Well, autumn has certainly settled into Derbyshire! I was hoping for a few more BBQs, but I think it’s time to hang up my tongs for the year and accept my rain poncho as part of my daily outfit!
At the plot, summer crops are ending, but there’s still plenty of work to be done to ensure your allotment or vegetable patch is thriving and ready for the colder months. October can be a rewarding time to harvest the last of your crops and prepare for winter and spring planting. I usually get very excited about our pumpkin harvest, but this year’s offering is pitiful!
Here’s my tips for the month ahead…
Harvesting What’s Left
By October, many summer crops will be winding down, but there’s still plenty you can bring in:
- Carrots
These can be left in the ground longer if needed, but don’t forget to check on them regularly. We have little stumpy chardonnay carrots in a tub in the garden, which are going in my next stew. - Leeks
Harvest as needed throughout autumn and winter; fingers crossed that the dreaded allium leaf miner hasn’t defeated you! - Brassicas
Cabbage, kale, and Brussels should be ready for picking soon, if not yet ready. October is a good time to check on caulis, too. - Squash and Pumpkins
These should be ready to harvest by the middle of the month. To prevent damage, harvest them before the first frost. - Potatoes
Any late-season varieties should be dug up now and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. - Apples and Pears
If you have fruit trees, now’s the time to bring in the last apples and pears.
Sowing for Spring
October might seem late for sowing, but there are a few crops that will establish well over winter and give you an early harvest next year:
- Garlic
Plant cloves now in well-drained soil. They’ll develop roots through the winter and burst into life come spring. - Onions and Shallots
Plant sets. They’ll grow over winter and give you an early crop like garlic. - Broad Beans
Sow directly into the ground. By starting them now, they’ll develop roots that will give you a head start. - Winter Lettuce
Varieties like ‘Winter Gem’ or ‘Arctic King’ can be planted in a cold frame or cloche for harvests into early winter.
Have a Tidy Up!
With many crops finishing, it’s a good time to clean up:
- Clear Debris
Remove dead plants, fallen leaves, and other debris that can harbour pests and diseases. Add healthy material to your compost (or I use it for lasagne gardening). - Mulch and Compost
Protect the soil by adding a thick layer of mulch or well-rotted compost to exposed beds. This will help preserve moisture and improve soil structure for spring. - Green Manure
Sow green manure on empty beds, such as field beans (I bought mine off Amazon) or clover. These will suppress weeds and improve the soil by fixing nitrogen. - Protect Winter Crops
Brassicas, like Brussels sprouts and kale, may need netting to protect them from birds. Use fleece or cloches to protect tender crops from the first frosts.
Tools and Maintenance
Autumn is the perfect time to check tools and allotment structures. Please double-check all sheds, polytunnels, and greenhouses. I know first-hand the upset of a phone call telling me my shed isn’t where I left it!
- Check Supports
Ensure any stakes, netting, or trellises are secure and ready to withstand winter weather. - Tool Maintenance
Sharpen blades, clean tools, and check for replacement or repair before next spring; winter is great for garden bargains!
There’s always something to do when you have an allotment. Have a great October!
Sarah.
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