October is a beautiful time in the garden. The days are getting shorter and cooler, but there is still plenty to sow, plant, harvest and prepare before winter arrives.
From planting spring bulbs and garlic to sowing winter salads and clearing fallen leaves, there are plenty of October gardening jobs to keep you busy. It’s also the perfect month to prepare your garden for frost and get ahead for the growing season to come.
Whether you’re tending a garden, growing in containers or working on an allotment, here is everything you need to know about what to grow and do in the garden in October.
What can you grow in October?
October is a great month for sowing winter crops, planting spring bulbs, garlic, trees, shrubs and hardy perennials. You can show broad beans, spinach, winter salads and radishes, while planting tulips, daffodils, alliums and other spring flowering bulbs.
For top tips, check out our guide on how to plant spring bulbs!
What to Sow in October
There are still plenty of seeds that can be sown in October. Some crops can be sown directly outside, while others benefit from the extra protection of a greenhouse, cold frame or sheltered growing space.
Vegetables to sow in October
Broad beans
October is a great time to sow hardy broad bean varieties. Sow directly outdoors in well drained soil or sort them in pots if your soil is particularly wet or heavy. Autumn sown broad beans can establish before winter and provide an early crop next year.
Peas
Hardy varieties of peas can be sown in October for an early crop. Sow outside in a sheltered position with good drainage. Protect young plants from particularly harsh weather where necessary
Winter lettuce
Winter lettuce varieties can be sown under cover, in a greenhouse or cold frame. Growing them under protection helps shield the plants from cold weather providing fresh leaves throughout autumn and winter.
Spinach
Hardy spinach varieties can be sown outdoors in October. Choose a sunny or partially shaded position and keep the soil moist while the seeds establish.
Radish
Fast growing radishes can still be sown in October, particularly under cover. Sow small batches regularly for succession of crops.
Mustard greens
Mustard greens are quick to grow and can be sown under cover for fresh leaves during the cooler months
Winter salads
Try sowing winter salad mixes in a greenhouse, cold frame or sheltered container. Growing under cover will give you a better chance of harvesting fresh leaves throughout the colder months
October sowing tip: Always check the seed packet before sowing, as recommended sowing times can vary between varieties and growing conditions.
Flowers to sow in October
October isn’t just about vegetables. There are also flowers that can be sown now so you can enjoy colour throughout Autumn.
Sweet peas
Hardy sweet pea varieties can be sown in autumn. Starting them now gives plants time to establish strong root systems before winter and can lead to earlier flowers next year.
Never grown sweet peas before? Check out our sweet pea growing guide!
Hardy annuals
Some hardy annuals such as cornflowers and calendula can be sown in autumn, allowing them to establish before winter and flower earlier the following year.
Wildflower seeds
October can be a good time to sow many wildflower mixes. The cooler, wetter conditions can help seeds establish naturally before winter.
Biennials
Certain biennials can be sown or planted in autumn, such as foxgloves, wallflowers and sweet williams, which establish before flowering the following year.
What to plant in October
October is one of the best months for planting, particularly when is comes to trees, shrubs perennials and spring flowering bulbs
Plant spring bulbs
If you want a colourful display next spring, now is the time to get your spring bulbs in the ground. Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, alliums, hyacinths can all be planted during autumn.
Plant bulbs in borders, containers, lawns or beneath trees for a welcome splash of colour after winter.
When planting, choose a well drained position and follow the planting depth recommended on the packaging.
See our complete guide on planting spring bulbs
Plant garlic
October is an ideal time to plant garlic. Break the bulb into individual cloves and plant them with the pointed end facing upwards. Garlic prefers a sunny position and free draining soil.
Plant trees and shrubs
Autumn is an excellent time to plant many trees, and shrubs. The cooler temperatures and wetter weather help plants establish their roots before the heat of next summer.
This is a particularly good time to plant bare-root fruit trees such as apple, pear and plum trees as well as soft fruit bushes like raspberries and gooseberries.
Ensure new plants are well watered after planting, particularly if conditions remain dry.
See our complete guide on how to plant fruit trees for the ultimate harvest!
Plant hardy perennials
October is also a good time to plant hardy perennials. Such as: geraniums, echinaceas, rudbeckia and asters. The soil can still be warm, giving roots time to establish before the colder months
If you are adding new plants to your borders, autumn planting can help you get ahead for next year's garden.
How to harvest in October
There can still be plenty to harvest in October, particularly from the vegetable garden and allotment.
Depending on what you have grown, look out for:
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Apples and pears
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Pumpkins and squash
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Carrots
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Beetroot
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Potatoes
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Leeks
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Cauliflowers
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Cabbage
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Kale
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Autumn raspberries
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Runner beans
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Courgettes
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Leafy salads
Harvest pumpkins and squash once the skins have hardened and the plants begin to die back. Leave them somewhere dry to cure if you want to store them for longer. See our full guide on planting pumpkins.
October is also a good month to make the most of late crops before the first hard frosts arrive.
October gardening jobs: What to do in the garden
There is plenty to do in the garden during October. A little preparation now can make the garden easier to manage through the winter and give you a head start next spring.
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Clear fallen leaves
Fallen leaves can quickly build up on lawns, paths, patios and borders. Clear them regularly to prevent them blocking light from your lawn and making math slippery.
Don't throw every leaf away though. Gather healthy fallen leaves in a leaf jute bag and use them to start making leaf mould - a valuable soil improver that can be used around the garden once it has broken down.
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Prepare your lawn for winter
October is a good time to give your lawn some attention before winter. Remove fallen leaves regularly and consider scarifying areas where thatch has built up.
You can also apply an appropriate autumn lawn feed to help support your lawn through the colder months.
Avoid cutting the grass too short as winter approaches. Raise the mower height slightly and keep the lawn tidy without putting it under unnecessary stress.
See our autumn lawn care guide for more tips on how to care for your lawn in autumn
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Protect tender plants
Some plants won't tolerate prolonged cold or frost, so October is the time to start thinking about protection.
Move tender plants in pots into a greenhouse, conservatory or sheltered position where appropriate. Plants that remain outside may benefit from fleece, horticultural protection or a thick layer of mulch around their roots.
Don’t wait until a heavy frost is forecast to start preparing, having everything ready makes it much easier to protect plants when temperatures suddenly drop.
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Prune where appropriate
October can be a good time to prune certain plants, but avoid pruning everything simply because autumn has arrived.
Remove dead, damaged or diseased growth where appropriate and check the individual pruning requirements of plants before getting started.
Be sure to use sharp, good quality secateurs or garden snips to ensure effective pruning.
Some plants are better pruned later in winter or after flowering, so always check before making major cuts.
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Divide herbaceous perennials
If your herbaceous perennials have become overcrowded, autumn can be a good time to divide them.
Carefully lift established plants and split them into smaller sections, making sure each division has healthy roots and shoots. Replant straight away and water thoroughly.
Dividing perennials can help rejuvenate older plants while giving you more plants to fill your borders.
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Start composting fallen leaves
October is the perfect time to start collecting fallen leaves for leaf mould.
Gather leaves into a dedicated leaf mould bin or container and allow them to break down over time. The resulting material can be used as a soil conditioner and mulch.
It takes patience but it is a simple way to turn garden waste into something useful for your garden.
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Clean and store garden tools
Before winter really sets in, give your garden tools some attention.
Clean soil from spades, forks and hand tools, dry them thoroughly and sharpen blades where necessary. Store tools somewhere dry and sheltered to help prevent rust and keep them ready for spring.
It’s also worth checking secateurs, loppers and other cutting tools for sharpness, damage and rust before the busiest pruning season arrives.
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Prepare your garden for frost
Keep an eye on the weather forecast as temperatures begin to fall. Move vulnerable containers into sheltered positions and have fleece or other protection ready for tender plants.
Check that pots have adequate drainage and raise containers off cold, wet ground where possible.
A little preparation before the first frost can prevent unnecessary damage to plants.
October allotment jobs: What to do in your allotment
There is plenty to do on the allotment in October as the growing season winds down.
Clear spent crops
Remove finished crops and any diseased or damaged plant materials. Clearing beds helps keep the plot tidy and reduces potential hiding places for pests and diseases.
Sow overwintering crops
Make the most of the remaining growing season by sowing suitable overwintering crops such as broad beans, winter salads and spinach.
Plant broad beans
Hardy broad bean varieties can be sown directly into the ground during October. They can establish before winter and provide an early crop next year.
Cover bare soil
Don't leave soil completely exposed where you can avoid it. Cover bare areas with compost, well rotted manure or an appropriate mulch to protect the soil and add organic matter.
Add compost or manure
Autumn is a great time to improve your soil. Spread a layer of well-rotted organic matter over empty beds and allow winter weather to work it into the soil.
Collect seeds
Save seeds from healthy plants that have finished flowering or producing crops. Make sure seeds are completely dry before storing them in labelled airtight containers somewhere cool and dry.
Learn more about collecting seeds in our helpful guide!
Protect crops from frost
Use fleece, cloches or other suitable protection for vulnerable crops as temperatures fall.
Clear weeds before winter
Keep on top of weeds before winter arrives. Removing perennial weeds now can save you time when the garden comes active again in spring.
October gardening checklist: what to sow, plant and do
Sow
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Broad beans
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Peas
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Winter salads
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Spinach
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Mustard greens
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Sweet peas
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Wildflower seeds
Plant
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Spring bulbs
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Garlic
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Trees and shrubs
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Perennials
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Hardy biennials
Garden jobs
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Clear fallen leaves
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Prepare the lawn for winter
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Protect tender plants
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Prune where appropriate
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Divide herbaceous perennials
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Start making leaf mould
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Clean garden tools
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Prepare for frost
October gardening FAQs
What vegetables can I plant in October?
October is a good month to plant or sow a range of vegetables, including garlic, broad beans, winter salads, spinach, peas and some hardy leafy crops. The best choices will depend on your location, soil and the variety you are growing.
What flowers can I plant in October?
October is an excellent month for planting spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, alliums, and hyacinths. You can also plant hardy perennials and certain biennials.
What seeds can I sow in October?
Seeds that can be sown in October include broad beans, peas, spinach, winter lettuce, radish, mustard greens and winter salad varieties. Sweet peas, hardy annuals and some wildflower seeds can also be sown during autumn.
Is October a good time to plant spring bulbs?
Yes, October is an ideal time to plant many spring-flowering bulbs. Planting bulbs in autumn gives them time to establish roots before winter and prepares them for flowering in spring.
Can I still plant trees and shrubs in October?
Yes. Autumn is generally a good time to plant many trees and shrubs, as cooler temperatures and moist soil can help plants establish their roots before the growing season begins again.
Should I clear leaves from my lawn in October?
Yes. regularly clearing fallen leaves helps prevent them blocking light and air from reaching the grass. However, healthy leaves can be collected and used to make leaf mould rather than thrown away.
What should I do in my garden before winter?
Some of the most useful October gardening jobs include clearing leaves, preparing your lawn, protecting tender plants, planting spring bulbs, improving the soil, cleaning garden tools and preparing the first frosts.
What should I do on my allotment in October?
October allotment jobs include clearing spent crops, sowing overwintering vegetables, planting garlic and broad beans, improving the soil with compost or manure, collecting seeds, protecting crops from frost and keeping weeds under control.
What should I plant in October for next year?
Spring bulbs, garlic, broad beans, hardy perennials, trees and shrubs can all be planted in October to help prepare your garden for the seasons ahead.
October might signal the end of summer, but there is still plenty happening in the garden. From sowing winter crops and planting spring bulbs to preparing your lawn and protecting plants from the frost, the work you do now can make a big difference next year.