The calendar follows practical UK growing seasons. It highlights tasks based on the time of year and typical regional conditions.
WHAT TO SOW, PLANT & HARVEST TODAY
UK Vegetable Planting Calendar
Wondering what you can plant in your allotment now? The UK Vegetable Planting Calendar shows what you can sow, plant, transplant or harvest based on typical UK growing conditions. Choose your date and region to see what’s suitable, then select any crop for growing advice, spacing and planting information.
How the UK Vegetable Planting Calendar Works
First, select your region, then choose today’s date or a future planning date.
Use the filters to switch between:
- Sow Outdoors – Direct sow crops suitable for current soil temperatures.
- Sow Indoors – Start seeds under cover or on a windowsill.
- Plant Out – Move hardened-off seedlings into beds.
- Transplant – Reposition young plants for spacing or growth.
- Harvest – See what is typically ready to pick.
The display on the right shows the best crop suggestions for any combination of these settings.
What to plant today, harvest next week or even next month, all for free!
Why Seasonal Timing Matters in the UK
UK growing conditions vary between regions, yet timing remains critical everywhere. Sow too early and seeds may rot in cold soil. Plant too late and the harvest window shortens. This tool helps you stay aligned with the UK growing season so you can avoid wasted seed and improve success rates.
Who This Tool Is For
This tool is ideal if you:
- Grow vegetables in the UK
- Manage an allotment plot
- Plan crops month by month
- Want quick clarity without scanning long charts
It is designed to be used in under 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is based on typical seasonal patterns. Always adjust for your local frost dates and microclimate.
No. It complements them by giving you a quick task-focused overview.
Yes. Plan your layout first, then use this tool to time each crop correctly.
Timing depends on the crop and your region:
– Start indoors: Tender plants like tomatoes, peppers, and basil do best when started indoors from late winter to early spring. They’ll be stronger and ready for transplanting after the last frost.
– Sow outdoors: Hardy crops such as carrots, parsnips, and peas can be sown directly outside once the soil is workable—usually from March in much of the UK.
Frost dates vary across the UK:
– Mild regions (southern or coastal areas): Last frost is usually early April, with the first frost around early November.
– Cooler regions (northern areas or higher ground): Last frost can be as late as May, with the first frost in October.
Always check a local gardening calendar or reliable forecast, since microclimates can shift dates by a week or two.
If you’re just starting out, choose quick and reliable crops:
– Lettuce and salad leaves
– Radishes
– Courgettes
– Beans and peas
– Potatoes
These staples grow with little fuss and deliver quick rewards—ideal for a beginner’s UK vegetable garden.
Not always. Many herbs — like parsley, chives, and coriander — grow well outdoors in pots, raised beds, or borders. More tender herbs, such as basil and lemongrass, prefer warmth and thrive indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, especially in cooler parts of the UK.
There are several effective ways:
– Protect young plants with cloches or fleece.
– Use cold frames or mini-polytunnels to warm the soil.
– Try succession sowing by planting in smaller batches over time.
– Focus on hardy crops like kale, leeks, and winter lettuce.
What you can plant depends on the time of year, your UK region and whether you’re growing outdoors or under cover. Use the planting calendar above to select today’s date and your region, then choose Plant Now to see suitable crops. You can also check what to sow from seed or look ahead to plan future planting.
Ready to Start Growing?
Use the free allotment planner to map your layout, choose crops, and plan your season with confidence.