Wondering what to plant in October? With warmer soil, longer days and plenty of new growth, October is a great time to add warm-season vegies and colourful flowers to the garden.
As temperatures climb, keep new seedlings well watered while they establish and mulch around your vegies to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
5 vegetables to plant in October
Chilli
Give chillies a warm, sunny position with rich, well-drained soil. Keep watering consistent as plants establish and begin producing fruit.
Lettuce
Choose a position with morning sun and some protection from the hottest afternoon conditions. Regular watering will help keep the leaves tender as temperatures rise.
Radish
Quick and easy to grow, radishes can be sown directly into loose, well-drained soil. Sow small batches every couple of weeks for a staggered harvest.
Button squash
Plant button squash in full sun with plenty of room to spread. Keep plants well watered, particularly once flowering and fruiting begin.
Spring onion
Sow spring onions directly into loose, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Keep the soil consistently moist while they establish and harvest as needed once the stems reach a useful size.
What to plant in October – flowers
Begonia
Great for adding colour to pots and protected garden areas. Most begonias prefer bright, filtered light or part shade rather than harsh afternoon sun.
Celosia
A colourful warm-season favourite that thrives in sunshine and well-drained soil. Celosia is perfect for brightening garden beds and pots.
Nasturtium
Easy-growing nasturtiums bring cheerful flowers to garden beds, pots and hanging baskets. As a bonus, their flowers and leaves are edible too.
Portulaca
Perfect for hot, sunny spots, portulaca handles heat and drier conditions well once established and produces masses of colourful flowers.
Vinca
Another heat-loving favourite, vinca flowers best in a sunny position with well-drained soil and makes a colourful addition to pots, borders and garden beds.
Get your October garden ready
Before planting, prepare garden beds with organic garden soil where extra soil is needed, then finish with The Garden Family Sugar Cane Mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds as the weather warms.
Planting in pots? Start with The Garden Family Pot Perfection Professional Potting Mix to give your new plants a quality growing base.
Now you know what to plant in October, you’ll be well on your way to a productive and colourful garden for the warmer months ahead.
