Grow or harvest edible plants in October
As the autumn leaves begin to fall, gardeners can take advantage of the cooler temperatures and shorter days to prepare for next summer's bountiful garlic harvest. October is the ideal time to plant garlic, offering the perfect conditions for establishing roots before winter and developing larger bulbs by spring.
Two recommended garlic varieties for earliness and yield are Early Purple Wight and Lautrec Wight, while 'Uchiki Kuri' and 'Crown Prince' are favourites for growing pumpkins. To ensure a successful crop, it's essential to choose the right garlic type for your region and plant individual cloves about 3 inches deep, pointed end up, in a sunny, free-draining bed.
Ideally, plant in mid to late October, around 2 weeks before your area's first frost date. This timing allows garlic to establish roots before winter and develop larger bulbs by spring. In warmer southern areas, softneck garlic tends to perform better, while in colder northern regions, hardneck garlic is preferred.
Prepare fertile, loose, well-drained soil before planting. Amending heavy clay soil with organic matter such as cow manure or compost improves drainage and nutrient availability. Mulch the bed with leaves or straw after planting to provide insulation during winter and help retain moisture. Fertilize at planting and again in spring using a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote strong root and leaf growth.
Water consistently during the growing season but avoid waterlogging. Garlic needs moist but well-drained soil throughout fall, winter, and spring. It's crucial to avoid planting too early in fall, as garlic may sprout prematurely, and too late, which can reduce bulb size.
Meanwhile, October is also the key planting time for a variety of edibles, including winter brassicas, Swiss chard, and leeks. To keep these exotic crops safe during winter, they should be moved to a frost-free location, such as a heated greenhouse, well-lit porch, conservatory, or spare room.
Un-touched, damaged fruits can be quickly cooked down for tasty crumbles and compotes. Favoured recipes for pumpkins and winter squashes include squash risotto, stuffed roasted butternuts, and pumpkin fondue. In October, stores are filled with orchard fruits and flavoursome root crops.
For those who enjoy growing exotic crops, many people enjoy growing lemongrass, ginger, pomegranate, lemon verbena, and kaffir limes. Keep these exotic plants just moist to keep them alive till spring. Apples, pears, quinces, and medlars can be stored in a rodent-proof shed or garage during October.
By following these steps, you'll enhance your chances of growing large, flavourful garlic bulbs by next summer. Garlic planted in October benefits from the chilling period needed to form proper bulb cloves, making fall planting preferable to spring. Happy gardening!
- In addition to preparing for the garlic harvest, October is an ideal time to consider adopting new food-and-drink and lifestyle routines, such as experimenting with recipes that incorporate fresh pumpkins and winter squashes.
- As the autumn leaves fall, home-and-garden enthusiasts can take advantage of the cooler temperatures and shorter days to not only prepare for next summer's garlic harvest, but also to plant a variety of edibles, including winter brassicas, Swiss chard, and leeks, requiring careful storage during winter for successful growth.
- To maintain a balanced garden and kitchen, consider expanding your culinary horizons by tending to exotic crops like lemongrass, ginger, pomegranate, lemon verbena, and kaffir limes, which, while requiring special care, can enrich both your food-and-drink offerings and home-and-garden landscapes.
