October marks a significant transition period for gardening in Missouri, shifting the focus from late summer harvests to preparations for winter and spring growth. This month is defined by a race against the approaching first hard frost, which typically arrives in northern and central Missouri by the second or third week of October, shifting later toward the southern Bootheel region. Strategic planting during this time capitalizes on cooling air temperatures while the soil still retains sufficient warmth to encourage root establishment. Successful October gardening sets the foundation for robust perennial displays and productive food crops well into the next year.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs for Next Year
Planting spring-flowering bulbs in October is necessary to ensure a colorful display once cold weather breaks. Varieties such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocus require a prolonged cold period, known as vernalization, to develop their internal flower embryos. This chilling requirement is met by exposing the bulbs to temperatures between 35°F and 45°F for 10 to 16 weeks, which the Missouri winter naturally provides.
Planting depth is determined by the size of the bulb, generally recommending the base be placed at a depth two to three times its height. For instance, a two-inch tulip bulb should be set approximately six inches deep to protect it from temperature extremes. Proper orientation is also important, requiring the pointed tip of the bulb to face upward toward the soil surface, as the new shoot will emerge from this point.
Soil drainage is important for bulb survival, as overly saturated conditions can lead to rot during the wet winter and early spring. Gardeners dealing with Missouri’s heavy clay soils often benefit from incorporating compost or grit into the planting area to improve permeability and prevent water from pooling. While tulips are a popular choice, gardeners concerned about pests often find daffodils or crocus to be more reliable options, as they are less palatable to small rodents.
Late-Season Edibles and Overwintering Crops
October is the optimal time for planting food crops that require a cold period to mature or thrive in cooling temperatures for a late-season harvest. The most notable fall-planted food crop is garlic, which is planted now for a harvest the following summer. Planting garlic cloves now allows them to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes solid, which is necessary for vigorous spring growth and the formation of large bulbs.
Garlic cloves must be separated from the main bulb just before planting, and they should be set into the soil with the pointed tip facing upward. They are best planted about two to three inches deep and spaced approximately six inches apart to allow sufficient room for the bulbs to expand. Once planted, a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, should be applied over the bed to insulate the soil. This prevents the freeze-thaw cycles that can heave the shallowly planted cloves out of the ground.
Cool-season greens, including spinach, kale, and winter lettuce varieties, can be planted in October for an extended fall harvest. These crops tolerate light frosts, and their flavor often improves after exposure to cool weather. To push the harvest window past the first hard frost, gardeners can utilize protective covers like cold frames or low tunnels. These structures help moderate temperature swings and shield the foliage, allowing some hardy greens to survive the winter and offer a very early spring harvest.
Establishing Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials
The period when air temperatures cool but the soil remains warm makes October an ideal time for planting or transplanting permanent landscape features. Deciduous trees, flowering shrubs, and herbaceous perennials benefit from fall planting in Missouri. This timing minimizes transplant shock because the plant naturally directs its energy away from top-growth and toward root development in preparation for dormancy.
The soil retains heat well after the air temperature drops, allowing newly planted specimens to continue developing fine feeder roots for several weeks. This period of uninterrupted root growth gives the plant a significant advantage, establishing a more robust structure before the stresses of the following summer arrive. When working with bare-root stock, ensure the root system is spread out naturally in the planting hole and that the crown remains at or slightly above the surrounding grade.
Consistent watering is necessary throughout the fall, even as temperatures drop, to ensure the new root systems do not dry out. This is particularly important for evergreen plants, which continue to lose moisture through their foliage all winter. Adequate moisture helps prevent winter desiccation, a condition where the plant dries out due to wind and sun exposure while its roots are unable to absorb water from frozen soil. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of newly planted trees and perennials helps stabilize soil temperature and moisture levels, protecting the vulnerable root ball through the winter.