Vegetable Seeds to Sow in October: Start Your Autumn Planting
October marks the beginning of autumn, but it’s far from the end of your gardening season. This month offers the perfect opportunity to plant vegetable seeds that thrive in cooler temperatures. By sowing now, you’ll prepare your garden for a productive winter and an early spring harvest.
With temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), October provides excellent conditions for hardy greens, root vegetables, and overwintering crops. Whether planting directly into the soil, using a greenhouse, or taking advantage of a cold frame, there’s still plenty to grow. Adding fresh compost and mulch can help your soil retain warmth and nutrients during this transitional season.
Gardening in October is a rewarding way to make the most of the changing seasons while keeping your garden productive. This guide will walk you through the best vegetable seeds to sow this month and helpful tips for achieving healthy growth and vigorous plants. Embrace the cooler weather and enjoy the benefits of an autumn garden filled with life and potential.
Lettuce – Winter
October is an excellent time to sow winter lettuce, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, crisp leaves throughout the colder months. Select a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil to help your lettuce endure the winter chill. Sow seeds thinly in rows spaced about 20 cm apart. Consistent watering is key to maintaining healthy growth, so keep the soil moisture balanced without waterlogging. Winter varieties like “Winter Gem” or “Arctic King” are resilient and capable of withstanding light frosts. Regular harvesting of outer leaves allows continued growth. Incorporate them into salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish to lift your meals with home-grown, nutritious greens all winter, ensuring a fresh splash whenever you need it.
Strawberry
October is ideal for planting strawberries, setting the stage for a delicious harvest next summer. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden, and enrich the soil with compost to provide a nutrient-rich bed. Plant strawberry runners or young plants about 30 cm apart, allowing room for their foliage to spread and fruit to develop. Keep them watered through dry spells to help establish strong roots in winter. Strawberries are remarkably low-maintenance, and with a bit of care, they reward you with sweet, juicy berries when summer rolls around. Consider them for their delightful taste and the visual and sensory pleasure they add to your garden and table.
Check out the Sow Seeds December sowing range here.
Click here to see what we can sow next month
Back to The Gardeners Calendar
From Darren’s Patch
October is when my garden quietly shifts gears, but it never stops. I love sowing winter lettuce now—it’s such a reliable crop, and there’s something deeply satisfying about harvesting crisp leaves in the middle of winter. I grow mine under a cold frame, giving just enough protection to keep them strong through the frost. And strawberries—well, they’re one of my favourites. I always get my runners in the ground this month to settle in before the cold hits. Come summer, those early efforts pay off in bowls of sweet, juicy berries. Whether it’s a handful for breakfast or a show-stopping dessert, there’s absolute joy in knowing they came from your patch. October sowing sets the scene for future abundance—and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
