October in the UK garden is a month of gentle change, as the vibrant colours of autumn deepen and the landscape prepares for winter’s rest. Despite the cooling temperatures and shorter days, October remains an excellent time to plant a variety of flowers that will brighten the late autumn and herald the coming spring. Whether you have a large garden, a small courtyard or a balcony, knowing what to plant in October helps you create a garden that offers beauty and interest through the colder months and beyond.
Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs
October is arguably the most important month for planting spring-flowering bulbs. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, hyacinths and alliums should be planted now in well-drained soil to establish strong roots before the frost sets in. These bulbs promise vibrant colours and delightful scents in spring, creating some of the most anticipated and joyful displays in the garden calendar.
For a natural look, bulbs can be scattered under deciduous trees or in wildflower areas where they will multiply and naturalise year after year, providing ongoing beauty and supporting local wildlife such as early pollinators.
Autumn-Flowering Plants and Hardy Perennials
While much of the garden slows down in October, there are still hardy perennials and autumn-flowering plants to add interest. Plants such as asters, sedums and heleniums provide late-season colour, often extending into November. Planting these now allows them to settle in well and come back stronger next year.
Winter pansies and violas can also be planted in borders and containers for cheerful colour that lasts through winter into early spring. Their ability to withstand frost makes them a favourite for autumn and winter gardeners.
Sowing Hardy Annuals and Biennials
October is a good time to sow hardy annuals such as calendula and cornflowers outdoors, which will germinate and grow through the autumn, offering late blooms. Biennials like wallflowers and sweet williams sown this month develop over winter and flower in spring and summer, providing long-lasting garden interest.
Container Planting and Indoor Gardening
Containers can be refreshed with winter-hardy plants such as cyclamen, pansies, hellebores and evergreen foliage plants. These provide structure and colour even when many other plants have finished for the year.
Indoor gardeners can start sowing seeds for early spring flowers like sweet peas and stocks in heated propagators or on sunny windowsills, giving a head start to the growing season.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
October is an ideal time to prepare your garden soil for winter. Clear away spent plants and fallen leaves, then enrich soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure and fertility for spring planting.
Mulching beds protects roots from frost and conserves moisture. Use organic mulches such as bark chips, straw or leaf mould for best results.
Tips for Small Gardens and Urban Spaces
For smaller spaces, October is perfect for planting spring bulbs in pots and window boxes. Choose good-quality, peat-free compost and ensure containers have drainage holes. Adding evergreen plants like box or ivy provides year-round interest alongside seasonal flowers.
Vertical gardening can continue with hardy climbers such as ivy or winter jasmine, which offer greenery and seasonal flowers without taking up much space.
Sustainability and Wildlife Benefits
Planting native spring bulbs and perennials supports local ecosystems and pollinators emerging early in the year. Avoiding chemical pesticides and using organic fertilisers promotes healthy soil and wildlife.
Collecting rainwater for watering and choosing peat-free composts are simple ways to make your October gardening more environmentally friendly.
In Summary
October is a vital and rewarding month for planting in the UK garden. By planting spring bulbs, hardy perennials and sowing hardy annuals, gardeners can create beautiful displays that extend from late autumn into spring and summer. With thoughtful preparation and care, your October plantings will ensure a garden full of colour and life throughout the seasons.
