🌱📅 Allotment Planting Calendar UK: The Ultimate Guide
🌿 Introduction: Why a Planting Calendar Matters on UK Allotments
Timing is one of the most important factors in allotment success. The UK’s variable climate, changing daylight hours, and regional differences mean that knowing what to plant and when can make the difference between strong harvests and disappointing results.
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
This ultimate guide to the UK allotment planting calendar explains month-by-month sowing and planting guidance, helping allotment holders plan efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of every growing season.
Below
⭐ Check Out Our Recommended Products
• Seed Storage Tin or Box
Keeps seeds dry, organised, and viable year-round.
Click here to see them
• Garden Planner or Notebook
Helps track sowing dates and crop rotation.
Click here to see them
• Seed Trays and Pots
Essential for starting crops under cover.
Click here to see them
❄️🌱 1. January – Planning and Early Sowing
January is mainly about preparation.
✔ plan crop rotation
✔ order seeds
✔ clean tools and pots
✔ sow onions, leeks, and early salad leaves indoors
Outdoor planting is limited, but preparation sets the tone for the year.
🌱❄️ 2. February – First Signs of Growth
Daylight begins to increase.
✔ sow broad beans outdoors (weather permitting)
✔ start tomatoes and peppers indoors
✔ chit seed potatoes
✔ prepare beds if soil allows
Protection is essential due to frost risk.
🌼🌱 3. March – Spring Sowing Begins
March marks a turning point.
✔ sow carrots, beetroot, and spinach outdoors
✔ plant onion sets
✔ start brassicas under cover
✔ plant early potatoes
Soil temperature and weather conditions vary across the UK.
🌷🌱 4. April – Busy Sowing Season
Growth accelerates rapidly.
✔ sow peas, lettuce, and radish
✔ plant maincrop potatoes
✔ harden off seedlings
✔ start courgettes and squash under cover
Late frosts remain a risk, especially in northern areas.
🌞🌱 5. May – Peak Planting Time
May is one of the busiest months.
✔ transplant tender crops after frost risk
✔ sow beans, sweetcorn, and herbs
✔ plant out tomatoes and courgettes
✔ mulch beds to retain moisture
Regular watering becomes important.
🌿☀️ 6. June – Succession Sowing
June focuses on continuity.
✔ sow salads every few weeks
✔ plant out leeks and brassicas
✔ thin seedlings
✔ monitor pests
This ensures steady harvests later in summer.
🌻🌿 7. July – Late Summer Planning
Despite harvesting, sowing continues.
✔ sow beetroot and carrots for autumn
✔ plant spring cabbage
✔ prune fruit crops
✔ water consistently
Avoid letting the allotment dry out during hot spells.
🍅🌿 8. August – Autumn Crops and Harvests
August is a balance of sowing and harvesting.
✔ sow spinach and winter salads
✔ plant overwintering brassicas
✔ harvest onions and potatoes
✔ begin seed saving
Shaded areas help protect young plants.
🍂🌱 9. September – Preparing for Winter
Growth begins to slow.
✔ sow green manures
✔ plant garlic and overwintering onions
✔ harvest remaining summer crops
✔ tidy beds
Planning now improves soil health for next year.
❄️🍂 10. October – Slowing Down
October focuses on maintenance.
✔ finish harvesting
✔ plant broad beans for overwintering
✔ protect crops from frost
✔ mulch beds
Shorter days limit active growth.
🌬️🌱 11. November – Protection and Planning
Cold weather dominates.
✔ protect winter crops
✔ clean and store tools
✔ review successes and failures
✔ plan next year’s layout
Little sowing takes place outdoors.
🎄❄️ 12. December – Rest and Reflection
December is a quieter month.
✔ minimal planting
✔ plan seed orders
✔ maintain structures
✔ enjoy the allotment resting
This pause is essential for long-term success.
⚠️❌ Common Allotment Planting Mistakes to Avoid
❌ sowing too early outdoors
❌ ignoring frost dates
❌ overcrowding crops
❌ skipping succession sowing
Following a calendar helps avoid these issues.
🌟 FAQs
Does the planting calendar vary across the UK?
Yes — northern regions often plant later than southern areas.
Can I plant earlier using a greenhouse or polytunnel?
Yes, protected growing allows earlier sowing.
Is soil temperature more important than dates?
Often yes — warm soil encourages better germination.
Should I follow the calendar strictly?
Use it as a guide, adjusting for local weather conditions.
What is succession sowing?
Sowing crops at intervals to extend harvest periods.