October · Mid-autumn

What to sow in October in London

16 crops are in their window this month in London — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 14 Apr
First frost≈ 8 Nov
Frost-free days38 days
October averages9°–17°C

Vegetables

13 in season
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Closes 19 Oct
Bok Choy
Direct sow · fall crops resist bolting better than spring ones
Closes 4 Oct
Broad Beans
Direct sow · pinch growing tips once pods set to deter aphids
Closes 18 Oct
Choy Sum
Direct sow · cut flowering stems young for the most tender bite
Closes 4 Oct
Garlic
Plant cloves · plant pointy-side up for straight, strong shoots
Closes 25 Oct

Herbs

3 in season
Chervil
Direct sow · prefers cool shade, bolts quickly once hot
Closes 4 Oct
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Closes 4 Oct
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Closes 9 Oct

Fruit · nothing to sow this month