What Can We Plant In The Vegetable Garden In October?

Vegetables to Start Growing in the UK in October

Garlic:

• Garlic can be planted directly into the ground in October. Varieties like ‘Solent Wight’ and ‘Purple Wight’ benefit from the cold period over winter, which helps to develop their bulbs. Plant the cloves pointy end up in well-drained soil.

Broad Beans:

• Broad beans can be sown directly outdoors in October. Varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ are hardy and will establish well over winter, providing an early harvest in spring. Sow in well-drained soil and support them as they grow.

Onions (Sets):

• Onion sets can be planted in October for an early summer harvest. Varieties like ‘Radar’ and ‘Electric’ are well-suited for autumn planting. Plant the sets in well-drained soil, with the tips just showing above the soil surface.

Spring Cabbage:

• Spring cabbage can be sown directly into the ground or in seed trays in October. Varieties like ‘April’ and ‘Durham Early’ will establish over winter and provide a harvest in early spring. Transplant the seedlings to their final positions when they are large enough to handle.

Peas:

• Peas can be sown directly outdoors in October for an early spring harvest. Varieties like ‘Feltham First’ and ‘Meteor’ are hardy and can withstand the colder weather. Sow in well-drained soil and provide support as they grow.

Spinach:

• Spinach can be sown directly into the ground in October. Varieties like ‘Perpetual Spinach’ and ‘Giant Winter’ thrive in cooler temperatures and will provide fresh leaves throughout autumn and into early winter.

Winter Lettuce:

• Winter lettuce varieties can be sown in October. Varieties like ‘Winter Density’ and ‘Arctic King’ are hardy and will provide fresh salad greens during the colder months. Sow under cloches or in a cold frame for best results.

Radishes:

• Quick-growing radish varieties can be sown in early October. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ and ‘Scarlet Globe’ grow quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks, making them ideal for a late-season crop.

Mizuna:

• Mizuna can be sown directly into the ground in October. This fast-growing leafy green is perfect for salads and stir-fries, and it thrives in the cooler temperatures of autumn.

Mustard Greens:

• Mustard greens can be sown directly into the ground in October. Varieties like ‘Red Giant’ and ‘Green Wave’ grow quickly and provide a spicy kick to salads and cooked dishes.

Land Cress:

• Land cress can be sown directly into the ground in October. It is a hardy alternative to watercress and will provide peppery leaves throughout the winter months.

Claytonia (Miner’s Lettuce):

• Claytonia can be sown directly into the ground in October. This hardy leafy green will provide a continuous harvest of fresh leaves throughout the winter.

Corn Salad (Lamb’s Lettuce):

• Corn salad can be sown directly into the ground in October. It is very hardy and will provide fresh leaves for salads throughout the winter months.

Herbs (Parsley):

• Parsley can be sown directly outdoors in October. It is a hardy herb that can withstand the colder months and will provide fresh leaves for culinary use throughout the winter.

Conclusion

Starting these vegetable seeds in October ensures that your garden remains productive as autumn transitions into winter. By sowing these hardy crops directly outdoors, you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures and prepare for a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the colder months. Ensure you provide the right conditions for each type of seed and monitor their growth for the best results. Enjoy a bountiful harvest from your garden during the winter season.

What Can We Plant In The Fruit Garden In October?

January is a pivotal month for setting up your fruit garden for success. While the weather outside may be cold and uninviting, this is the perfect time to plant a variety of hardy fruit plants and trees that can establish themselves before the growing season kicks into full gear. From berry bushes to fruit trees, these early plantings will give your garden a head start, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the months to come. This guide will walk you through the best fruit varieties to plant in January, providing tips and insights to help your fruit garden thrive.

Fruits to Start Growing in the UK in October

Strawberries:

• Strawberries can be planted in October using young plants or runners. Ensure they are in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cambridge Favourite’ and ‘Honeoye’ will establish well and produce fruit the following year.

Raspberries:

• Raspberries can be planted as container-grown plants in October. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Glen Ample’ will establish well and provide fruit in the following year. Plant the canes about 45cm apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Blueberries:

• Blueberries can be planted in October, especially container-grown plants. These acid-loving plants thrive in ericaceous (acidic) soil. Varieties like ‘Patriot’ and ‘Bluecrop’ are well-suited for planting in October. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and mulch with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity.

Blackberries:

• Blackberries can be planted as container-grown plants in October. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Triple Crown’ are good choices. Plant the canes about 1.5m apart and support them with a trellis or wires.

Gooseberries:

• Gooseberries can be planted as container-grown bushes in October. These hardy bushes thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Varieties like ‘Invicta’ and ‘Hinnonmaki Red’ will establish well. Space the plants about 1.2m apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Currants (Red, White, Black):

• Currants can be planted as container-grown bushes in October. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Ben Sarek’ (black), ‘Red Lake’ (red), and ‘Blanka’ (white) are excellent choices. Space the plants about 1.5m apart and mulch around the base.

Apples:

• Apple trees can be planted as container-grown trees in October. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Bramley’ and ‘Discovery’ are great choices for planting in October. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and backfill with soil. Stake the tree to provide support and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pears:

• Pear trees can be planted as container-grown trees in October. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Conference’ and ‘Doyenne du Comice’ are excellent for planting in October. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.

Plums:

• Plum trees can be planted as container-grown trees in October. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Opal’ are ideal for planting in October. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Cherries:

• Cherry trees can be planted as container-grown trees in October. These trees prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘Morello’ are good choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Peaches:

• Peaches can be planted as container-grown trees in October. Select a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Peregrine’ and ‘Redhaven’ are suitable for planting in October. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water well. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth.

Apricots:

• Apricot trees can be planted as container-grown trees in October. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Moorpark’ and ‘Goldcot’ are great choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Grapes:

• Grapevines can be planted as container-grown plants in October. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ are excellent choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots and provide a trellis or support system for the vines. Water well and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Figs:

• Fig trees can be planted as container-grown trees in October. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Brunswick’ are ideal for planting in October. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Conclusion

Starting your fruit plants in October can ensure a productive growing season for the following year. By planting container-grown varieties in sunny, well-drained locations, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of fruit and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a healthy and productive fruit garden.

What Can We Plant In The Flower Garden In October?

Flowers to Start Growing in the UK in October

Wallflowers:

• Wallflowers can be sown directly outdoors in October. These fragrant flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Siberian Wallflower’ and ‘Persian Carpet’ are excellent choices. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following spring.

Pansies:

• Pansies can be sown in October for autumn and winter color. These hardy flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Winter Flowering’ and ‘Cool Wave’ are ideal. Start seeds in trays and transplant to the garden when seedlings are large enough to handle.

Forget-Me-Nots:

• Forget-me-nots can be sown directly outdoors in October. These charming flowers prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Victoria Blue’ and ‘Sylva Blue’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for spring blooms.

Primroses:

• Primroses can be started from seed in October. These early bloomers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Crescendo Mixed’ and ‘Husky Mixed’ are good choices. Sow seeds in trays and transplant to the garden in autumn.

Violas:

• Violas can be sown in October for winter and spring blooms. These small, hardy flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Sorbet Mix’ and ‘Johnny Jump Up’ are ideal. Start seeds in trays and transplant to the garden when seedlings are large enough.

Foxgloves:

• Foxgloves can be sown directly outdoors in October. These tall, stately flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Excelsior Hybrids’ and ‘Pam’s Choice’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following year.

Sweet Williams:

• Sweet Williams can be sown directly outdoors in October. These fragrant flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Wee Willie’ and ‘Indian Carpet’ are excellent choices. Sow seeds directly in the garden for next year’s blooms.

Canterbury Bells:

• Canterbury Bells can be sown directly outdoors in October. These tall, bell-shaped flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cup and Saucer Mix’ are ideal. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following year.

Dianthus (Pinks):

• Dianthus can be sown directly outdoors in October. These fragrant, easy-to-grow flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Ideal Select Mix’ and ‘Sweetness’ will thrive. Sow seeds directly in the garden for next year’s blooms.

Lupins:

• Lupins can be sown directly outdoors in October. These tall, striking flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Russell Mix’ and ‘Gallery Mix’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following year.

Aquilegia (Columbine):

• Aquilegia can be sown directly outdoors in October. These elegant flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘McKana Giants’ and ‘Winky Double Mix’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for next year’s blooms.

Hollyhocks:

• Hollyhocks can be sown directly outdoors in October. These classic cottage garden flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chater’s Double’ and ‘Indian Spring’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following year.

Delphiniums:

• Delphiniums can be sown directly outdoors in October. These tall, majestic flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Pacific Giants’ and ‘Magic Fountains’ will thrive. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following year.

Sweet Peas:

• Sweet Peas can be sown directly outdoors in October for early spring blooms. These fragrant flowers need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Old Spice Mixed’ and ‘Cupani’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden and protect them from winter weather.

Cornflowers:

• Cornflowers can be sown directly outdoors in October. These classic cottage garden flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Blue Boy’ and ‘Mauve Ball’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for next year’s blooms.

Polyanthus:

• Polyanthus can be sown directly outdoors in October. These colorful flowers prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Pacific Giants’ and ‘Crescendo’ will add vibrant color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden for spring blooms.

Daisies:

• Daisies can be sown directly outdoors in October. These cheerful flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Shasta Daisy’ and ‘Ox-eye Daisy’ will establish well. Sow seeds directly in the garden for blooms the following year.

Winter Aconites:

• Winter Aconites can be planted as bulbs in October. These early spring bloomers prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant bulbs directly in the garden for a carpet of yellow flowers in late winter and early spring.

Conclusion

Starting your flower seeds in October can ensure a vibrant and colorful garden the following year. By planting hardy and early-blooming varieties directly outdoors, you can give your garden a head start. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of flower and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy a beautiful and productive flower garden with a variety of blooms that will brighten up your outdoor space.