What to Sow in October UK - Seeds for Autumn

October sowing is selective rather than busy. Sweet peas and a few hardy flowers can be started for next year, indoor herbs keep small-space gardeners growing, and mild conditions may allow final lawn repairs.

What to sow in October

Start sweet peas

Royal Blue, Royal White, Royal Maroon, Striped Ripple and Harlequin sweet peas can be sown indoors from October. Use deep pots, water gently and keep seedlings in a bright, cool, frost-free place. Too much warmth with too little light causes weak growth. 

Get a head start on next year’s flowers with our Sweet Pea Gift Set.

Sow godetia and hardy flower options

Godetia has an autumn window in the matrix, while alyssum may continue into October. Conditions vary, so protect pots from persistent rain and label autumn sowings clearly. 

Plan your next burst of garden colour with our Beautiful Blooms Flower Seed Variety Gift Bag.

Final lawn opportunities

October is the end of the main March-to-October lawn window in the product matrix. Germination slows as temperatures fall, so do not sow into cold, saturated ground. If conditions have turned, postpone until spring. 

Still mild enough to sow? Give your lawn a little autumn care with Speedy Seed, tackle bare patches with Ultra Patch, or explore Plush Lawn.

Grow something indoors

Cress, basil, parsley and other suitable herbs can be grown indoors, although winter light levels are lower. Bonsai and cactus kits provide another all-year option. 

Keep the growing going with our Bumper Herb Seeds, or start a new indoor project with our Bonsai range and Cactus Eco Kit.

What to sow	Where to sow	What to expect
Sweet peas	Deep pots in a cool, bright, frost-free place	Seedlings establish over winter for earlier flowers next year.
Godetia	Outdoors in mild conditions or in sheltered pots	Slow growth now, followed by earlier flowers next year.
Alyssum	In pots or trays in a bright, sheltered place	Slow autumn growth with the potential for earlier flowers.
Cress	Indoors on a bright windowsill	Quick shoots that may be ready to harvest within two weeks.
Basil	Indoors somewhere warm and bright	Slower growth and small harvests due to lower light levels.
Parsley	Indoors on a bright windowsill	Slow germination followed by small winter harvests.
Lawn seed	Outdoors in warm, moist soil	Slower germination. Wait until spring if the ground is cold or waterlogged.
Bonsai	Indoors, following the kit instructions	A slow-growing, long-term project that can be started all year.
Cactus	Indoors somewhere warm and bright	Slow germination and small seedlings that need careful watering.

Beginner checklist for October

☐ Read the individual packet before sowing.

☐ Label every pot or row with the variety and date.

☐ Use containers with drainage holes.

☐ Keep newly sown compost moist, not waterlogged.

☐ Check the local forecast before moving tender plants outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

Is October too late for grass seed?

Not always, but it is weather-dependent. Seed needs suitable soil temperature and moisture, and establishment slows in cold conditions.

Can sweet peas survive winter?

Autumn-sown sweet peas can overwinter with suitable protection. Keep them cool, bright and sheltered from hard frost.

Why is there mould on indoor compost?

Overwatering, poor airflow and low light are common causes. Let the surface begin to dry and improve ventilation.

Ready to start growing

A few pots and a little inspiration are all you need to get started.

Choose your October project: explore our flower seeds for next year’s colour, or discover our bonsai growing kits and enjoy watching something grow indoors. Follow your packet instructions and take it one sowing at a time.