Five crops to harvest in October

It's also a good idea to harvest tender crops before the first frosts, as you may lose them to this. Don't worry if you have a glut – there are many easy ways to preserve your harvests, and plenty of kit to help you get started. Check out our pick of apple presses and jam making equipment.

• What to plant in October

Here are five crops to harvest in October.

Apples

October is likely the last month in which to harvest apples. Enjoy them fresh while you can, or take a look at our handy tips on storing apples.

Carrots

With successional sowings, carrots have an expansive harvesting period, stretching from May through to December.

Tomatoes

Pick your last tomatoes this month before the remainder are lost to frosts. Avoid storing tomatoes from tomato blight-affected plants.

Beetroot

Earthy beetroot makes a tasty addition to salads and pickles, as well as sweet dishes like cakes and brownies. Harvest the last crop of the year this month.

Pumpkins

Of course, October is the month to harvest pumpkins. Big or small, they make fun Halloween decorations and can be added to sweet and savoury dishes. If you have any spare, consider a pumpkin bird feeder.