Spring is officially in full swing, and there’s no better time to start or add to your vegetable garden than in the season of growth, sunshine and possibility.

So, what October vegetables should go into the ground right now? Read this spring planting guide to find out, and grow your own vegetables to enjoy a lovely variety of home-grown produce for delicious spring and summer dishes.

Kitchen garden veg to start in spring

Whether you’re new to vegetable gardening, or are looking for fresh ideas to experiment with seasonal veg you haven’t grown before, spring is the ideal time to add to your kitchen garden. 

Use our guide to starting a vegetable garden if you need tips to get it right, and remember that you always have our expert in-store staff to lean on if you have any questions or need to find out how to meet your vegetable garden’s needs for a bountiful harvest.

Leafy greens to plant in October

Now is a good time to sow the seeds of those leafy greens that will add crunch (and iron!) to your spring salads. 

We’re talking staples like lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard and celery. These October vegetables grow quickly, and are great options for vegetable garden novices.

Use these guides below to learn the ins and outs of growing some of these popular leafy greens:

• How to grow lettuce
• How to grow Swiss chard
• How to grow celery

These are easy to grow both from seed or seedlings. At your local Stodels garden centre, you can browse seedlings for spinach, lettuce and a range of other leafy greens, as well as seeds for a host of vegetables and herbs to brighten and add dimension to your sunny season meals.

Root vegetables that thrive in spring

We know spring as the season when our gardens and patios burst into a riot of colour, with flowers opening and showing off their beautiful blooms. But not all ‘fruits’ of your gardening efforts bear themselves so obviously, especially when it comes to root vegetables.

During October, growing root vegetables like radishes, carrots and beetroot from seed will reward you with all that home-grown plant-to-plate goodness within four to eight weeks, depending on the vegetable – perfectly in time for those colourful summer salads you’ve been planning.

Use these guides to learn more about growing these vegetables just right:

• How to grow beetroot
• How to grow carrots
• How to grow radishes

Herbs that thrive in spring

Basil, chives and parsley will thrive if planted this month.

For basil, choose an area of your garden that receives morning sun and where the soil drains well. Water plants regularly, about twice a week, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

For chives, you’ll grow them at their best in a sunny spot with regular watering. Feed them with liquid fertiliser every 6 weeks and they’ll really flourish.

Giving parsley a go? This herb takes a long time to grow from seed, so it’s best to buy seedlings and plant these directly into your garden. Enrich the soil with compost to ensure that it is rich and drains well. Pots should be filled with good-quality potting soil.

Want more tips on herbs to plant right now for a flourish of aromas and flavours come summer? Read this guide.

Companion planting ideas for October

Give your vegetables the right neighbours, and they’ll thrive and reward you with delicious produce throughout the season.

• Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most versatile vegetable plants to grow during spring. Grow yours alongside parsley, and you’ll have the makings of a tasty Italian pasta sauce.
• Marigolds are an all-rounder. Plant yours close to tomatoes, brinjal and sweet chillies to help keep soil diseases in check and repel pesky bugs.
• Growing celery? Keep it around when planting your winter vegetables like leeks, cauliflower or beans. This soup and salad superhero will help the other vegetables to grow better.

Seeds, seedlings and support

Growing your own spring vegetables is an exciting and fun project, and is made that much easier when you have the right plants, the right tools, and expert advice. 

You can access all three in one spot at your local Stodels garden centre. Here’s to an October of memories and rewards in your vegetable garden.