October is the month the winter garden takes its final shape. In a Mediterranean climate, the first autumn rains soften the soil, which in most areas still holds enough warmth for new plants to root before the cold. Garlic, broad beans and peas go into the ground now, sowings of leafy greens and transplanting of brassicas continue, most spring bulbs are planted, and cyclamen, pansies and chrysanthemums fill balconies. It is also the start of the planting season for evergreen trees and shrubs. Everything that began with the September plantings carries on now, with a few differences depending on the region.
Vegetables to sow and plant in October
| Vegetable | Sow or plant | Harvest |
| Garlic | Plant cloves, mainly from mid-month | Early next summer |
| Broad beans, peas | Direct sowing, with the first rains | Spring |
| Onion | Plant sets | Green onions in winter, dry bulbs in summer |
| Spinach, arugula, lettuce, endive | Direct sowing or trays, in batches every 2 weeks | From November and through winter |
| Kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower | Transplant ready seedlings | Winter to early spring |
| Carrot, beetroot, radish | Direct sowing in deep, loose soil | Radishes in a month, the rest in 2 to 3 |
| Leek, celery | Transplant seedlings | Winter to spring |
October is the main month for winter legumes. Broad beans and peas sown now root before the cold, flower early in spring, and leave nitrogen in the soil for the next crop. Garlic goes in mainly from mid-month, with cloves 3 to 5 cm deep and the pointed end up. Swiss chard can also be sown throughout the month.
On a balcony, leafy greens and radishes do well in troughs 20 cm deep, while garlic and peas need deeper pots of 25 to 30 cm, filled with good potting mix.
What changes from region to region
| Region | What to watch in October |
| Southern coasts and islands | The soil stays warm, so sowings of leafy greens do better from mid-month. Transplanting continues comfortably |
| Central and inland areas | The most favourable month for almost all autumn planting |
| Northern and mountain areas | Planting is best finished early in the month, so plants root before the first frosts. Tender plants in pots are prepared to move to a sheltered spot |
In colder temperate climates, where frost arrives in October, garlic, broad beans, spring bulbs and hardy annuals still go in, while most leafy greens are better sown under cover.
Is it too late to plant in October
No. In a Mediterranean climate, October is one of the best planting months of the year. Garlic, broad beans, peas, leafy greens, root crops, spring bulbs, winter bedding and evergreen shrubs all go in now, and the warm soil and autumn rains help them establish before winter.
Herbs
Parsley, dill and celery can still be sown or transplanted in October, and do well in the cool weather. Perennial herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage are planted now as ready plants, so they root with the winter rains and go strongly into their first summer. Mint divided in September roots during the month.
Spring bulbs
October is the main month for autumn bulbs. Daffodils and hyacinths are planted throughout the month, as are crocus, iris and freesia, for flowers from late winter into spring.
Tulips are planted once the soil has cooled, and in warm southern areas after pre-chilling the bulbs in the fridge. The same rules apply to all bulbs, namely free-draining soil, a depth of two to three times the bulb's height with the tip pointing up, and a good watering after planting.
Pansies planted in October flower through the winter on balconies and in window boxes
Flowers for the autumn and winter balcony
October is the peak season for cold-weather flowers. Pansies planted now flower all winter, while cyclamen go into pots and shady beds.
Chrysanthemums reach their peak, and stocks and forget-me-nots from August seed trays are transplanted to their final position. Hardy annuals such as calendula, snapdragon, bellis, cornflower and sweet pea are sown or planted now for flowers in late winter and spring, and ornamental cabbage adds colour to troughs until spring.
Trees and shrubs
Autumn is the best planting season for most evergreen trees and shrubs, because the soil is still warm and the rains help roots establish before winter. In October, evergreen ornamentals such as pittosporum and photinia, conifers, and fruit or ornamental trees sold in containers are planted. Bare-root deciduous trees wait for winter, when they are dormant.
Pruning this month is light. Dead, broken and diseased branches are removed, hedges and herbs get a gentle shaping after flowering, and faded flowers are taken off roses. Heavy pruning of deciduous trees waits until the leaves fall, because large cuts do not have time to close before the cold. The main rose pruning takes place at the end of winter.
Other jobs for the month
- Clearing the vegetable garden: summer plants that have finished, such as tomatoes and peppers, are pulled out. Healthy debris goes to the compost, while diseased plants are removed so they do not carry disease into next year
- Watering: reduce it as the rains return, and adjust automatic systems accordingly
- Lawn: in warm areas, sowing and overseeding can still be done early in the month, while the soil holds its warmth. Fallen leaves are raked off the lawn regularly
- Soil: beds being prepared for planting are enriched with compost or rotted manure
- Plant protection: snails and caterpillars return to brassicas with the damp weather, so young plants need regular checks
Frequently asked questions
What vegetables can I plant in October
Garlic, broad beans, peas, onion sets, spinach, arugula, lettuce, endive, carrots, beetroot and radishes, as well as seedlings of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and leeks.
When should garlic be planted
Mainly from mid-October to November, with cloves 3 to 5 cm deep and the pointed end up.
What flowers can I plant in October
Pansies, cyclamen and chrysanthemums for balconies, stocks and forget-me-nots from summer seed trays, hardy annuals such as calendula, snapdragon, cornflower and sweet pea for later flowers, and most spring bulbs.
When should tulips be planted
From mid-September and through October, once the soil has cooled. In warm southern areas, the bulbs are pre-chilled in the fridge first.
What trees can I plant in October
Evergreen ornamentals such as pittosporum and photinia, conifers, and fruit or ornamental trees in containers. Bare-root deciduous trees are planted in winter.
What should I prune in October
Only light pruning: dead, broken and diseased branches, gentle shaping of hedges and herbs, and faded flowers on roses. Heavy pruning waits until the leaves have fallen.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society, October gardening jobs.
