What to plant in September in New Zealand.

October is one of the busiest and most exciting months in the New Zealand vegetable garden.

Spring is well underway, days are getting longer, soil temperatures are rising and the range of vegetables you can grow increases considerably.

For many gardeners, October is when the summer vegetable garden really starts to take shape.

Tomatoes, beans, sweetcorn, courgettes, cucumbers, pumpkins, capsicums and chillies can all be getting underway, while carrots, beetroot, lettuce, radishes, silverbeet and other spring vegetables can continue to be sown.

However, New Zealand’s climate varies considerably from one area to another.

Gardeners in warm, sheltered areas may already have suitable conditions for many summer vegetables, while gardeners in colder, inland or higher-altitude locations can still experience frosts during October.

The most important rule is simple: use the calendar as a guide, but let your local weather and frost risk determine when tender plants go outside.

What Vegetables Can You Sow in October in New Zealand?

October is a fantastic month for sowing vegetable seeds.

Depending on your local conditions and the particular variety you’re growing, vegetables that can be sown during October include:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Capsicums
• Carrots
• Chillies
• Coriander
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Pumpkins
• Radishes
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes
• Melons

Some of these vegetables can be sown directly into the garden, while heat-loving crops may still benefit from being started somewhere warm and protected if your local conditions are cool.

Always check the instructions for the particular seed variety you’re growing.

Seeds to Sow Directly Outside in October

As the soil warms during October, the range of vegetables that can be direct sown increases.

Exactly what you can sow outside depends on your local climate, but there are plenty of options for most New Zealand gardens.

Carrots

Carrots can continue to be sown throughout spring.

They are best sown directly into the soil where they will grow because transplanting can disturb their developing roots.

Prepare the soil so it is loose and free of large stones and clumps.

Sow according to the seed packet instructions and keep the soil consistently moist during germination.

Rather than sowing all your carrot seeds at once, consider making smaller sowings every few weeks to spread your harvest.

Beetroot

October is a great time to sow beetroot.

Beetroot can be grown directly in garden beds or suitable containers and doesn’t require an enormous amount of space.

Keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate and thin crowded seedlings if necessary.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the easiest vegetables to fit into a spring garden.

They grow relatively quickly and can be planted between slower-growing crops or grown in containers.

Succession sowing works particularly well with radishes.

Sow a small amount, wait a couple of weeks and then sow another batch for a more continuous harvest.

Peas

Peas can still be grown during spring, particularly in cooler areas.

Provide climbing varieties with a trellis, netting or another suitable support.

As temperatures become hotter later in the season, peas may become less productive, so make the most of the milder spring conditions.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a useful crop for succession sowing throughout spring.

Rather than growing dozens of plants at once, sow a small number of seeds regularly.

This can provide fresh lettuce over a longer period and reduce the chance of having everything ready at once.

Lettuce can be grown in garden beds or containers.

Spinach

Spinach can continue to be grown during spring, particularly while temperatures remain mild.

As the weather becomes hotter, traditional spinach can be more likely to bolt and produce flowers rather than lots of tender leaves.

Regular sowing during the cooler part of spring can help provide a steady harvest.

Silverbeet

Silverbeet is a reliable choice for many New Zealand vegetable gardens.

Once established, you can harvest the larger outside leaves while allowing the centre of the plant to continue producing new growth.

It can be grown in garden beds as well as larger containers.

Coriander

Coriander can be direct sown during spring.

Like spinach, coriander can bolt more quickly once temperatures become hot, so regular smaller sowings can be more useful than planting an entire packet at once.

October Is a Big Month for Summer Vegetables

October is when many New Zealand gardeners begin focusing heavily on summer crops.

Vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, beans, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins and sweetcorn all enjoy warmer growing conditions.

In warmer gardens, some of these crops may be ready to grow outside.

In colder or frost-prone locations, tender seedlings may still need to remain under protection.

Tomatoes

October is an excellent month for getting tomatoes underway.

If you haven’t sown your tomato seeds yet, there is still time to start them.

Tomato seeds can be raised in trays or small pots using seed-raising mix. Keep the mix moist and provide warmth during germination.

Once seedlings emerge, give them plenty of bright light.

If your tomato seedlings started growing in September, they may now be getting large enough to move into individual pots.

Tomatoes prefer a warm, sunny position and are frost tender.

Gardeners in warm, frost-free locations may be able to plant established seedlings outside during October.

If frost is still possible where you live, keep your plants protected until the risk has passed.

Capsicums and Chillies

Capsicums and chillies love warmth and benefit from a long growing season.

October is still a good time to get them underway from seed.

Start seeds somewhere warm and provide seedlings with plenty of light once they emerge.

In warmer parts of New Zealand, established plants may be ready to move outside as conditions become suitable.

In cooler areas, continue growing them somewhere protected until temperatures have increased and frost risk has passed.

Choose a sunny, sheltered position when they eventually move into the garden.

Beans

October is the beginning of an exciting period for growing beans.

Both dwarf and climbing varieties can be grown in New Zealand home gardens.

Beans prefer warmer soil and don’t tolerate frost, so gardeners in colder locations should wait until conditions are suitable before direct sowing outside.

In warm gardens where the soil has heated sufficiently, beans can be sown directly where they will grow.

Climbing beans need support, so install stakes, netting or a trellis before the plants become large.

Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn loves warmth and October is a good month to start growing it in many areas.

Seeds can be sown once conditions are warm enough, while gardeners in colder areas can start seeds under protection.

Sweetcorn is wind pollinated.

Instead of planting one long, narrow row, plant sweetcorn in a block where possible. This places plants closer together and can improve pollination.

Sweetcorn also needs plenty of sun, water and nutrients as it grows.

Courgettes

Courgettes grow quickly once warm spring weather arrives.

Seeds can be sown directly where they will grow once the soil is warm and frost risk has passed, or they can be started in pots somewhere protected.

Give courgette plants plenty of space.

They may look small as seedlings, but healthy plants can become surprisingly large and productive.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another heat-loving summer vegetable that can be started during October.

In warmer areas they can be sown or planted outside once conditions are suitable.

In cooler areas, start seeds under protection and wait for warmer conditions before moving plants outside.

Cucumbers appreciate a sunny position, fertile soil and regular watering.

Some varieties can be trained vertically, which can be useful when garden space is limited.

Pumpkins and Squash

Pumpkins and squash can be started during October as the weather warms.

In frost-free conditions, seeds can be sown outside. In colder gardens, starting them in pots under protection gives you a head start while you wait for the weather to improve.

Remember that many pumpkin and squash varieties produce long vines.

Think about where the plants will spread before deciding how many to grow.

Don’t Forget About Late Frosts

October may feel like summer is getting close, but late frosts are still possible in parts of New Zealand.

This is particularly important for:

• Tomatoes
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Beans
• Cucumbers
• Courgettes
• Pumpkins
• Sweetcorn
• Eggplants
• Melons

These crops are all much happier in warm conditions.

If you’re still experiencing frosts, there is no advantage in rushing tender seedlings into the garden.

Keep them growing somewhere protected and wait until your local conditions are suitable.

A gardener in a warm coastal location may safely plant summer vegetables outside considerably earlier than someone living in a colder inland or higher-altitude location.

Harden Off Seedlings Before Planting Outside

Seedlings raised indoors, in a greenhouse or another sheltered location need time to adjust before being permanently planted outside.

This is called hardening off.

Start by putting your seedlings outside in a sheltered position for a limited period during suitable weather.

Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outside over several days.

This allows them to adjust to outdoor sunlight, wind and changing temperatures.

Once your seedlings are hardened off and local conditions are suitable, they can be planted into their permanent growing positions.

Prepare Your Garden for Summer Growth

October growth can happen quickly.

Before your summer vegetables become large, take some time to prepare the garden.

Remove weeds and add compost or other suitable organic matter to beds where needed.

Install stakes, trellises and other supports before climbing plants become established.

Check that you have enough room for large plants such as pumpkins, courgettes and tomatoes.

As temperatures rise, also pay closer attention to watering.

New seedlings and recently transplanted vegetables can dry out quickly during warm or windy spring weather.

Mulching around established plants can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

October is the month when the summer vegetable garden really begins to come alive.

Getting the foundations right now will help your plants as they head into the warmer months ahead.

October Planting in Different Parts of New Zealand

October is a fantastic planting month throughout New Zealand, but what you can safely plant outside still depends on your local climate.

A warm coastal garden can be several weeks ahead of a colder inland garden, and frost can remain a problem in some locations even when nearby areas are enjoying warm spring weather.

Rather than relying only on whether you live in the North or South Island, consider your local frost risk, soil temperature, altitude and the amount of shelter your garden receives.

Warmer and Low-Frost Areas

Warmer areas of New Zealand are usually well into spring by October.

This can include parts of Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and other warm, sheltered locations.

There is a large range of vegetables that can be grown during October, including:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes
• Pumpkins and squash

Basil and other warmth-loving herbs can also get underway once conditions are suitable.

October is an especially useful month for establishing summer crops in warmer gardens.

Even in these areas, however, check your local forecast before planting tender seedlings outside.

Temperate Areas With Changeable Spring Weather

Many New Zealand gardens experience a mixture of warm days, cool nights and rapidly changing weather during October.

There are still plenty of vegetables you can sow.

Good options include:

• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Coriander
• Lettuce
• Parsnips
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions

Summer vegetables can also get underway.

These include:

• Beans
• Tomatoes
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Pumpkins
• Sweetcorn
• Eggplants

If your garden is still at risk of frost, keep tender summer seedlings protected until conditions are suitable.

Don’t worry if gardeners in warmer areas already have large tomato plants outside. Your plants are better off waiting than being damaged by a late frost.

Cooler and Frost-Prone Areas

October can still feel very much like spring rather than the beginning of summer in colder New Zealand gardens.

Frost-prone inland and higher-altitude locations need to be particularly careful with heat-loving vegetables.

There are still plenty of cool-tolerant crops you can grow.

Depending on your local conditions, these can include:

• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Radishes
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions

Meanwhile, summer crops can continue growing under protection.

Keep plants such as tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, eggplants, cucumbers, courgettes and pumpkins somewhere protected if outdoor conditions remain too cold.

As the month progresses and temperatures increase, you may be able to begin hardening off these seedlings in preparation for planting outside.

A Simple October Seed-Sowing Guide

The following is a general guide for October vegetable sowing in New Zealand.

Vegetable	Sow in October?	General Starting Method
Beans	Yes	Direct sow when soil is warm and frost risk has passed
Beetroot	Yes	Direct sow
Broccoli	Yes	Direct sow or start in trays
Cabbage	Yes	Direct sow or start in trays
Capsicums	Yes	Start warm and protected if conditions are cool
Carrots	Yes	Direct sow
Chillies	Yes	Start warm and protected if conditions are cool
Courgettes	Yes	Direct sow when warm or start protected
Cucumbers	Yes	Direct sow when warm or start protected
Lettuce	Yes	Direct sow or start in trays
Parsnips	Yes	Direct sow
Peas	Yes	Direct sow
Pumpkins	Yes	Direct sow when warm or start protected
Radishes	Yes	Direct sow
Silverbeet	Yes	Direct sow or start in trays
Spinach	Yes	Direct sow
Sweetcorn	Yes	Direct sow when warm or start protected
Tomatoes	Yes	Start protected or plant established seedlings outside when conditions are suitable
Melons	Yes	Start warm and protected, or sow outside in suitably warm conditions

Your local weather and the instructions for the particular variety you’re growing should always take priority over a general planting calendar.

Grow What You Actually Eat

Spring seed catalogues can make it tempting to grow everything.

But a productive vegetable garden doesn’t need dozens of different crops.

Think about the vegetables your household regularly buys.

If you eat lots of tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and beans, growing those crops may be more useful than filling valuable garden space with vegetables nobody particularly enjoys.

You can also experiment with varieties that are difficult to find in supermarkets.

Growing from seed gives you access to different colours, shapes, flavours and varieties while allowing you to decide exactly what deserves space in your garden.

Succession Sow for a Longer Harvest

October is an excellent month to start succession sowing.

Instead of sowing an entire packet at once, plant smaller quantities every few weeks.

This works particularly well for crops such as:

• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Coriander
• Spinach
• Spring onions

For example, sow a small row of radishes now and another small row a couple of weeks later.

This can help prevent everything becoming ready for harvest at exactly the same time.

It can also help keep empty spaces in your vegetable garden productive throughout spring and summer.

Growing Vegetables in Pots During October

You don’t need a large backyard to grow vegetables from seed.

October is a great time to establish a container vegetable garden on a sunny patio, deck or other suitable outdoor space.

Vegetables that can work well in containers include:

• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Herbs
• Chillies
• Tomatoes
• Dwarf beans

The size of the container matters.

Leafy vegetables and radishes need much less space than mature tomatoes or courgettes.

Choose containers with drainage holes and enough room for the roots of the mature plant.

As temperatures increase, check container-grown vegetables regularly because pots can dry out faster than garden beds.

Growing Tomatoes in October

October is an important month for tomato growers.

Seedlings started in August or September may now be developing into strong young plants.

If conditions in your garden are warm and frost-free, you can begin moving hardened-off tomato plants into their final growing positions.

Choose somewhere that receives plenty of sun.

Tomatoes can be grown in garden beds, raised beds and sufficiently large containers.

Many varieties will also need stakes or another support system.

It’s much easier to put supports in place while plants are small than to try to add them after the plants become large and heavy.

Growing Tomatoes in Pots

Tomatoes can be an excellent option for gardeners without much ground space.

Choose a large container with good drainage and place it somewhere sunny.

Container-grown tomatoes require regular attention to watering because the growing mix can dry more quickly than soil in a garden bed.

Check the mature size and growth habit of the tomato variety you’re growing.

Compact varieties may be easier to manage in smaller spaces, while vigorous varieties need more room and stronger support.

Growing Capsicums and Chillies

Capsicums and chillies need warmth and plenty of sunlight to perform well.

Seedlings that were started earlier in spring can continue growing in pots until outdoor conditions are suitable.

In warmer, frost-free gardens, established plants may now be ready for their permanent outdoor positions.

Choose a sunny, sheltered location.

Capsicums and chillies can also grow well in containers, which can be useful if you have limited garden space.

Growing Beans From Seed

Beans are one of the crops that become increasingly exciting as the soil warms.

Dwarf beans are useful when you don’t want to build a large support structure.

Climbing beans grow vertically and can produce well from a relatively small area of ground, but they need sturdy support.

Wait until the soil is warm enough and frost risk has passed before direct sowing warmth-loving beans outside.

Once conditions are suitable, sow seeds directly where you want the plants to grow.

Growing Courgettes From Seed

Courgettes are famous for producing large amounts of food from relatively few plants.

You usually don’t need many plants to produce a useful harvest.

Give each plant enough space for its large leaves to spread.

Once plants begin producing, check them regularly.

Small courgettes can grow surprisingly quickly during warm weather.

Growing Cucumbers From Seed

Cucumbers thrive as spring moves towards summer.

They need warm conditions, sunlight and consistent moisture.

Some cucumber varieties trail across the ground, while others can be trained vertically.

Vertical growing can be particularly useful in smaller vegetable gardens because it reduces the amount of ground space required.

Growing Pumpkins and Squash

Pumpkins and squash need considerably more room than many other vegetables.

Before planting, think about where the vines will be able to spread.

If your garden is small, check the variety carefully before sowing.

In suitable warm conditions, pumpkin and squash seeds can be sown directly into the garden.

If your garden is still too cold, start seeds under protection and transplant them later.

Growing Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is a classic summer crop and October is a good time to get it underway as conditions warm.

One of the most important things to remember is how you arrange the plants.

Sweetcorn is wind pollinated, so planting several shorter rows together in a block is generally better than planting one very long single row.

This helps pollen reach the silks on neighbouring plants and can improve cob development.

Give sweetcorn a sunny position and make sure plants receive adequate water as they grow.

Spring Garden Jobs for October

With warmer temperatures comes faster growth — from vegetables and weeds.

Stay on top of weeds while they’re small so they don’t compete with your crops for water, light and nutrients.

October is also a good time to:

• Prepare supports for tomatoes and climbing beans.
• Keep newly sown seedbeds moist.
• Check seedlings regularly for slug and snail damage.
• Watch for aphids and other garden pests.
• Thin crowded carrot, beetroot and other seedlings where necessary.
• Add mulch around established plants once the soil has warmed.
• Check container vegetables regularly for water.
• Continue hardening off seedlings before transplanting.
• Make another succession sowing of fast-growing vegetables.
• Prepare space for summer crops before plants become large.

Don’t Rush Your Summer Garden

October can create a feeling that you should already have every summer vegetable planted.

You don’t.

New Zealand’s growing conditions vary enormously, and even gardens within the same town can experience different temperatures and frost patterns.

If your soil is still cold or frost remains a possibility, allowing tender plants to grow under protection for a little longer can be better than planting them outside too early.

Meanwhile, use the space available to grow cool-tolerant vegetables, prepare your beds and continue raising healthy summer seedlings.

As conditions warm through October and into November, your summer vegetable garden will have plenty of opportunity to catch up.

October Vegetable Garden Checklist

October is a busy month in the New Zealand vegetable garden, but you don’t need to plant everything at once.

Use this checklist to keep your spring garden on track.

• Check your local weather forecast and frost risk before planting tender summer vegetables outside.
• Direct sow suitable vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, radishes and lettuce.
• Sow beans outside once the soil is warm and frost risk has passed.
• Start or continue growing tomatoes, capsicums and chillies.
• Get cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins and sweetcorn underway as local conditions allow.
• Harden off seedlings that have been raised indoors or under protection before transplanting.
• Keep newly sown seedbeds consistently moist during germination.
• Thin crowded seedlings where necessary.
• Install stakes and supports for tomatoes and climbing beans.
• Keep on top of weeds while they’re small.
• Check young plants regularly for slugs, snails and other pests.
• Make succession sowings of quick-growing vegetables.
• Check container-grown vegetables regularly for water.
• Prepare space for large summer plants before they begin to spread.

What Vegetable Seeds Should I Sow in October?

October gives New Zealand gardeners a huge range of choices.

If you’re not sure where to begin, choose a mixture of vegetables you can harvest relatively quickly and summer crops that will produce later in the season.

For quicker spring crops, consider:

• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Rocket
• Spinach

For root vegetables, consider:

• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Parsnips

For your summer vegetable garden, consider:

• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Cucumbers
• Courgettes
• Pumpkins
• Sweetcorn

You don’t need to grow all of these.

Choose vegetables that suit your available space, local conditions and what your household actually likes to eat.

Buy Vegetable Seeds Online in New Zealand

October is a great time to stock up on vegetable seeds for the spring and summer growing season.

The Seedy Collection has a range of vegetable seeds available for gardeners throughout New Zealand.

Whether you’re starting your first vegetable garden, filling a few pots or preparing a large backyard garden, growing from seed gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide range of vegetables and varieties.

Tomato Seeds

October is a great time to get tomato plants growing for summer.

Growing tomatoes from seed allows you to choose from different colours, fruit sizes, shapes and flavours.

Browse our range of tomato seeds and choose something new to grow this summer.

Capsicum and Chilli Seeds

If you love growing summer vegetables, capsicums and chillies are a great addition to the garden.

They enjoy warm, sunny conditions and can also be grown in suitable containers.

Browse our capsicum and chilli seeds and start planning your summer harvest.

Affordable Vegetable Seeds

Starting a vegetable garden doesn’t have to be expensive.

Growing from seed can produce multiple plants from a single packet, making it a practical way to fill your garden.

Browse our range of affordable vegetable seeds and discover what you can grow this season.

Why Grow Vegetables From Seed?

There are plenty of reasons to start your vegetable garden from seed rather than relying entirely on established seedlings.

More Choice

Garden centres only have room to stock a limited number of vegetable varieties.

Growing from seed gives you access to a much wider selection.

This is particularly useful if you enjoy growing unusual tomatoes, different chillies or varieties you don’t normally see in supermarkets.

More Plants From One Packet

A packet of seeds can potentially grow numerous plants.

You can also save unused seed for later sowings when it has been stored appropriately and remains viable.

Succession Sowing

Having seeds on hand makes it easy to sow small amounts regularly.

Instead of buying another tray of seedlings every few weeks, you can make another sowing whenever space becomes available.

Enjoy the Whole Growing Process

There’s something particularly satisfying about watching a tiny seed develop into a plant that eventually produces food.

Growing from seed allows you to experience the entire process from germination through to harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions About October Planting in NZ

What vegetables can I plant in October in New Zealand?

October is a major spring planting month in New Zealand.

Depending on your local conditions, you can sow vegetables including carrots, beetroot, lettuce, radishes, broccoli, cabbage, silverbeet, beans, sweetcorn, tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, cucumbers, courgettes and pumpkins.

Warm-season vegetables should only be planted outside when conditions are suitable and frost risk has passed.

What seeds can I sow directly outside in October?

Vegetables that can be suitable for direct sowing during October include carrots, beetroot, radishes, lettuce and other spring crops.

Warm-season crops such as beans, sweetcorn, courgettes, cucumbers and pumpkins can also be direct sown once the soil is sufficiently warm and frost is no longer a concern.

Always consider your local conditions and the instructions for the particular variety you’re growing.

Can I plant tomatoes outside in October in NZ?

It depends on where you live.

Tomatoes are frost tender.

Gardeners in warm, frost-free parts of New Zealand may have suitable conditions for planting hardened-off tomato seedlings outside during October.

In colder, inland or higher-altitude areas, frost may still be possible and tomato plants may need to remain protected for longer.

Rather than relying on a particular calendar date, check your local weather and frost risk.

Is October too late to sow tomato seeds?

No. Tomato seeds can still be started during October.

Because tomatoes need time to germinate, develop into seedlings, flower and produce ripe fruit, getting them underway rather than delaying further will give them more of the warm growing season.

Keep young seedlings warm and give them plenty of light.

Can I sow beans in October in New Zealand?

Yes, beans can be sown during October when local conditions are warm enough.

Beans prefer warm soil and are sensitive to frost.

If your garden is still cold or experiencing frosts, wait until conditions improve before direct sowing outside.

Can I plant cucumbers in October?

Cucumbers can be started during October.

They are warmth-loving plants, so in colder areas you can start the seeds somewhere protected and transplant the seedlings later.

In suitably warm, frost-free conditions, cucumbers can be sown outside.

Can I plant courgettes in October?

Yes.

Courgettes can be sown during October as conditions warm.

In warm, frost-free gardens they can be direct sown, while gardeners in colder locations can start them under protection.

Give mature courgette plants plenty of room because they can become quite large.

Can I plant pumpkins in October?

Pumpkins can be started during October.

They need warm conditions and are frost tender.

In warm areas, seeds can be direct sown once conditions are suitable. In colder gardens, starting seeds in pots under protection allows them to grow while you’re waiting for warmer weather.

Can I sow sweetcorn in October?

Yes, October is a good time to start sweetcorn as conditions warm.

In colder areas, wait until outdoor conditions are suitable or start seeds under protection.

When planting sweetcorn in the garden, grow several shorter rows together in a block rather than one long single row where possible. This can help with wind pollination.

What are easy vegetables to grow from seed in October?

Beginner-friendly options can include:

• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Beetroot
• Beans
• Courgettes

The easiest crops for your garden will also depend on your climate, available space and growing conditions.

What vegetables can I grow in pots in October?

You can grow plenty of vegetables in containers.

Options include:

• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Rocket
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Herbs
• Dwarf beans
• Chillies
• Tomatoes

Choose a container large enough for the mature plant and make sure it has adequate drainage.

Larger crops such as tomatoes need considerably more root space than leafy greens.

What Should I Plant in November?

November brings warmer temperatures and the beginning of the final month of spring in New Zealand.

For many gardeners, frost risk has reduced considerably by November and summer vegetables begin growing rapidly.

Tomatoes, beans, capsicums, chillies, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins and sweetcorn become major crops in the vegetable garden.

Cooler and frost-prone locations may still need to pay attention to overnight temperatures, while warmer areas may already be experiencing conditions that feel much more like summer.

As temperatures rise, watering, mulching and succession sowing also become increasingly important.

Get Your October Vegetable Garden Growing

October is one of the best times of the year to grow vegetables from seed in New Zealand.

There are still plenty of cool and mild-weather crops to sow, while the summer vegetable garden is beginning to take centre stage.

Sow carrots, beetroot, radishes, lettuce and other suitable vegetables directly into the garden.

Get tomatoes, beans, capsicums, chillies, sweetcorn, cucumbers, courgettes and pumpkins underway as conditions allow.

If your garden is still experiencing frosts, don’t rush tender plants outside.

Keep them protected, watch your local weather and plant them out when conditions are right for your garden.

New Zealand’s climate varies too much for one planting date to work everywhere.

By paying attention to your own conditions and choosing vegetables suited to your garden, October can be the beginning of an incredibly productive growing season.

Ready to start planting? Browse The Seedy Collection’s range of vegetable seeds available for delivery throughout New Zealand.

What to plant in September in New Zealand.