What to Plant in October: 5 Easy Cover Crops for a Healthier Fall Garden

Written by: Vanessa Dawson

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Time to read 2 min

Woman watering garden

As summer gardens wind down, October is the perfect time to give your soil some love before winter sets in. Planting cover crops—sometimes called “green manure”—is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and prepare for a thriving spring garden.


Whether you’re in a cool northern zone or a mild southern one, these five easy cover crops are perfect for fall planting.

1. Winter Rye

Winter rye is one of the most popular and versatile fall cover crops. It grows quickly, tolerates cold weather, and is great for improving soil structure. It also prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter when tilled back into the soil in spring.

  • Planting Zone: In October, Winter Rye is ideal for zones 3–7. If you're in zones 8–10, we recommend planting in late fall.
  • How to Plant: Sow seeds about 1–2 inches deep and keep soil lightly moist. Rye germinates quickly in cool soil and continues growing until hard frost.
  • Arber Boost: Organic Soil & Root Boost promotes root expansion and improves soil structure, giving garlic the strong underground start it needs for big bulbs next summer.

2. Crimson Clover

Crimson clover adds beauty and function to your fall garden with its deep red blooms that appear in spring. This legume fixes nitrogen naturally, improves soil fertility, and attracts pollinators when it blooms.

  • Planting Zone: Best for zones 6–9 in October. In cooler zones, plant earlier in fall so it can root before frost. Prefers partial to full sun.
  • How to Plant: Broadcast seeds evenly and lightly rake them into the soil. Keep soil moist until established.
  • Arber Boost: After germination, apply Organic Bio Protectant to support strong, resilient root systems and prevent stress from temperature swings.

3. Hairy Vetch

A cold-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing legume that’s perfect for overwintering. Hairy vetch provides lush ground cover that reduces soil erosion and builds nitrogen-rich soil for spring crops.

  • Planting Zone: Best for zones 4–8 in October; in colder zones, plant earlier in fall. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
  • How to Plant: Plant seeds ½–1 inch deep and water regularly until established. It grows well on its own or mixed with winter rye.
  • Arber Boost: Use Fungicide for Roses & Flowers to protect vetch and surrounding plants from soil-borne diseases over damp fall months.

4. Oats

Oats grow fast and provide a soft, protective blanket for your soil over fall and early winter. They prevent erosion, add organic matter, and naturally die back in winter—making spring bed prep easy.

  • Planting Zone: Best for zones 3–7 in October. In warmer zones, sow later (November–December) to avoid premature growth. Prefers full sun and average soil.
  • How to Plant: Scatter seeds and lightly rake in about 1 inch deep. Water well after planting.
  • Arber Boost: Mix Organic Soil & Root Boost into your soil before planting oats to enhance microbial activity and break down organic matter faster.

5. Tillage Radish (Daikon Radish)

Known as a “bio-drill,” tillage radish has deep roots that break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Great for improving soil aeration, reducing compaction, and scavenging leftover nutrients from summer crops.

  • Planting Zone: Best for zones 3–8in October. In warmer zones, wait until temperatures cool below 75°F.
  • How to Plant: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep, spaced 3–6 inches apart. Water lightly and keep soil moist until germination.
  • Arber Boost: Use Organic Insecticide for Tomato & Vegetable to keep aphids and leaf-eating pests off young radish greens while they establish.

Support your Soil & Garden Through the Cooler Months!


Planting cover crops in October is one of the best ways to invest in your garden’s long-term health. Whether you choose rye, clover, vetch, oats, or radish, your soil will thank you come spring with richer structure, better drainage, and fewer weeds. Shop our Fall Gardening Bundle now to grow greener, healthier, and bigger.

Arber product being held in garden bed