October in the Garden
October is a month of gathering in and clearing up. Shorter days, stronger winds and the first autumn frosts signal the end for many tender crops, although mild spells can still give salads and late beans time. Leaves begin to fall in quantity, offering valuable material for leaf mould. The garden is shifting towards rest, but soil preparation, bulb planting and fruit planting keep the month usefully busy.
What to sow & plant in October
Plant garlic and autumn onion sets in fertile, well-drained soil, choosing a sunny bed and protecting young growth from birds if needed. Continue planting spring bulbs, and begin planting bare-root fruit trees, currant bushes and raspberries once they are available and dormant. Sow broad beans in sheltered, free-draining ground for an early crop next year, or sow them in module trays where winters are severe. Under cover, sow winter lettuce, spinach and hardy oriental leaves. Plant wallflowers, violas and other hardy bedding for colour through the colder months.
Garden jobs for October
Clear spent beans, courgettes and tomato plants after harvest, composting only healthy material. Lift dahlias and other tender bulbs after frost blackens the foliage, dry them, label them and store them frost-free. Rake fallen leaves into a separate bin or bag to make leaf mould. Weed beds, edge lawns and spread compost or well-rotted manure over empty ground without digging it in if following a no-dig approach. Clean and disinfect pots, stakes and greenhouse surfaces, and check netting, cloches and fleece before harsher weather arrives.
Northern England & Scotland
Cooler northern areas can see frosts and saturated soil earlier in October. Lift dahlias promptly, finish harvesting squashes and outdoor tomatoes, and avoid walking on wet beds. Plant bare-root fruit as soon as stocks arrive, but delay planting if ground is frozen or waterlogged. Broad beans are safer in module trays or a protected bed, with fleece ready for cold snaps.
Southern England
In the milder south, tender crops may continue into October, particularly in sheltered gardens and greenhouses, though frost protection should still be ready. Soil is often workable for longer, giving time to plant garlic, onion sets and bulbs in stages. Bare-root fruit planting can start later in the month. Continue sowing hardy leaves under cover for dependable winter salads.
Gardening in October: frequently asked questions
What can I sow or plant in October in the UK?
Plant garlic and autumn onion sets in fertile, well-drained soil, choosing a sunny bed and protecting young growth from birds if needed.
What garden jobs are there in October?
Clear spent beans, courgettes and tomato plants after harvest, composting only healthy material.
What is different in northern Britain in October?
Cooler northern areas can see frosts and saturated soil earlier in October.
Timing varies with the season and your local conditions; the RHS or a local garden centre can advise. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.