What to do in the garden in October

It's a transition month, between the last summer harvests (from grapes to eggplants) and winter planting. It's the perfect month to remove weeds, dead branches, and foliage.

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October is a month of transition for gardening: on one hand, the last summer harvests arrive (from grapes to eggplants, pears to peppers), and meanwhile, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds arrive; on the other, it's time for winter planting (from peas to spinach, from broad beans to cold-resistant vegetables). Not to mention the arrival of apples , which from this month will continue uninterrupted for quite some time and through several seasons.

Garden chores to do in October

October, like all transitional months, is a very delicate time for garden work , starting with thorough cleaning (it's best not to find the garden overrun with weeds, dead branches, and foliage in winter). With the temperatures dropping, it's already the right time to start mulching , which helps protect the soil from the cold and retain moisture. Furthermore, if the weather in your area begins to get particularly cold, it's advisable to provide protective coverings to protect the most sensitive crops.

What is sown in October

 In October, sow outdoors (especially in regions where the climate is milder):
Instead, it is sown in a seedbed or in a greenhouse:
  • Cauliflowers (late)
  • Cabbage (broccoli, Savoy cabbage)
  • Lettuce
  • Parsley
  • Celery

What is harvested in October

In the garden in October we harvest:
  • Pumpkins
  • Courgettes (in warmer areas or in greenhouses)
  • Tomatoes (latest harvests)
  • Melanzane
  • Pepperoni
  • Potato
  • Leeks
  • Beets
  • Cabbages
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Seasonal fruit to harvest in October

October is the month of harvesting some very important seasonal fruits:
  • Cachi: Considered the main fruit of October, they are energetic and rich in vitamins.
  • Chestnuts: they can be collected in the woods and are excellent for roasting chestnuts.
  • Mele e Pere: the harvest of the autumn and late varieties, rich in flavour, continues.
  • Pomegranates: a fruit that symbolizes autumn, rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
  • KiwiItaly is a major producer and their harvest begins in October.
  • Grapes: you can still find varieties of grapes, excellent as a snack or dessert.
  • Citrus fruits: the first citrus fruits are harvested, including lemons, grapefruits and clementines.
  • Forest fruits: you can still find raspberries and the last blackberries.
  • NutsWalnuts and hazelnuts are available, which have a long shelf life.
  • Prickly pears: they are collected mainly in southern Italy.

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