Autumn Gardening UK
September to November is the season of harvest, planting for next year, and putting the garden to bed well. Do it right in autumn and your spring will be far easier and more productive.
What to Harvest, Sow & Plant Each Month
| Month | Sow / Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| September | Overwintering onion sets, garlic, spring onions, winter salads, land cress | Tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, sweetcorn, maincrop potatoes, beetroot |
| October | Garlic, broad beans (mild areas), green manures | Leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, celeriac |
| November | Garlic (last chance), green manures | Leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips (improved by frost) |
Key Autumn Tasks
| Task | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest squash & pumpkins | September–October | Before first frost; cure in sun for 10 days to harden skin for storage |
| Lift maincrop potatoes | September–October | Dry before storing in paper sacks in a cool, dark, frost-free place |
| Plant garlic | October–November | Split bulbs into cloves; plant 10cm deep, 15cm apart |
| Plant overwintering onion sets | September–October | Japanese varieties bred for autumn planting; harvest June next year |
| Clear spent crops | Throughout | Remove and compost healthy material; bin diseased plants |
| Add compost to beds | October–November | Apply a thick layer and let worms incorporate it over winter |
| Sow green manures | September–October | Mustard, phacelia, or clover to protect bare soil through winter |
| Protect tender crops | October onwards | Fleece over chard, celery, and late salads before first frost |
Top Autumn Crops to Harvest
- Squash & Pumpkins — harvest before first frost; store for months
- Leeks — harvest from September through to March
- Kale — improved by frost; harvest outer leaves from September
- Parsnips — best after first frost, which converts starch to sugar
- Brussels Sprouts — harvest from the bottom of the stem upwards from October
- Carrots — leave in ground and harvest as needed through autumn
Autumn Gardening Tips
- Don't leave soil bare over winter — cover with compost, mulch, or a green manure
- Garlic planted in autumn produces much larger bulbs than spring-planted garlic
- Collect and store seeds from open-pollinated varieties before plants die back
- Clean and oil tools before storing for winter — they'll last far longer
- Order seed catalogues and plan next year's crop rotation now while this year is fresh
See our UK Vegetable Planting Calendar to plan your autumn planting schedule.
Plan Next Year Starting This Autumn
Our UK Vegetable Garden Planner includes crop rotation guides and planting schedules to set up a great growing year from day one.
Get the Planner — £19Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant garlic in the UK?
Garlic is best planted in October or November in the UK. Split bulbs into individual cloves and plant 10cm deep and 15cm apart in well-drained soil. Autumn-planted garlic develops a strong root system over winter and produces much larger bulbs than spring-planted garlic. Harvest the following July when the foliage yellows.
What vegetables can I harvest in autumn?
Autumn is one of the most productive harvest seasons: squash, pumpkins, maincrop potatoes, carrots, beetroot, leeks, kale, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, celeriac, and celery are all in season. Many root vegetables can be left in the ground and harvested as needed through autumn and into winter.
Should I leave roots in the ground over winter?
Yes — parsnips, carrots, and leeks can be left in the ground and harvested as needed through winter. This is often the best storage method as the soil protects them from frost damage. In very cold regions or on heavy clay soils prone to waterlogging, lifting and storing in boxes of sand is safer.
What is a green manure and should I use one?
A green manure is a fast-growing crop sown to cover bare soil over winter. It prevents nutrient leaching, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter when dug in. Mustard, phacelia, and winter field beans are popular choices. Sow in September or October on cleared beds and dig in before they flower in spring.
How do I store squash and pumpkins after harvest?
Cure squash and pumpkins in a warm, sunny spot for 10–14 days after harvest to harden the skin. Then store in a cool (10–15°C), dry, frost-free place — a spare bedroom or garage shelf works well. Properly cured squash can store for 3–6 months. Check regularly and use any that show soft spots first.
Match The Season To The Work
Seasonal jobs usually come down to watering, soil care, and keeping a simple record of what needs doing next.
Plan the next step
Use the printable UK Vegetable Garden Planner to turn this guide into sowing dates, bed layouts, and weekly garden tasks.