October Seed Sowing

October signals the approach of late autumn, but there are still opportunities to sow certain vegetables, herbs and flowers for overwintering and early spring harvests. With cooler days and shorter light hours, focus on hardy and fast-growing crops that can tolerate mild frost. Ideal seeds to sow in October in the UK include garlic, broad beans for early spring, winter salads, spinach, mizuna, rocket and hardy lettuces. Herbs such as parsley, chives and coriander can also be sown in protected spaces like cold frames or indoors. For flowers, sow sweet peas, wallflowers and hardy annuals in pots or sheltered beds to establish roots before winter. Protect young seedlings from frost with cloches, fleece or cold frames, and ensure soil is well-drained. With Seed Envy’s premium range of seeds, October sowing allows gardeners to make the most of autumn and set up a productive start to the next growing season.