The best seeds to sow in October

Cauliflower has a reputation for being sensitive to temperature and a bit tricky to grow, so prepare your soil well. We recommend early-summer cropping cultivars like ‘Snowball’ for sowing under glass now. 

• Sow in multi-celled trays 2cm deep in moist, peat-free seed or multi-purpose compost.

• Thin out to one seedling per cell.

• Keep undercover in a greenhouse or cold frame.

• Plant out in spring, around 75cm (2.5 ft) apart.

Onions are hugely versatile. From French onion soup to onion tart, onions can take centre stage, be a great side dish or flavour-filled condiment. Plus, they’re easy to grow. We recommend autumn-planting onion varieties including ‘Radar’.

• Plant the sets (small onions) into fertile soil, 10-15cm apart, in full sun.

• Plant just below the soil surface, with only the tips showing.

• Allow 30cm between rows.

• You shouldn’t need to water in winter, but check your moisture levels in spring – onions need plenty of it.

This hardy annual’s lavender-blue flowers are a hit with bees and other pollinators. We suggest you scatter your seeds into gaps in your borders if your phacelia are there purely to attract bees and insects.          

• Sow phacelia seeds 10cm apart.

• Thin them to 30cm a few weeks later.

• For cut flowers, plant into a well-prepared seed bed. 

Another plant that insects love, orlaya grandiflora is better known as white laceflower. It’s a great choice for wildlife gardens, with clusters of delicate, pure white flowers and a long flowering period. Grow it in a sunny, open position in well-drained soil.

• Sow your orlaya grandiflora seeds in a seed tray, at least 6 inches deep to leave adequate space for the roots

• Bring your containers indoors or into a greenhouse during the winter months.

• Plant the seedlings outside in the spring.

It’s the ideal time for planting out spring-bedding plants, ready for a splash of colour in March. Wallflowers are easy to grow, have an amazing scent and a long flowering period, from spring to early summer. 

• Grow your bedding wallflowers in moist, but well-drained soil.

• Help retain moisture – mulch with a 2-inch layer of compost

• Choose either full sun or a partially shady spot.

• Wallflowers also work well with daffodil or tulip bulbs in pots – space them about 6 inches apart.