Louisiana gardeners still have plenty of opportunities to plant cool-season vegetables this month, according to recommendations from the LSU AgCenter.

The AgCenter said October is an ideal time to work on fall vegetable gardens, although recommended planting dates vary between northern and southern Louisiana.

Broccoli transplants can be planted statewide through Oct. 31, while cabbage plants can go into gardens throughout October and into November. Collards and turnips grown for their roots can also be direct-seeded through Oct. 31 across the state.

For North Louisiana, gardeners have a shorter window for several crops as cooler temperatures approach. Carrots and Swiss chard should generally be planted by Oct. 15. Kale can be planted from seed or transplants through Oct. 31, while lettuce can be planted through Oct. 30.

Mustard and turnip greens can be direct-seeded in North Louisiana through Oct. 31. Spinach has one of the longer planting windows and can be direct-seeded through Nov. 15.

Gardeners in South Louisiana generally have additional time for several fall crops. Carrots can be planted through Nov. 15, cabbage through Nov. 30, mustard and turnip greens through Nov. 10, and kale and lettuce through Nov. 15. Swiss chard can be planted through Oct. 30.

The AgCenter recommends direct-seeding carrots, collards, mustard and turnip greens, spinach and turnips grown for their roots.

Broccoli and cabbage should be planted as transplants, while kale and lettuce can be established either from seed or plants.

Gardeners can find additional crops, planting dates and growing recommendations in the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide.

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