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What to Plant on the Allotment in October

Introduction

October is a key month on the allotment. While the days shorten and the first frosts arrive, there’s still plenty you can plant to keep your plot productive. Autumn planting ensures that crops and flowers establish roots over winter, ready to burst into growth in spring. From hardy vegetables to fruit trees and colourful bulbs, October offers a wide range of planting opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll explore what to plant on the allotment in October, helping you make the most of the season and set up your plot for success next year.

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Why Plant in October?

• Cooler soil and rainfall help roots establish without stress.
• Less competition from weeds as growth slows down.
• Overwintering crops give an earlier harvest in spring.
• Fruit and bulbs thrive when planted in autumn.
• Saves spring workload by getting jobs done now.

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Vegetables to Plant on the Allotment in October

1. Garlic

• Plant cloves 15cm apart, 2–3cm deep.
• Best varieties: ‘Marco’, ‘Carcassonne Wight’, and ‘Solent Wight’.
• Needs free-draining soil and a sunny spot.

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2. Autumn Onion Sets

• Varieties like ‘Radar’, ‘Shakespeare’, ‘Electric’, and ‘Troy’ are perfect.
• Plant 10cm apart, tips just showing above the soil.
• Will overwinter and give an early harvest in June.

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3. Shallots

• Plant individual bulbs 15cm apart.
• Hardy varieties such as ‘Jermor’ work well in October.
• Great for smaller allotments as they store well.

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4. Broad Beans

• Hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ thrive when sown now.
• Sow directly into soil or under cloches for protection.
• Early sowings mean earlier crops next year.

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5. Peas

• Hardy types such as ‘Meteor’ and ‘Kelvedon Wonder’.
• Sow in rows or in guttering indoors, then transplant.
• Protect from mice with netting.

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6. Spinach

• Sow hardy varieties like ‘Perpetual’ or ‘Giant Winter’.
• Great for cut-and-come-again leaves.
• Sow under cloches or in a greenhouse for best results.

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7. Winter Salads

• Sow lamb’s lettuce, mizuna, mustard greens, and rocket.
• Grow under fleece or in cold frames.
• Perfect for a steady supply of fresh leaves through winter.

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8. Turnips

• Quick-growing root crop that can still be sown in early October.
• Varieties like ‘Tokyo Cross’ give harvests in as little as 6–8 weeks.

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Fruit to Plant on the Allotment in October

9. Fruit Trees

• Plant bare-root apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees.
• Autumn planting allows roots to establish before spring growth.
• Stake young trees for wind protection.

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10. Fruit Bushes

• Blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries, and blueberries.
• Plant in well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

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11. Raspberries

• Plant new canes of summer- or autumn-fruiting varieties.
• Space 45cm apart in rows.
• Add supports or wires for training.

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Flowers and Bulbs for the Allotment in October

12. Daffodils, Crocuses, and Hyacinths

• Plant now for spring colour on your allotment.
• Scatter through borders or grow in pots.

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13. Tulips

• Wait until late October or November to avoid disease.
• Plant 3x the bulb depth in sunny beds.

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14. Wallflowers

• Plant biennials now for a burst of colour in spring.
• Ideal for allotment borders or pollinator-friendly corners.

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15. Hardy Perennials

• Divide and replant clumps of perennials like daylilies or hostas.
• Gives stronger plants next year and fills gaps on the plot.

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Tips for Successful October Planting

• Use protection: Cloches, fleece, or polytunnels extend the season.
• Choose hardy varieties: Look for “autumn planting” or “winter hardy” labels.
• Prepare soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich beds.
• Space crops properly: Good airflow reduces disease over damp months.
• Plan crop rotation: Avoid planting onions or garlic in the same bed year after year.

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Conclusion

October may feel like the year is slowing down, but it’s one of the best times to plant on the allotment. From garlic and autumn onions to fruit trees, peas, and winter salads, there’s plenty you can sow or plant now to extend your harvests and get a head start on spring. With the right varieties and protection, your allotment will stay productive even as temperatures drop.

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Top 10 Questions About October Planting

1. What vegetables should I plant in October?
Garlic, autumn onions, shallots, broad beans, peas, spinach, winter salads, and turnips.

2. Can I still plant onions in October?
Yes, autumn onion sets like ‘Radar’ and ‘Shakespeare’ thrive when planted now.

3. Should I plant garlic in October or November?
Both work, but October is ideal for strong root growth.

4. Can I plant fruit trees in October?
Yes, bare-root trees establish best in cool, moist autumn soil.

5. What salads grow well in autumn?
Lamb’s lettuce, rocket, mizuna, and spinach.

6. Is October too late to sow peas?
No, hardy varieties like ‘Meteor’ can be sown in October.

7. Can I grow turnips in October?
Yes, quick-growing types like ‘Tokyo Cross’ are perfect.

8. What flowers should I plant in October?
Spring bulbs (daffodils, crocuses, tulips) and wallflowers.

9. Do I need to protect October sowings?
Yes, use fleece, cloches, or netting against frost and pests.

10. Is October a good time to plant fruit bushes?
Yes, blackcurrants, gooseberries, and raspberries do well planted now.

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