What to plant in October

October is for planting. Soil is warm, rain is reliable, and roots establish before winter — the best month for bulbs, bare-root roses and hedging.

What to sow in October: Broad beans (Aquadulce Claudia); Hardy peas; Sweet peas in pots for an early display; Garlic and overwintering onions.

What to plant in October: Tulip bulbs; Bare-root roses, fruit trees and hedging (late month); Garlic, overwintering onions, shallots; Spring cabbage transplants.

What to harvest in October: Apples and pears (store sound fruit); Pumpkins and squash (cure in sun); Maincrop potatoes; Beetroot, carrots, parsnips; Kale, leeks, autumn cauliflower.

Key jobs for October: Rake leaves into a leafmould bin; Lift and dry dahlia tubers (or mulch heavily); Empty and clean water butts; Insulate outdoor taps; Plant tulips at twice the bulb's depth.