In the gardening calendar, October is when you can start taking your foot off the pedal, as growth noticeably slows down.
But while spring and summer are the primary gardening months, there's still plenty to get on with in the cooler seasons.
Ronseal's gardening expert Jimmy Englezos advised Britons to turn their attention to their kitchen gardens this October.
He stated: "Autumn isn't only a crucial time for garden maintenance and protective measures, but it's also the perfect opportunity to plant new produce and harvest a variety of fruits and vegetables."
Here, he shared his "essential" harvesting and planting tips for the month ahead.
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Harvest apples, pears, pumpkins, squashes, and root veg
"After a summer of growth, autumn's arrival signals the time to harvest this produce."
Apples and pears
"Gently lift and twist; if they come away easily, they're ready. Store in a cool, dark, ventilated place."
Pumpkins and squash
"Harvest before the first frost, leaving a few inches of stalk to prevent rot. Cure them in the sun or greenhouse for one to two weeks."
Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, beetroot)
"Loosen the soil with a fork before pulling to avoid snapping. Some, like parsnips, taste sweeter after the first frost."
Now's the time to harvest apples, pears, pumpkins, squashes, and root veg
| GETTYSow green manure
"Green manures, such as clover, rye, and mustard, are fast-growing plants that protect unused soil from erosion over winter while enriching it with nutrients.
"Once grown, dig them back into the soil to release their nutrients."
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Sow broad beans directly 5–7cm deep, spacing them 20cm apart
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Plant garlic, onions, and broad beans
"These crops thrive in cold weather and will be ready for early summer harvest if planted in autumn."
Garlic
"Push individual cloves into well-drained soil, pointy end up, about 5cm deep and 15cm apart."
Onions (sets)
"Place bulbs just below the surface with tips showing."
Broad beans
"Sow directly 5–7cm deep, spacing them 20cm apart, or in pots to plant into soil later."
Looking for more gardening jobs to do in October? One expert shared everything you need to do now for winter and spring success.
Chris Link, co-owner of Plant Addicts, told GB News: "First, plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and crocus, holding off on tulips until late October or early November.
"As you lift and divide tired perennials, replant into enriched soil and mulch 5-7cm to buffer winter and temperature swings."
Now is also "prime time" to plant trees and shrubs as the soil is warm – think boxwood, berrying winterberry holly, and heuchera.
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