What to plant in October in the UK

Use this october checklist as a seasonal starting point, then check local frost, weather and the needs of each species.

October checklist

• Protect tender plants from frost.
• Reduce watering in cooler, darker conditions.
• Remove decaying material from terrariums and pots.

Plants we grow: what to do in October

• Coleus: Pot up indoors, Bring indoors. A houseplant all year that can summer outside once frosts are over. Bring it back in before nights drop below about 10°C.
• Tradescantia, Callisia and inchplants: Pot up indoors. Indoor trailing plants that can be potted up any month. Pinch and root the tips in spring and summer for bushier pots.
• Kalanchoe and Mother of Thousands: Pot up indoors. Succulent houseplants for a bright windowsill all year. Keep them on the dry side in winter. Toxic to pets.
• Cacti and trailing succulents: Pot up indoors. Pot up any month in gritty compost. Water sparingly from November to February while growth rests.
• Terrarium and foliage houseplants: Pot up indoors. Indoor and terrarium plants that can be planted any month. Keep them out of cold draughts and hot radiators in winter.
• English ivy: Pot up indoors, Plant outside. Hardy, so it can live indoors or go outside in spring or early autumn.
• Angel Wings (Senecio): Bring indoors. Silver foliage for sunny patios once frosts are over. Give it shelter or bring it in for winter.
• Tomatoes: Harvest. Tender. Plant in a greenhouse from April or outside once the last frost has passed.
• Squash and pumpkins: Harvest. Tender. Plant into rich soil once frosts are over and cure the fruit in the sun before storing.
• Runner beans: Harvest. Tender. Plant at the foot of canes after the last frost.
• Kohlrabi: Harvest. Hardy. Harvest when the swollen stems are tennis-ball sized.
• Leafy greens and brassicas: Harvest. Hardy, cut-and-come-again leaves. Late summer plantings crop into autumn.
• French marigolds: In flower. Tender bedding. Plant after the last frost. A good companion for tomatoes.
• Calendula (pot marigold): In flower. Hardy annual. Deadhead to keep the flowers coming.
• Cosmos: In flower. Tender annual. Plant after the last frost in a sunny spot.
• Nasturtiums: In flower. Tender. Plant after the last frost. Flowers best in poor soil.

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