Many beginner gardeners believe the gardening season ends in September. They stop planting, put away their tools, and wait for spring.

But here’s the truth — in mild climates like Portugal and other Mediterranean regions, October is one of the best months to plant. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and gentler sunlight — ideal conditions for cool-season vegetables that will feed you all winter long.

Why You Shouldn’t Stop Gardening in Autumn

Stopping in October means missing out on months of potential harvests.

Many beginners also make the mistake of planting summer crops too late — tomatoes or peppers, for example — and then watch them struggle as temperatures drop.

Instead, focus on vegetables that thrive in cool weather. With the right choices, your garden will stay green and productive through the winter.

What to Plant or Seed in a Mediterranean Climate in October

If you garden in Portugal or similar regions, these crops thrive when planted or seeded now:

For Planting

• Cabbages – Hardy and reliable. It’s too late to seed most varieties, but planting seedlings now ensures a winter harvest.

• Leek – Long to grow from seed, so planting seedlings is recommended.

• Beetroots – Slow germination; plant only if your garden stays warm enough over winter.

For Seeding or Planting

• Green Endive – Plant seedlings for quick harvest and sow seeds for the rest of winter and early spring.

• Lamb’s Lettuce (Corn Salad) – Seed when temperatures drop below ~22 °C for best germination.

For Seeding

• Carrots – Sow directly; they cannot be replanted.

• Fennel – Sow in a seedbed now; replant seedlings when strong enough. Leave space in your beds for later planting.

Tips for a Successful October Garden

• Mulch your seedlings – Protects young plants from heavy rain and temperature swings.

• Watch for slugs – Active in autumn, they love tender greens.

• Space crops properly – Good airflow prevents fungal diseases.

• Succession planting – Sow a few seeds every two weeks for a steady harvest.

What to Plant in October in Colder Climates

If you live in a cooler region, don’t think October is the end of your gardening season! Even when frost arrives early, there are plenty of ways to prepare your garden for a productive winter and spring:

• Garlic: October is ideal for planting garlic. Choose a sunny, well-drained bed, separate the cloves, and plant them pointy-end up. Garlic will establish roots before winter and be ready to harvest the following summer.

• Soil Preparation: Enrich your beds with compost or well-rotted manure. Adding nutrients now improves soil structure and fertility, giving your spring crops a strong start.

• Cover Crops: Sow cover crops such as clover, winter rye, or vetch. They protect soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and increase organic matter. Incorporate them into the soil in early spring for a fertility boost.

• Mustard (Green Manure): If your soil is still workable, sow mustard. It grows fast, enriches the soil, and suppresses pests. Plant early in October to ensure good growth before frost.

Even in colder climates, these autumn actions keep your garden healthy and ready for a strong start in spring.

Keep Your Garden Productive All Year Round

With a little planning, your autumn garden can provide fresh, homegrown food for months. You don’t need a big space — just smart timing and the right crops.

If you’d like to grow vegetables year-round, my Vegetable Gardening 101 Course is perfect for beginners. You’ll learn what to plant each month, how to care for your crops in every season, and how to avoid common mistakes — so your garden never sits empty again.