'October in scarlet and russet and grey'

What Seeds to Sow in October - Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers

October always feels like a turning point in my garden. The evenings draw in, the air gets colder, and many of my summer crops are on their way out. But instead of seeing it as the end of the growing season, I treat October as a chance to prepare for the months ahead. I find it’s one of the best times to sow hardy vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can survive the winter and give me a head start in spring.

Hardy Vegetables

Turnips, spinach, winter lettuce and hardy varieties of broad beans and peas are high on the agenda. Choose varieties that can tolerate the colder weather. For example, winter lettuce ‘Arctic King’, broad bean ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ or pea ‘Meteor’.

Planting onion sets and shallots gives these overwintering varieties chance to settle in over the winter, then surge into growth as the days lengthen, giving me an early summer harvest.

You could also plant garlic now. Technically, it’s not a seed but a clove, but treat it the same way. Autumn planting means the cloves get the chill they need to split properly into bulbs.

When we had the polytunnel we would sow winter salads like lamb’s lettuce, rocket, mizuna, and mustard greens. Instead, if it’s not too windy I’ll cover a trough with a cloche. I find that with just a little protection from frosts; I can pick fresh leaves right through the winter months. Having that bit of fresh greenery on my plate in January adds a boost.

 

Herbs I Like to Sow Now

I’ve learned that some herbs actually prefer the cooler months. Parsley is one I always sow in October. It takes its time to germinate, but once it gets going, I can pick from it throughout winter. I’ve also had success with coriander and chervil at this time of year; they prefer the cooler temperatures and don’t bolt as quickly as they do in summer.

Flowers to Sow in October

My favourite is sweet peas. I start them in pots, outside in a sheltered corner, then plant them out in spring. Sowing them now gives me strong, sturdy plants and earlier blooms. Wallflowers are another great choice for autumn sowing, bringing a welcome burst of colour to my borders when spring finally arrives.

Sowing hardy annuals such as cornflowers, calendula, and larkspur in autumn gives them a head start, and they always flower earlier and stronger than the ones sown in spring, providing the slugs and snails don’t find them.

My Tips for October Sowing

I’ve learned that soil conditions matter a lot. In October my ground can become heavy and wet, which isn’t ideal for germination. If the soil feels too claggy, I switch to sowing in modules first before planting out. I sometimes use fleece or cloches to protect seedlings from the harshest frosts.

Just Beginning 

So while October might look like the end of the gardening year, I see it as a fresh beginning. With broad beans, garlic, onions, winter salads, and a few hardy flowers, my garden keeps ticking over — and I know I’ll be rewarded when spring arrives.

Quote was from

October in scarlet and russet and grey
Is hymning of Plenty and wine...
How calm is the morn! In high treble the stream
Is singing in rambling measure
Like a bard all enrapt that would catch on a theme
In the mazes of Fancy and pleasure!
~James Rigg, "Nutting Time," Wild Flower Lyrics and Other Poems, 1897