October is the perfect month to start preparing your garden for next spring!
With the cooler weather and moist soil, it’s the ideal time to plant bulbs and seeds that will bloom beautifully in the months to come. Whether you’re planting indoors or outdoors, this month offers plenty of opportunities to get the kids involved in some fun, hands-on gardening.
Let’s explore some of the best flowers and plants you can start planting in October!
Nasturtiums
Daffodils are one of the most popular spring flowers, and October is the perfect time to plant them. These sunny yellow blooms are easy to grow, and kids will love watching them sprout after a long winter. Plant them about 10-15cm deep in well-drained soil, and come springtime, they’ll be one of the first flowers to greet you.
Winter Lettuce
October is a great time to plant winter lettuce, which can be grown indoors or in a sheltered spot outdoors. This quick-growing vegetable is perfect for teaching kids about how food grows. It can be harvested in as little as 6 weeks and makes for a crunchy, nutritious snack.
Tulip Bulbs
Tulips bring vibrant colors to the garden, and planting them in October ensures a stunning display in April and May. Make sure to plant tulip bulbs in a sunny spot with good drainage. These beautiful flowers will bring smiles to the entire family as they pop up when the weather starts warming.
Allium Bulbs
Alliums, with their stunning spherical purple blooms, are a favorite for gardeners. Plant them in October for tall, elegant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. They’re easy to grow and add a dramatic touch to any flower bed.
Broad Beans (Outdoor)
Broad beans are a hardy plant that can be sown directly into the garden in October. They’ll grow over winter and be ready for harvest in early spring. Kids will love learning about how beans grow and helping to pick them when they’re ready to eat!