Plant library
What can I grow now?
31 plants in the library can be sown in October. Narrow it further by space, goal or region — or step through the months below.
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AjwainअजवाइनTrachyspermum ammiA winter annual of the north-west, grown for the thyme-scented seed.BathuaबथुआChenopodium albumThe winter weed worth sowing — mineral-rich leaves through the cold months.BeetrootचुकंदरBeta vulgarisRoots below, usable leaves above, and it tolerates a container better than carrot.CarrotगाजरDaucus carotaNeeds depth more than width — a 30 cm trough of loose soil beats a wide bed.
ChameliचमेलीJasminum grandiflorumThe Spanish jasmine of the perfume trade, grown widely in the north and west.ChickpeaचनाCicer arietinumA winter pulse that also gives the sour green leaf of the north.CorianderधनियाCoriandrum sativumBolts in heat, thrives in the cool months. Sow every fortnight for a steady supply.
DeodarदेवदारCedrus deodaraThe Himalayan cedar — a slow, magnificent, cold-climate conifer.FennelसौंफFoeniculum vulgareFeathery winter foliage, then umbels that hoverflies and small wasps work all day.Field BeanसेमLablab purpureusThe winter sem of the plains, purple-flowered and heavy-cropping on a fence.French Beanफ्रेंच बीनPhaseolus vulgarisBush beans for winter troughs; pole kinds for a balcony net.GarlicलहसुनAllium sativumPlant single cloves in October and lift whole bulbs in March.
Indian AloeघृतकुमारीAloe veraNear-indestructible succulent for a bright sill; water only when the soil is dry through.Indian ValerianतगरValeriana jatamansiA hill herb of stream banks with aromatic roots and heads of small white flowers.KalonjiकलौंजीNigella sativaFine blue-white flowers over ferny leaves, then the black seed of the spice box.
MarigoldगेंदाTagetes erectaCompanion-planting workhorse: keeps nematodes down and feeds bees all season.