Broad beans
Sow hardy autumn varieties directly outside in well-drained soil. Young plants can establish before winter and give you an early crop next year. Protect them from severe weather and pigeons.
What to sow in October
Monthly growing guide · UK gardens
What to sow in October
October is a quieter month for sowing, but there are still plenty of things you can grow. Choose hardy crops, protect young plants and make the most of any sheltered space you have.
The weather can change quickly in October, so sowing times will depend on where you live, your soil and whether you are growing outside, under cover or in a greenhouse. In colder areas, sow later in the month or protect young seedlings with fleece or a cloche.
Vegetables to sow in October
Peas
Hardy varieties can be sown in sheltered gardens or under cover. Choose an autumn or overwintering variety and avoid waterlogged soil.
Winter lettuce
Sow winter lettuce in a greenhouse, cold frame or sheltered container. It will grow slowly through the colder months.
Winter salad leaves
Try mizuna, mustard greens, land cress and lamb’s lettuce. Sow little and often under cover for a longer harvest.
Spinach
Hardy spinach can be sown early in October, particularly in milder areas or under protection. Keep the soil moist while seeds germinate.
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes can still be sown early in the month. They will grow more slowly as temperatures fall.
Garlic
October is a good time to plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil. Choose a sunny position and plant each clove with the pointed end facing upwards.
Spring onions
Hardy spring onion varieties can be sown under cover for small, fresh leaves during autumn and winter.
Do not forget overwintering onions
Onion sets are planted rather than sown from seed, but October is a useful time to plant overwintering varieties. Choose firm, healthy sets and plant them into soil that drains well.
October sowing checklist
- Check the seed packet before sowing.
- Choose hardy varieties suitable for autumn sowing.
- Avoid sowing into cold, waterlogged soil.
- Protect seedlings from slugs, pigeons and harsh weather.
- Label everything so you remember what you planted.
- Sow smaller amounts regularly rather than planting too much at once.
- Use a cold frame, greenhouse or cloche to extend the season.
What else can you do in October?
October is also a good month to clear finished crops, add compost to empty beds, collect leaves for leaf mould and tidy greenhouse space. Leave some seed heads and plant stems standing if they provide shelter or food for wildlife.
Keep it simple
You do not need to sow everything. Choose one or two crops, protect them well and keep an eye on the weather. Small autumn sowings can give you an earlier start next year.