October planting and harvesting guide

October planting and harvesting guide

Happy October gardening!

You might think that there isn't much to plant now - but there are still several crops you can get started to enjoy early next year. There's also lots you can do around the garden for your lawn - take a look at our guide to autumn.

If you've been growing throughout the summer, now is the time to start pulling out or cutting back a lot of the plants. Tomatoes, even still green, should be picked and you can ripen them at home in a dark cupboard.

Below is our straightforward guide to which fruit and veg you can plant in October, as well as which will be ready to harvest if you’re already growing.

For instructions and advice on how to grow fruit and veg in containers and small spaces, read our guide.

Vegetables

October harvest of fruits and veg

Sow outside directly into soil (containers, beds and borders will all work, whether in a garden or on a balcony).

Broad beans Cabbages Cauliflowers Garlic
Gooseberries Grape vines Onions Peas
Rhubarb Strawberries    

Ready to harvest

Harvestime of crops in October

If you already have crops growing, or if you’re just interested to know what’s in season, the fruit and veg usually ready to harvest in September are:

Fruit

Apples Cranberries Grapes Melons
Pears Plums Raspberries Strawberries
Tomatoes      

Vegetables

Aubergines Beetroot Broccoli Brussels Sprouts
Cabbages Carrots Cauliflowers Celeriac
Celery Chillies Courgettes Cucumbers
French and beans Garlic Leeks Lettuces
Marrows Onions Parsnips Peas
Peppers Potatoes Pumpkins Radishes
Runner beans Shallots Spinach Spring onions
Summer squash Swede Sweetcorn Sweet potatoes
Turnips      

Find your local store

Looking for specialised gardening advice? Or just hunting for a specific product? Visit your local store and get help from dedicated staff.