Mequoda News

October 1, 2025

Food Gardening Magazine knows that October is pure magic—the kind of month that makes you want to spend every daylight hour outside, knowing winter waits just around the corner.

My garden is heavy with pumpkins sprawling across their beds, apples hanging from branches, and cucumbers still producing as if they’re racing against the first frost. It’s pickle season, and my kitchen counter is lined with mason jars waiting to be filled.

In GreenPrints, we’re savoring autumn while preparing for winter. Pat Stone reflects on the end of the gardening season in Going Cold Garden. It seems once October arrives, the rest of the year just flies by—our gardens included. Amanda MacArthur helps us gear up for winter rest with How to Create a “Seed Quilt” for Winter Sowing in Place. This revolutionary direct-seeding method lets you skip the containers and let nature do the work. This month, we’re also spotlighting several wonderful plants: radishes, kale, pumpkins, and spices. Did you know how beneficial radishes are for your health? I didn’t—until now!

For our Garden to Table Recipe Collection, join Don as he recounts his adventures through Hungary, where every meal was a celebration of flavor and every bite told a story. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner for two or a festive feast for family and friends, these recipes bring a taste of Hungary to your table. Each dish celebrates the region’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage, brought to life with fresh ingredients and a touch of love.

When October’s chill sets in, nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade chili. We’ve gathered our favorite recipes that showcase garden-grown ingredients and warm you from the inside out. And here’s the thing about chili—it’s having a serious moment of reinvention. Gone are the days when chili meant one predictable recipe. These five versions tackle comfort food from entirely different angles, proving that this beloved bowl can be smoky, creamy, lightning-fast, surprisingly light, or wonderfully unexpected.

We’re also exploring indoor gardening as the cooler weather sets in. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment, a cozy bungalow, or a suburban townhouse, the idea of bringing a little green indoors has probably crossed your mind. Maybe you’ve longed for fresh herbs in your kitchen, crisp greens on your windowsill, or the cheerful glow of flowering vegetables during the depths of winter. If so, you’re in good company—indoor gardening is blooming across America. Learn more in our Indoor Gardening in America GuideBook.

Curious about how to make indoor gardening work for you? Check out our Indoor Gardening Planning Kit, designed for anyone looking to start or expand an indoor food garden. With a little light, the right containers, and some care, you can grow an impressive variety of edible plants indoors—including leafy greens, herbs, carrots, green onions, strawberries, tomatoes, and even a lemon tree. You don’t need a greenhouse or complicated equipment—just a few practical tips, the right varieties, and a space to grow.

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