Introduction
If you’ve ever stood on your allotment wondering what you should be doing right now, you’re definitely not alone.
Most UK gardeners don’t need more theory or long explanations. Instead, they need a clear, practical allotment calendar they can rely on — something that shows what to do and when, even when time is short and the weather’s doing its thing.
This page is built to answer exactly that need. As a result, it offers a free allotment calendar for the UK that works with real growing seasons, not rigid dates.
A free, practical allotment calendar
This free allotment calendar is designed to be genuinely useful, not something you download once and forget about.
It shows you what to do on your allotment each month, based on typical UK conditions, without any of the usual friction:
- No sign‑ups
- No downloads
- No PDFs
- No paid planners
As a result, you can dip in at any point during the year and quickly see which allotment jobs matter most right now, rather than feeling like you’re already behind.
A living calendar, not a static planner
Unlike printed planners or fixed PDFs, this is a living allotment calendar you can return to throughout the year.
It’s designed to be checked regularly, not bought once and set aside. For example, whether you’re:
- Planning ahead during the quieter winter months
- Sowing seeds and planting out in spring
- Managing strong growth, watering, and harvests through summer
…it gives you a simple, month‑by‑month allotment calendar that reflects how real plots actually work.
Focused on real allotment jobs
The focus throughout is on practical allotment jobs, not filler or theory:
- Sowing and planting
- General maintenance
- Seasonal growing tasks
There’s no unnecessary padding here. Instead, everything is geared towards helping you decide what to do now, then move on with confidence.
When you want crop‑specific detail, this calendar works alongside the Vegetable Planting Calendar. As a result, it’s easy to move from what to do straight to what to plant and when.
Who this calendar is for
If you’re looking for a free UK allotment calendar, a month‑by‑month allotment planner, or a simple way to keep on top of seasonal jobs without overthinking it, you’re in exactly the right place.
It’s designed for beginners, busy growers, and anyone who wants a clear, flexible allotment gardening calendar they can actually use.
Continue your allotment planning & planting journey
- What to plant each month in the UK – A practical monthly planting guide for UK gardeners – Use this alongside the allotment calendar to see exactly which crops suit each month, helping you turn dates into clear planting actions.
- Free square-foot allotment & companion planting planner (UK) – Ideal if you want to plan how much space each crop needs and which plants grow well together, especially in smaller or more intensive allotments.
- What to grow in a small allotment – Easy crop ideas and layout tips – A practical guide to choosing productive crops and layouts when space is limited, helping you get the most from your plot throughout the year.
How to Use This Free Allotment Calendar
This free allotment calendar is designed to be simple, flexible, and practical — much like allotment gardening itself.
You don’t need to read it cover to cover, and you don’t need to follow it perfectly. Instead, use it as a clear reference point whenever you’re unsure what to do next, which jobs matter most, or how to prioritise your time on the plot.
Use it month by month
Each section works as a month‑by‑month allotment calendar, highlighting the key allotment jobs that matter most at that point in the year for UK growing conditions.
You can:
- Check the current month to see which allotment jobs are most relevant right now
- Look ahead to plan sowing, planting, or bed preparation
- Jump back to review anything you may have missed
As a result, this allotment gardening calendar works just as well for forward planning as it does for responding to the season as it unfolds.
Focus on jobs, not rigid dates
Allotments don’t run to exact calendars — and that’s completely normal.
Weather, soil type, location, and available time all play a part. Because of this, the calendar focuses on what to do on your allotment, rather than telling you exact dates you must stick to.
Instead, think of each month as a window of opportunity, not a deadline. Use it to guide decisions, then adjust based on your local conditions and what’s happening on your own plot.
Pair it with the Vegetable Planting Calendar
This page answers a simple question:
“What should I be doing on my allotment right now?”
However, when you want to know:
- Which vegetables to sow this month
- When to plant specific crops
- Whether something can still be planted now
…it makes sense to use this calendar alongside the Vegetable Planting Calendar.
Together, they allow you to move quickly and confidently from:
- Allotment jobs → Crop choices → Practical action
Come back to it regularly
This isn’t a one‑off planner you use once and forget about.
Instead, the calendar works best when you:
- Check it at the start of each month
- Revisit it mid‑month as weather and conditions change
- Use it as a reminder of seasonal priorities when time is limited
If you bookmark it and return to it regularly, it becomes a reliable, free UK allotment calendar you can lean on throughout the year — not a rulebook you’re expected to follow.
Why This Allotment Calendar Is Free (And Why That Matters)
There are plenty of allotment and vegetable calendars available. However, many of them are paid, printed, or locked behind downloads, logins, or PDFs.
While those can work as reference material, in practice they’re often something you buy once, glance at briefly, and then forget about as the growing season moves on.
This free allotment calendar deliberately takes a different approach.
Free by design
This calendar is free to use, with no sign‑ups, subscriptions, downloads, or paid upgrades.
That choice is completely intentional.
Allotment gardening works best when information is:
- Easy to access
- Quick to check
- Available exactly when you need it
By keeping this UK allotment calendar free and online, it stays practical rather than precious — something you can dip into at any time without feeling pressure to “get your money’s worth”.
A living calendar, not a static one
Printed planners and downloadable calendars don’t change once they’re created.
By contrast, this free allotment calendar is designed to be a living reference — something you return to throughout the year as the season moves on and conditions change.
You’re not expected to follow it perfectly or treat it like a strict timetable. Instead, it offers a clear seasonal framework, helping you decide what to do on your allotment based on real conditions: your plot, the weather, and the time you actually have available.
Built for everyday allotment use
The aim here isn’t to replace books, courses, or in‑depth growing guides.
Instead, this allotment gardening calendar focuses on answering the everyday questions that come up again and again, such as:
- What should I be doing on my allotment this month?
- Which allotment jobs matter most right now?
- What can safely wait until later?
As a result, keeping the calendar free removes friction. It becomes something you can check regularly — whether you’re new to allotments or you’ve been growing for years.
Free, practical, and easy to return to
A good allotment calendar should support your growing, not complicate it.
By staying free, simple, and flexible, this month‑by‑month allotment calendar is designed to be something you can rely on throughout the year — a practical guide you return to whenever you need clarity, rather than another planner you feel obliged to follow.
Month-by-Month Allotment Calendar (UK)
Below is a practical, month-by-month allotment calendar designed specifically for UK growing conditions.
Rather than listing every possible task, each month focuses on the key allotment jobs that matter most at that time of year. As a result, the emphasis stays on steady progress and momentum, rather than long or overwhelming to‑do lists.
This approach makes the calendar easier to use as a free UK allotment calendar you can return to throughout the growing season.
How to use the monthly sections
Each month in this allotment gardening calendar is designed to give you:
- A clear sense of seasonal priorities on the allotment
- Practical guidance on sowing, planting, and general maintenance
- Reassurance about which jobs matter now and what can realistically wait
You don’t need to do everything listed. Instead, treat each month as a guide rather than a checklist, and focus on what fits your time, energy, and conditions.
A note on weather and flexibility
UK weather can vary widely — not just from year to year, but from one allotment to the next.
Because of this, it’s best to use the monthly guidance alongside your own conditions, such as:
- Local weather patterns
- Soil type and drainage
- Whether you grow outdoors, under cover, or use no‑dig methods
If something feels early or late on your plot, trust that instinct. This allotment calendar is there to support good decisions, not override experience or common sense.
Linking jobs to planting
This section focuses on what to do on your allotment each month, rather than listing individual crops.
However, when you want to know:
- Which vegetables to sow this month
- Whether a crop can still be planted now
- What tends to work best at different points in the season
…it makes sense to use this calendar alongside the Vegetable Planting Calendar.
Together, they help you move smoothly from allotment jobs → crop choices → practical action, keeping decisions seasonal and manageable.
The monthly breakdown starts below, beginning with January.
January – Planning and Preparation
January is a quiet but important month on the allotment. Growth is slow; however, the decisions you make now shape how smoothly the rest of the growing year runs.
As part of a month-by-month allotment calendar, January focuses on preparation rather than planting.
Key priorities:
- Planning crops and bed layouts
- Tool maintenance and small repairs
- Soil care and compost management
This is an ideal time to:
- Review what worked (and what didn’t) last year on your allotment
- Sketch out rough plans for beds and simple crop rotations
- Check tools, sharpen blades, and replace anything that let you down last season
If conditions allow, you can also:
- Clear remaining debris from beds
- Add compost or organic matter where soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged
- Start a few early sowings under cover, such as onions or broad beans, depending on your setup
January isn’t about speed. Instead, it’s about setting yourself up well for the rest of the allotment year.
February – Early Sowing and Bed Prep
February is where the allotment growing year starts to stir.
Days slowly lengthen, and although outdoor conditions can still be harsh, there’s plenty you can begin under cover if you’re patient.
Within this allotment calendar by month, February is about preparation and cautious progress.
Key priorities:
- Early sowing with protection
- Preparing beds for spring planting
- Organising seeds and growing space
Common February jobs include:
- Sowing early crops in greenhouses, cold frames, or indoors
- Chitting potatoes
- Tidying beds and edging paths before growth accelerates
On milder plots, you may also be able to:
- Sow hardy crops directly outdoors
- Continue adding compost and improving soil structure
February rewards patience. Therefore, focus on steady preparation, rather than rushing ahead of the weather.
March – Sowing Begins in Earnest
March is when the allotment year really comes alive.
As soil temperatures rise and daylight increases, sowing options expand quickly. Even so, frost remains a real risk across much of the UK.
In a UK allotment calendar, March marks the start of the main sowing season.
Key priorities:
- The main sowing season begins
- Bed preparation and early planting
- Balancing enthusiasm with caution
Typical March tasks include:
- Sowing a wider range of vegetables under cover
- Direct sowing hardy crops outdoors when conditions allow
- Preparing seedbeds and firming soil ready for transplants
This is also the month where timing matters most:
- Sow too early and growth can stall
- Wait too long and you lose valuable growing weeks
Use March to build momentum, but stay flexible. With protection, observation, and a bit of restraint, the transition from winter into spring becomes far more manageable.
April – Rapid Growth and Protection
April is a month of fast change on the allotment. Soil begins to warm, seedlings put on visible growth, and although the risk of frost slowly fades, it hasn’t disappeared completely.
Within a month-by-month allotment calendar, April is about moving forward carefully — encouraging growth while keeping protection in place.
Key priorities:
- Managing rapid growth
- Protecting young plants
- Continuing sowing under cover and outdoors
Common April allotment jobs include:
- Direct sowing hardy vegetables as soil conditions improve
- Potting on seedlings started earlier in the year
- Using fleece, cloches, or cold frames to protect tender plants
At the same time, it’s worth:
- Keeping beds weed-free before weeds get established
- Checking watering routines as days become warmer
- Hardening off plants gradually before planting out
Overall, April is about progress with protection. Growth comes quickly now; however, a bit of caution still goes a long way.
May – Planting Out and Maintenance
May is one of the busiest months in the UK allotment calendar.
With longer days and warmer nights, many crops can finally be planted outside. As a result, beds tend to fill up fast.
Key priorities:
- Planting out young plants
- Regular watering and feeding
- Keeping on top of weeds
Typical May allotment jobs include:
- Planting out hardened-off seedlings once the risk of frost has passed
- Sowing fast-growing crops directly into beds
- Mulching soil to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
As growth accelerates, it also helps to:
- Support climbing plants early, before they flop
- Thin seedlings where needed
- Keep an eye out for pests as activity increases
May rewards steady, regular attention. As a result, small jobs done often usually make the biggest difference.
June – Growth, Watering, and First Harvests
June marks the transition from spring into early summer, and the allotment responds quickly.
Plants grow strongly, and many early crops are ready to harvest. At this stage, the balance shifts towards maintenance as well as enjoyment.
In a free UK allotment calendar, June is about maintaining growth while enjoying the first real rewards of the season.
Key priorities:
- Consistent watering
- Ongoing maintenance
- Harvesting early crops
Common June allotment jobs include:
- Harvesting salads, early roots, and quick crops little and often
- Succession sowing to keep beds productive
- Tying in, supporting, and training fast-growing plants
At this point, it’s also important to:
- Monitor soil moisture closely, especially during dry spells
- Remove bolting plants and replant gaps where needed
- Keep paths and beds accessible as growth becomes dense
June is about maintaining momentum. By balancing harvests with ongoing care, the allotment stays productive as summer properly sets in.
July – Harvests and Succession Sowing
July is a month of reward and responsibility on the allotment.
Beds are productive, harvests are regular, and growth is fast. However, within a month-by-month allotment calendar, July is also the point where things can quickly get away from you if attention slips.
Key priorities:
- Regular harvesting
- Succession sowing
- Watering and general maintenance
Typical July allotment jobs include:
- Harvesting crops little and often to keep them producing well
- Sowing quick-growing vegetables to replace crops as they finish
- Staying on top of watering, especially during warm or windy spells
At the same time, it helps to:
- Remove finished crops and clear space early
- Keep weeds under control before they have a chance to set seed
- Check supports and ties as plants put on size and weight
Overall, July is about keeping things moving — harvesting, replanting, and maintaining balance across the plot without letting small jobs pile up.
August – Peak Harvest and Planning Ahead
August is often the most abundant month in the UK allotment calendar.
Harvests are at their peak. At the same time, this is when it pays to start thinking a little beyond summer, even while you’re enjoying the results of your work.
Key priorities:
- Managing heavy harvests
- Sowing for autumn and winter
- Preparing space for the next season
Common August allotment jobs include:
- Harvesting regularly and preserving surplus crops
- Sowing vegetables for autumn and winter harvests
- Clearing beds as crops reach the end of their run
It’s also a good time to:
- Improve soil in cleared beds with compost or organic matter
- Decide which areas will be used for overwintering crops
- Continue watering and feeding where growth remains strong
The key in August is balance — enjoying the harvest, while quietly setting up the next phase of the allotment growing year.
September – Autumn Sowing and Clearing Beds
September brings a clear shift in pace on the allotment.
Growth slows, daylight shortens, and priorities move away from constant harvesting toward consolidation and preparation.
In a free UK allotment calendar, September focuses on clearing space, improving soil, and setting up crops for the cooler months ahead.
Key priorities:
- Sowing hardy crops
- Clearing summer beds
- Improving soil condition
Typical September allotment jobs include:
- Sowing crops that will overwinter or mature early next year
- Removing spent plants and tidying beds as space opens up
- Adding compost or mulches to protect and feed the soil
At this point, it’s also sensible to:
- Reduce watering as temperatures begin to drop
- Take stock of what worked well — and what didn’t — this year
- Start thinking about bed use for autumn and winter crops
September rewards a calmer approach. By clearing, improving, and lightly sowing now, the allotment transitions far more smoothly into the cooler months ahead.
October – Soil Care and Winter Preparation
October is a month of transition on the allotment.
Growth slows noticeably and harvests begin to tail off. As a result, within a month-by-month allotment calendar, attention shifts away from production and towards looking after the soil and structures that will support next year’s crops.
Key priorities:
- Clearing spent crops
- Protecting and improving soil
- Preparing the plot for winter weather
Typical October allotment jobs include:
- Removing finished plants and composting any healthy material
- Adding compost, manure, or leaf mould to empty beds
- Mulching soil to protect its structure and feed soil life
At the same time, it’s worth:
- Repairing paths and edging before winter really sets in
- Covering unused beds to reduce nutrient loss
- Checking sheds, fences, and other structures for winter readiness
Much of October’s work goes unseen. However, it plays a huge role in how well your allotment performs when the growing season starts again.
November – Protection and Maintenance
November is about holding steady, rather than pushing on.
Daylight is short and growth is minimal. As a result, the allotment settles firmly into maintenance mode. In a UK allotment calendar, November focuses on protection rather than productivity.
Key priorities:
- Protecting soil and overwintering crops
- Tool care and general maintenance
- Tidying and organising the plot
Common November allotment jobs include:
- Protecting crops from cold, wind, and heavy rain
- Checking mulches and bed covers remain in place
- Cleaning, oiling, and storing tools properly
It’s also a sensible time to:
- Reduce activity on wet soil to avoid compaction
- Clear gutters, water butts, and drainage areas
- Review seed stocks and note what needs replacing
November rewards restraint. By doing less now, you often end up with healthier soil and fewer problems later on.
December – Rest, Review, and Planning Ahead
December is the quietest month on the allotment — and that’s no bad thing.
With very little active growing taking place, this becomes a chance to pause, reflect, and plan without pressure. Within a free UK allotment calendar, December is about rest and preparation.
Key priorities:
- Reviewing the past growing season
- Planning improvements for next year
- Resting both the plot and the gardener
Useful December allotment activities include:
- Looking back over what grew well and what struggled
- Planning simple rotations and bed layouts for the year ahead
- Ordering seeds and supplies early, before spring rushes in
December is also a good time to:
- Leave soil undisturbed wherever possible
- Allow space for wildlife on the plot
- Step back and enjoy a slower pace
A well‑rested allotment — and gardener — is far better prepared for the cycle to begin again in January.
Allotment Calendar vs Planting Calendar – What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to see why the terms allotment calendar and planting calendar get mixed up. They’re closely related; however, they’re designed to do slightly different jobs within an allotment growing year.
Once you understand the difference, it becomes much easier to use both tools in a way that genuinely helps on the plot — especially if you’re following a free UK allotment calendar or a month‑by‑month allotment calendar.
What an allotment calendar does
An allotment calendar focuses on what to do on your allotment, rather than listing individual crops.
In practice, it helps you:
- Prioritise seasonal allotment jobs
- Understand how the year naturally flows on a UK allotment
- Decide where your time and energy are best spent each month
Typical allotment calendar tasks include:
- Preparing and improving soil
- Sowing and planting at the right stage of the season
- Weeding, watering, feeding, and general maintenance
- Harvesting, clearing beds, and planning ahead
In short, an allotment calendar answers:
“What should I be doing on my allotment right now?”
What a planting calendar does
A planting calendar, on the other hand, focuses on what to plant and when.
It helps you:
- Decide which vegetables can be sown or planted in a given month
- Avoid sowing too early or leaving things too late
- Match crops to the growing season more reliably
A planting calendar is especially useful when:
- You already know which crops you want to grow
- You simply need to check whether now is the right time to plant them
In short, a planting calendar answers:
“What can I plant right now?”
Ready to choose crops as well as jobs?
Use the Vegetable Planting Calendar to see exactly what you can plant this month based on UK growing conditions.
Why they work best together
Used on their own, each calendar has its limits.
- An allotment calendar tells you what to do, but not always which crops fit best
- A planting calendar tells you what to plant, but not which jobs should come first
However, when used together, they create a clear and practical flow from planning to action:
Allotment calendar → Planting calendar → Practical work
This free allotment calendar helps you understand seasonal priorities and monthly allotment jobs, while the Vegetable Planting Calendar provides crop‑specific detail exactly when you need it.
A simple way to use both
A straightforward, real‑world approach is to:
- Check the current month in the allotment calendar
- Identify the allotment jobs that matter most right now
- Use the planting calendar to choose suitable crops
- Carry out the work based on your plot, weather, and available time
As a result, decisions stay grounded in the season, without turning gardening into a rigid timetable.
Designed for flexibility, not perfection
Neither calendar is meant to be followed perfectly.
Weather, soil type, location, and available time all affect what’s possible on an allotment. Because of this, these calendars exist to support good judgement, not replace it.
Used together, an allotment calendar and planting calendar offer clarity without pressure — helping you keep your allotment productive, manageable, and enjoyable throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — it’s genuinely free. There are no sign-ups, subscriptions, downloads, or paid upgrades. As a result, you can access this free allotment calendar online whenever you need a quick seasonal reference, without any friction or commitment.
This is a UK-specific allotment calendar focused on what to do on your allotment each month. However, when you want crop-by-crop detail on what to plant and when, it works alongside the Vegetable Planting Calendar, which is also designed for UK growing conditions.
Yes, absolutely. This allotment gardening calendar is written with clarity and flexibility in mind. As a result, it works just as well for beginners as it does for experienced allotment holders. You don’t need prior knowledge — instead, check the current month and focus on the main allotment jobs.
No. This allotment calendar is a guide, not a rulebook.
Weather, soil type, location, and available time all play a part. Because of that, use the calendar to inform decisions rather than dictate them, and adjust timings to suit your own plot and local conditions.
Yes. The monthly guidance works well for traditional digging, no-dig allotments, raised beds, and mixed growing approaches. While methods can differ, the seasonal priorities in a month-by-month allotment calendar remain largely the same.
This free UK allotment calendar is designed to be seasonal rather than date-locked. In other words, it stays relevant year after year because it reflects typical UK growing patterns, not a single calendar year.
Yes. The layout is mobile-friendly, which means you can quickly check allotment jobs while you’re actually on the plot — whether you’re planning, sowing, or harvesting.
Use the calendar as a baseline, then adjust slightly earlier or later depending on your local climate. For example, northern, coastal, or exposed plots may run a little behind, while sheltered or southern allotments often run ahead.
Start with this allotment calendar by month to understand which jobs matter most right now. Then, use the planting calendar to choose which crops fit those conditions. Used together, they provide clarity without complexity and help you take action with confidence.
Final Notes – A Practical Allotment Calendar You Can Return To
A good allotment calendar shouldn’t feel like homework.
Instead, it should give you clarity when you need it, confidence to act, and enough flexibility to deal with real conditions on your plot as they come. That’s especially true when you’re juggling weather, time, and everything else that comes with allotment growing.
That’s exactly what this free UK allotment calendar is designed to be — a practical, month‑by‑month reference you can return to throughout the year, whether you’re planning ahead in winter or checking priorities mid‑season.
Use it as a guide, not a rulebook
No two allotments are ever the same.
Soil type, weather, exposure, and available time all play their part. Because of that, use this allotment gardening calendar to understand seasonal priorities, then adjust based on what you see and experience on your own plot.
In other words, trust observation as much as instruction. The calendar supports good decisions — it doesn’t replace them.
Bookmark it and come back regularly
This month‑by‑month allotment calendar works best when it’s used little and often.
Many allotment holders find it helpful to:
- Check it at the start of each month
- Revisit it after changes in the weather
- Use it to stay focused on the most important allotment jobs when time is tight
As a result, bookmarking the page makes it easy to return whenever you need a quick seasonal reminder, without overthinking or second‑guessing yourself.
Pair it with the Vegetable Planting Calendar
When you’re ready to move from allotment jobs to crops, it makes sense to use this calendar alongside the Vegetable Planting Calendar.
Together, they help you:
- Decide what matters most right now on your allotment
- Choose vegetables that fit the season and conditions
- Take practical action with a bit more confidence
Built for real allotment growing
This free allotment calendar exists to support real, everyday allotment gardening — not perfection, pressure, or rigid schedules.
Use it in whatever way suits you best. Instead of feeling obliged to follow it, let it act as a steady companion through the growing year.
With a clearer sense of seasonal priorities and monthly allotment jobs, your plot becomes easier to manage, more productive, and — just as importantly — far more enjoyable.
