diseased leaves promptly. Harvest before hard frosts to protect fruit quality.
The Harvest
Harvest remaining hot peppers like Bhut Jolokia, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, and Red Wethersfield before temperatures drop hard; pick frequently for best quality. If you planted garlic earlier, lift Siberian Garlic when tops begin to yellow and cure it in a dry, airy spot.
Planting Schedule
Add crops from the list below to build your planting schedule.| Crop | Indoor Start | Transplant / Sow | Harvest Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cynara scolymus 'Italian' | Jan 23rd | May 1st | Sep 28th – Oct 10th | |
| Artichoke | Feb 6th | Apr 17th | Sep 14th – Oct 10th | |
| Giant Red Celery | Feb 6th | Jun 12th | Sep 10th – Oct 10th | |
| Green Sleeves | Feb 6th | Jun 12th | Sep 10th – Oct 10th | |
| Gros Vert de Laon | Feb 6th | Apr 24th | Jul 23rd – Oct 10th | |
| Kojak | Feb 6th | Apr 17th | Aug 15th – Oct 10th | |
| Verina | Feb 6th | Mar 20th | Jun 28th – Oct 10th | |
| African Sunset | Feb 20th | May 1st | Jul 30th – Oct 10th | |
| Alabaster | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 22nd – Oct 10th | |
| Albin | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 22nd – Oct 10th | |
| Amsterdam | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Jul 18th – Oct 10th | |
| Amsterdam Cutting | Feb 20th | May 1st | Jul 10th – Oct 10th | |
| Amsterdam Seasoning | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Jul 3rd – Oct 10th | |
| Apollo | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 22nd – Oct 10th | |
| Artichaut de Nice | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 22nd – Oct 10th | |
| Artichoke de Marseille | Feb 20th | Jun 12th | Sep 10th – Oct 10th | |
| Atlas Angel | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Jul 3rd – Oct 10th | |
| Baby Artichoke | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Jul 18th – Oct 10th | |
| Balder | Feb 20th | May 1st | Aug 14th – Oct 10th | |
| Bandit | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 22nd – Oct 10th | |
| Beijing White | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Jul 13th – Oct 10th | |
| Bing Select | Feb 20th | Apr 17th | Jun 26th – Oct 10th | |
| Blue Solaise | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 12th – Oct 10th | |
| Bordeaux | Feb 20th | May 1st | Jul 15th – Oct 10th | |
| Bullseye Salmon | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Jul 3rd – Oct 10th | |
| Cabernet | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 12th – Oct 10th | |
| Carmen F1 | Feb 20th | Apr 24th | Aug 7th – Oct 10th | |
| Cascade Blue | Feb 20th | May 1st | Jul 10th – Oct 10th | |
| Catanese | Feb 20th | Jun 26th | Oct 24th – Oct 10th | |
| Celebration | Feb 20th | Apr 17th | Jul 6th – Oct 10th |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the frost dates for Zone Zone 6a?
In Zone Zone 6a, the average last spring frost is May 1st and the average first fall frost is Oct 10th.
When is the best time to start seeds indoors in Zone Zone 6a?
The best time to start most seeds indoors is 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date of May 1st.
How long is the growing season in Zone Zone 6a?
Zone Zone 6a has a growing season of approximately 162 days.