This guide forms part of our month-by-month allotment planting calendar.
October is where planting becomes selective.
Growth has slowed noticeably, daylight is limited, and the allotment begins to feel quieter. That doesn’t mean planting stops — but it does mean every decision needs a reason.
October planting is about overwintering, holding ground, and setting up for early harvests next year rather than chasing quick wins.
Understanding October Growing Conditions
Soil temperatures are still workable early in the month, but plants will put on very little top growth from here on.
Key realities in October:
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shorter days matter more than temperature
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germination is slower
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crops need to tolerate sitting still
Anything planted now must be happy growing slowly or simply surviving winter.
What You Can Still Sow Outdoors in October
Options are limited, but the right ones are valuable.
Spinach can still be sown early in October, particularly hardy varieties intended to overwinter. These won’t give much growth now, but they establish roots and provide leaves later on.
Some winter salad leaves can also be sown, though expectations should be modest. These are about early spring harvests, not autumn abundance.
If your plot is sheltered and soil is in good condition, a small sowing can still be worthwhile — but only in the first half of the month.
Crops That Benefit Most From October Planting
October suits crops that are happy to sit quietly.
Chard planted earlier can still be planted out now if it’s already established. Growth will slow, but plants often overwinter well and bounce back strongly.
Overwintering onions and garlic are usually planted later in autumn, but October is when beds should be prepared with those crops in mind.
The emphasis now is not speed, but survival.
What to Start Under Cover in October
Most October sowing benefits from protection.
Spinach or salad seedlings raised under cover have a better chance of surviving early frosts and erratic weather. Modules allow stronger plants to be planted out when conditions allow.
However, under cover does not create summer conditions. Growth will still be slow.
Crops Not Worth Starting in October
October is not the month for experimentation.
Avoid starting:
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beans of any kind
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root crops for size
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brassicas for winter heads
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tender or fast summer crops
Even if seeds germinate, they rarely develop into worthwhile plants.
How October Fits Into the Allotment Year
October planting is tightly linked to winter planning.
Some beds will be deliberately left empty, either to rest, improve soil, or prepare for overwintering crops. Planting less now often leads to better results later.
This is also when good crop rotation decisions reduce pressure next spring.
A Common October Mistake
The most common mistake is planting for activity rather than outcome.
October isn’t about keeping busy. It’s about making a few calm, deliberate decisions that pay off months later.
Final Thoughts
October marks the shift from growing to groundwork.
Plant only what makes sense, accept slower progress, and focus on overwintering crops that quietly hold their place. A restrained October leads to a far stronger start next year.