What to sow in October

Discover some of the vegetables and flowers to plant this month and prepare yourself for colour- and flavour-rich beds.

From hardy vegetables to pollinator-friendly flowers, October is still full of planting opportunities. By sowing now, you give your garden a head start for spring — filling it with both flavour and colour when the new season arrives.

Here’s a list of our top vegetables and flowers to sow in October, along with expert tips on how and where to plant them. And remember: the right tools make every task easier. Whether you’re cultivating soil, sowing seeds, or mulching beds, STIGA’s smart gardening tools help you do it with less effort and more joy.

1. Vegetables to sow in October

 

Cauliflower

Common name: Cauliflower
When to sow: Indoors in winter, plant out in spring
Position: Full sun
Cultivation notes: Fertilise and water regularly; prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5–7.5).

Cauliflower  has a reputation for being sensitive to temperature and a bit tricky to grow, but the reward is worth it. Early-summer cropping cultivars like ‘Snowball’ can be sown under glass now, ready to transplant in spring.

  • Sow 2 cm deep in moist, peat-free compost, using multi-celled trays.
  • Thin out to one seedling per cell.
  • Keep protected undercover in a greenhouse or cold frame.
  • Plant out in spring, spacing plants around 75 cm (2.5 ft) apart.

STIGA tip: Preparing soil for demanding crops like cauliflower is easier with a STIGA tiller, helping you create the perfect texture and conditions for healthy growth.

 

Onions

Onions are one of the easiest crops to grow and a kitchen essential. From French onion soup to onion tart, onions can take centre stage, great as a side dish or flavour-filled condiment. 

Autumn-planting onion sets like ‘Radar’ are a great choice for October sowing.

  • Plant sets (small onions) into fertile soil, 10–15 cm apart, with tips just above the surface.
  • Space rows 30 cm apart.
  • Little watering is needed in winter, but check moisture in spring — onions thrive with plenty of water.

STIGA tip: To keep rows neat and weed-free, use a lightweight hoe or hand cultivator. For larger beds, a STIGA rotary tiller will save you hours of effort.

 


2. Flowers to sow in October

Phacelia

Common name: Scorpionweed
When to sow: Early October
Position: Full sun
Cultivation notes: Sow seeds in darkness — cover well with soil for successful germination. 

Phacelia is a hardy annual with lavender-blue blooms that bees can’t resist. It’s perfect for filling border gaps or growing as green manure to improve soil quality.

  •  Sow seeds 10 cm apart.
  •  Thin to 30 cm spacing once seedlings emerge.
  •  For cut flowers, sow in a well-prepared seed bed.

STIGA tip: A STIGA hand grubber is the perfect tool to help prepare and smooth seed beds before sowing, giving delicate seedlings the best start.

 

Orlaya grandiflora

Common name: White Laceflower
When to sow: September - October
Position: Full sun to light shade
Cultivation notes: Keep trays indoors or in a greenhouse during winter; plant seedlings outside in spring.

Delicate clusters of pure white blooms make orlaya grandiflora (better known as white laceflower) a stunning choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. With its long flowering period, it keeps pollinators happy well into summer. Grow it in a sunny, open position in well-drained soil

  • Sow seeds in trays at least 15 cm (6 in) deep to allow root growth.
  • Keep containers in a greenhouse or indoors over winter.
  • Plant seedlings out in spring.

 

Wallflower

Common name: Wallflower
When to sow: Late August to October
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Cultivation notes: Mulch after sowing to retain moisture.

It’s the ideal time for planting out spring-bedding plants, ready for a splash of colour in March. Wallflowers are fragrant, easy to grow, and ideal for adding early spring colour to beds and pots. Their long flowering season stretches into early summer.

  • Grow your bedding wallflowers in moist, but well-drained soil.
  • Mulch with 5 cm (2 inch) layer of compost to lock in moisture.
  • Choose either full sun or partially shady spot.
  • Works beautifully when paired with daffodils or tulips in pots - space them about 6 inches apart.

STIGA tip: When growing in pots, use a STIGA cordless blower-vac to clear fallen leaves quickly without disturbing your young plants.

Extend the season with STIGA

October is indeed still full of gardening opportunities, especially when it comes to preparing for a head start on the year ahead.

If you enjoyed this read, we recommend our article about "When & How to plant bulbs" for a further deep dive on the topic of sowing and planting during autumn. 

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