PlantLegitWhat to plant in October in Virginia (zones 6a–8b, including Virginia Beach)
Sources (4)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Planting Guide and Recommended Planting Dates (426-331)
- 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP table, PRISM Climate Group
- VCE October Tips: Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers – albemarle.ext.vt.edu
- Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1 (retail invasive plant signage) – Virginia Legislative Information System
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Checked October 17, 2026. Dates are Extension averages; weather varies year to year. Informational only, not legal advice.
Vegetables with an October planting window, by zone
Fall planting windows from VCE 426-331 that include an October or November date. “—” means the window for that zone ends before October.
| Crop | 6a | 6b | 7a | 7b | 8a | 8b |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beets | — | — | — | — | Sept 1-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 1 |
| Chard, Swiss | — | — | — | — | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Aug 20-Oct 1 |
| Collards, kale | — | — | — | — | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Aug 20-Oct 1 |
| Garlic | Sept 1-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 1 | Oct 1-Oct 30 | Oct 1-Oct 30 | Oct 15-Nov 15 | Oct 15-Nov 15 |
| Kohlrabi | — | — | — | — | Sept 1-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 1 |
| Lettuce, baby salad | — | — | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 20 | Sept 1-Oct 20 | Sept 1-Oct 20 |
| Lettuce, head | — | — | — | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 10 | Sept 1-Oct 10 |
| Mustard | — | — | Aug 10-Oct 1 | Aug 20-Oct 10 | Sept 1-Oct 20 | Sept 1-Oct 20 |
| Radish | — | Aug 10-Oct 1 | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 10 | Sept 10-Oct 20 | Sept 10-Oct 20 |
| Spinach | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Aug 20-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 10 | Sept 10-Oct 20 | Sept 20-Nov 1 | Sept 20-Nov 1 |
| Turnips | — | — | — | — | Sept 1-Oct 1 | Sept 1-Oct 1 |
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Get a plan for my backyardAll zones and crops, spring and fall: Virginia planting dates by zone. Source: VCE 426-331.
Which zone is my Virginia city?
Example ZIP codes from the 2023 USDA map. Your ZIP may differ; check your ZIP.
| City | ZIP | 2023 USDA zone |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 23451 | 8b |
| Virginia Beach | 23456 | 8b |
| Norfolk | 23502 | 8b |
| Hampton | 23666 | 8b |
| Newport News | 23601 | 8b |
| Chesapeake | 23320 | 8a |
| Suffolk | 23435 | 8a |
| Williamsburg | 23185 | 8a |
| Richmond | 23220 | 7b |
| Arlington | 22201 | 7b |
| Charlottesville | 22901 | 7b |
| Roanoke | 24015 | 7b |
| Blacksburg | 24060 | 7a |
Source: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, ZIP-code table (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University).
Average first fall frost by zone
| Zone | First fall frost (VCE) |
|---|---|
| 6a | Oct 5-15 |
| 6b | Oct 5-15 |
| 7a | Oct 15-25 |
| 7b | Oct 25-Nov 5 |
| 8a | Nov 1-15 |
| 8b | Nov 15-25 |
Source: VCE 426-331. VCE: “The use of row cover fabric and cold frames may extend the expected planting and harvest window by two to four weeks in the spring and fall.”
Want that extra month? The $12 My Yard Plan includes build plans for a hoop cover (bugs, frost, shade) and a raised bed.
Trees and shrubs: fall is the time
Virginia Cooperative Extension’s October tips: “Fall is the best time of year for moving plants. Transplant deciduous trees and shrubs when they are dormant. Evergreen trees or shrubs, however, may be transplanted earlier in the fall, before they go dormant.” (VCE October Tips: Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers, Diane Relf)
Pulling a Bradford pear or English ivy this fall?
From January 1, 2027, Virginia retailers that sell listed invasive plants for outdoor use must post a sign at the display (Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1). If you are replacing one this fall, see what the lists say and which natives to plant instead: Bradford (Callery) pear in Virginia · English ivy in Virginia · Nandina · New plant laws 2027+.
Garlic dates for all eight states we cover: When to plant garlic.