What to Plant in October | Seasonal Gardening Guide for Lancashire & Beyond

Oct 1

10 min read

October might feel like the end of the gardening season, but there is still plenty to plant. As temperatures cool and the days grow shorter, you can prepare your garden for winter, grow hardy crops and get a head start on next spring's flowers.

Whether you have a large garden, an allotment, a few raised beds or just some pots on a patio, October is a great time to make the most of your growing space.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to plant in October in the UK, including vegetables, herbs, spring bulbs and wildlife-friendly plants, along with practical tips to help your garden thrive through the colder months.

1. Garlic

October is an excellent time to plant garlic in many parts of the UK. Planting in autumn gives the cloves time to establish roots before winter, helping them develop into bulbs ready for harvest the following summer.

How to plant garlic:

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Separate a garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact.
Plant each clove about 5cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.
Space cloves around 10–15cm apart, with approximately 25–30cm between rows.
Water lightly if the soil is dry.

Garlic can rot in waterlogged soil, so avoid planting in areas that remain soggy after rainfall. If your soil is heavy, try growing garlic in a raised bed or a large container with good drainage.

2. Broad Beans

Hardy varieties of broad beans can be sown outdoors in October, particularly in milder areas. They will establish before winter and may produce an earlier crop next year than spring-sown plants.

How to grow broad beans in October:

Choose a sheltered, sunny position.
Sow seeds around 5cm deep and 20cm apart.
Leave approximately 45cm between rows.
Protect young plants from severe weather and watch for mice digging up newly planted seeds.

If your garden is exposed or your soil is very wet, consider sowing in pots in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse and planting out later.

3. Overwintering Onion Sets

Onion sets are small, immature onion bulbs that can be planted in autumn for an early crop the following year. Look for varieties specifically labelled for autumn or overwintering.

How to plant onion sets:

Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil.
Push each set gently into the soil, leaving the tip just visible.
Space sets around 10cm apart, with 25–30cm between rows.
Keep the area weed-free so young onions do not have to compete for light and nutrients.

Avoid planting spring varieties in autumn, as they may not tolerate winter conditions as well.

4. Spring Bulbs

October is an ideal month to plant many spring-flowering bulbs, including daffodils, crocuses, alliums and many tulips.

Planting now allows bulbs to establish roots before winter, bringing colour back to your garden after the colder months.

Tips for planting spring bulbs:

Choose a suitable sunny or partially shaded position, depending on the variety.
Plant bulbs at a depth of roughly two to three times their height, unless the packaging advises otherwise.
Place bulbs with their pointed ends facing upwards.
Water after planting if the soil is dry.
Try planting bulbs in groups or drifts for a more natural display.

For containers, choose pots with drainage holes and use a suitable peat-free compost. You can layer different bulb varieties in larger containers to enjoy flowers over several weeks.

5. Hardy Salad Leaves

You may still be able to grow fresh salad leaves in October, especially under cover. Hardy varieties can provide small harvests through autumn and winter, although growth will slow as temperatures and daylight decrease.

Try:

Lamb's lettuce
Winter purslane
Hardy varieties of lettuce
Mizuna
Mustard greens

Sow thinly in containers, greenhouse beds or a sheltered growing space. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and harvest leaves as needed.

In colder areas, use a greenhouse, cold frame or fleece to provide extra protection. Choose varieties recommended for autumn or winter growing, as ordinary summer salad mixes may struggle.

6. Spinach

Some hardy spinach varieties can be sown in early October, particularly in milder locations or under cover. Later sowings may establish too slowly to provide much growth before winter.

How to grow spinach:

Sow seeds around 2–3cm deep.
Space seeds or thin seedlings according to the variety.
Choose fertile soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Protect plants from harsh weather if necessary.

Spinach grows best in cool conditions, but short days and low temperatures will slow its growth. If you are sowing late in the month, growing under cover can improve your chances.

7. Radishes Under Cover

Fast-growing radishes can still be worth trying in October if you have a greenhouse, cold frame or sheltered container. Outdoor sowings are more likely to struggle as temperatures fall.

Choose quick-maturing varieties and sow small quantities rather than planting a large row.

Keep the soil evenly moist and avoid overcrowding, which can result in poor root development. If growth becomes very slow, leave the plants to develop gradually rather than expecting the rapid harvests you might get in spring or summer.

8. Peas for an Early Crop 🫛

In milder parts of the UK, hardy varieties of round-seeded peas can be sown in October for an earlier crop the following year. They are generally more suitable for autumn sowing than varieties intended for spring planting.

Before you sow:

Check the seed packet for autumn-sowing recommendations.
Choose a sheltered position with well-drained soil.
Consider sowing in pots or under cover if mice, slugs or wet soil are a problem.
Provide suitable support as plants grow.

Autumn-sown peas are not guaranteed to survive every winter, especially in exposed or very cold locations. Treat them as an experiment if you are new to growing them, and save some seeds for spring sowing too.

9. Hardy Herbs

Some herbs can be planted in October, particularly established plants grown in pots. Hardy perennial herbs such as thyme, sage and chives can often be planted while the soil is still workable.

October herb-growing tips:

Choose well-drained soil for Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and sage.
Plant in a sheltered, sunny position where possible.
Avoid overwatering during cool, wet weather.
Use pots with drainage holes if growing on a patio or balcony.

Tender herbs, including basil, are unlikely to thrive outdoors through a UK winter. Bring suitable plants indoors or focus on hardy varieties that can cope with cooler conditions.

For more advice, read our guide to How to Grow Herbs at Home.

10. Strawberries

October can be a good time to plant strawberry runners or young plants, provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen. Establishing plants now gives them time to develop roots before the next growing season.

Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants according to the variety and keep the crown — where the leaves emerge — level with the soil surface.

Strawberries also grow well in containers, making them a useful option for smaller gardens and patios. Water after planting, but avoid leaving pots sitting in water during wet weather.

11. Trees and Shrubs

Autumn is a useful time to plant many trees and shrubs, especially container-grown plants. As temperatures cool, the soil may remain warm enough for roots to establish before spring.

Depending on local conditions, October can also be the beginning of the season for planting bare-root trees and shrubs, although availability varies.

Consider:

Native hedging plants such as hawthorn and hazel
Fruit trees suited to your garden
Berry-producing shrubs for birds
Flowering shrubs that provide food for pollinators at different times of year

Check the mature size of each plant before buying, and avoid planting into waterlogged soil. Water newly planted trees and shrubs during dry spells, even in autumn.

Choosing plants that provide flowers, berries or shelter can help make your garden more welcoming to wildlife.

12. Wildlife-Friendly Flowers and Plants

October is also a good time to think about how your garden will support wildlife over the coming months and into next year.

Spring bulbs such as crocuses can provide an early source of pollen for emerging pollinators. Ivy flowers can offer valuable late-season nectar where established plants are already growing, while shrubs with berries can provide food for birds.

You can also:

Plant suitable native trees and shrubs.
Leave some seed heads standing over winter.
Keep a small area of fallen leaves beneath shrubs or in a quiet corner.
Avoid unnecessary pesticide use.
Provide a shallow water source with stones or a safe landing edge.

You do not need to make your entire garden wild. Even a few thoughtful changes can provide extra food and shelter.

For more ideas, see our guide to How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden and our advice on How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden.

What Gardening Jobs Should You Do in October?

Alongside planting, October is a useful month for preparing your garden for winter.

Here are a few jobs to add to your list:

Harvest remaining crops: Pick ripe tomatoes, beans, squash and other crops before frost damages them.
Prepare the soil: Add mature compost to empty beds and consider mulching to protect the soil.
Collect fallen leaves: Gather leaves for leaf mould, leaving some in suitable areas for wildlife.
Clear diseased plants: Remove plants affected by serious disease, but leave healthy stems and seed heads where appropriate.
Protect containers: Raise pots onto feet to improve drainage and move tender plants somewhere sheltered.
Clean and store tools: Remove soil, dry tools and check equipment before winter.
Plan next year's garden: Review what grew well and decide which crops, flowers and herbs you want to try next season.

For more detailed advice, read our guide to How to Prepare Your Garden for Autumn.

What Can You Plant in October in a Small Garden?

You do not need a large garden or allotment to keep growing in October. Containers, raised beds and sunny windowsills can all provide useful growing space.

For small gardens, patios and balconies, try:

Garlic in a deep pot with good drainage.
Hardy salad leaves in window boxes.
Spring bulbs in containers.
Strawberries in pots or hanging planters.
Thyme, sage or chives in containers.
Broad beans in deep pots, in a sheltered position.

Choose containers with drainage holes and use compost suitable for the plants you are growing.

Remember that pots can become waterlogged during prolonged autumn rain, so check them regularly.

If you are interested in growing more of your own food in limited space, read our guide to How to Grow Your Own Food in a Small Garden.

October Planting Tips for Lancashire and the North West

October conditions vary across the UK. In Lancashire and the North West, rainfall, local temperatures, garden exposure and soil type can all influence what will grow successfully.

Keep these tips in mind:

Make drainage a priority. Heavy or waterlogged soil can cause garlic, bulbs and other plants to rot. Use raised beds or containers if necessary.

Take advantage of sheltered spots. Walls, fences and hedges can offer some protection from wind, but avoid planting where the soil stays excessively wet.

Check the forecast. A mild October can offer good planting opportunities, but sudden cold weather may affect tender seedlings and newly planted crops.

Choose suitable varieties. Look for seeds and bulbs specifically recommended for autumn planting or overwintering.

Do not rush. If the ground is frozen, saturated or difficult to work, wait for better conditions rather than damaging the soil.

The key is to work with the conditions you have, rather than expecting every crop to grow at the same speed.

How October Planting Supports a Greener Community

At Let's Grow Preston, gardening is about more than what we grow. Our community gardens and horticulture-based activities use practical growing as a way to bring people together, improve mental and physical health, share skills and create opportunities to take part in green spaces.

Seasonal planting gives people the chance to learn about soil, plant care, food growing and biodiversity through hands-on activities. It also encourages us to think about how our gardens can support wildlife, make productive use of space and contribute to more sustainable ways of living.

Whether you are planting garlic in a pot, preparing a raised bed or helping care for a shared garden, small practical actions can become opportunities to learn, contribute and connect with others.

Through our community gardens, volunteering opportunities and Gardening Club workshops, Let's Grow Preston helps people build horticultural skills and take part in growing activities across Preston.

Start Planning Your October Garden

October is far from the end of the gardening year. With garlic, overwintering onions, hardy salad leaves, spring bulbs and wildlife-friendly plants to choose from, there are plenty of ways to keep your garden productive and prepare for the seasons ahead.

Start with one or two plants that suit your space and local conditions. Check the variety, prepare the soil or container carefully, and give your plants the best chance of establishing before winter.

If you would like to develop your gardening skills, explore Let's Grow Preston's community gardens, volunteering opportunities and Gardening Club workshops.

Happy planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetables can I plant in October in the UK?

You can plant garlic, overwintering onion sets and, in suitable conditions, broad beans, hardy spinach, winter salad leaves, radishes under cover and autumn-sowing pea varieties. Check the variety and local conditions before sowing.

Is October too late to plant vegetables?

No. October is still suitable for several autumn and overwintering crops. Growth will slow as temperatures and daylight decrease, so choose hardy varieties and protect young plants where needed.

Can I plant garlic in October?

Yes. October is a good time to plant garlic in many parts of the UK. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant individual cloves with the pointed end facing upwards.

What flowers should I plant in October?

October is a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses, alliums and many tulips. Choose varieties suited to your soil and planting conditions.

Can I plant in pots in October?

Yes. You can grow garlic, hardy salad leaves, spring bulbs, strawberries and some herbs in containers. Make sure pots have drainage holes and do not become waterlogged during wet weather.

What can I plant in October in Lancashire?

In Lancashire, you can try garlic, overwintering onion sets, spring bulbs, hardy herbs and suitable autumn-sown vegetables. Broad beans, peas and salad leaves may also be possible depending on the weather, shelter and whether you can grow under cover.

Should I feed my garden soil in October?

You can spread mature compost over empty beds and use an appropriate organic mulch. Avoid digging or working soil when it is very wet, as this can damage its structure.

What should I do if frost is forecast?

Protect tender plants and vulnerable seedlings with suitable fleece or move containers to a sheltered position. Hardy crops may tolerate cooler conditions, but check the needs of each variety and avoid planting when the soil is frozen.