When to Plant Each Vegetable in the UK – A Complete Month-by-Month Guide

Planting vegetables at the right time is the secret to healthy plants, bigger harvests, and a more successful garden.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through exactly when to plant each vegetable in the UK, covering month-by-month planting times, climate tips, and simple advice to help you grow confidently all year round.

Why Timing Matters in the UK Climate

The UK’s weather — with its variable springs, cool summers, and mild winters — means timing is everything when it comes to planting vegetables.

Key UK gardening timing factors:

• Frost dates: Know your local last frost (March–May) and first frost (October–November) dates.
• Soil temperature: Seeds won’t germinate well in cold, wet soil.
• Daylight hours: Longer spring and summer days boost plant growth.

Tip: Always adjust sowing times depending on your local microclimate (coastal, sheltered, or upland areas may vary).

Month-by-Month: When to Plant Vegetables in the UK

Here’s your easy guide to what to plant — and when — for UK gardens.

January

Indoors:

• Chillies
• Aubergines
• Onions (from seed)
• Early tomatoes (heated greenhouse only)

Tip: Use grow lights to support seedlings in low winter light.

February

Indoors:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Lettuce
• Early brassicas (cauliflower, cabbage)

Outdoors (under cover):

• Broad beans
• Garlic
• Shallots

Tip: Protect early sowings with fleece or cloches in colder regions.

March

Indoors:

• Celeriac
• Celery
• Leeks

Outdoors:

• Peas
• Beetroot
• Early carrots
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Salad leaves

Tip: Warm the soil ahead of time with cloches or fleece.

April

Indoors:

• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Sweetcorn
• Pumpkins and squash

Outdoors:

• Maincrop carrots
• Parsnips
• Potatoes (first earlies)
• Spring onions
• More peas and beetroot
• Kale

Tip: Harden off indoor plants before planting outside at the end of April.

May

Outdoors:

• French beans
• Runner beans
• Courgettes
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes (after frost risk has passed)
• Pumpkins and squashes
• Lettuce and salad leaves
• Chard

Tip: Keep an eye on late frosts, especially in northern areas.

June

Outdoors:

• Succession sow salads
• Beetroot (second sowing)
• Carrots (late varieties)
• French beans
• Turnips
• Swedes
• Spinach (summer varieties)

Tip: Shade delicate seedlings during hot spells.

July

Outdoors:

• Spring cabbage (for overwintering)
• Kale
• Pak choi
• Winter radish
• Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)

Tip: Mulch beds to retain moisture during dry periods.

August

Outdoors:

• Autumn spinach
• Rocket
• Winter purslane
• Mustard greens
• Oriental leaves (mizuna, tatsoi)

Tip: Sow quick crops before the cooler weather sets in.

September

Outdoors:

• Garlic (later in the month or October)
• Overwintering onions
• Broad beans (late September for early crops next year)

Tip: Use cloches to help young plants establish before winter.

October

Outdoors:

• Garlic
• Onions (winter varieties)
• Broad beans
• Spinach (hardy varieties)

Tip: Mulch beds to protect young plants from heavy rains.

November

• Final planting of garlic and overwintering onions.
• Sow broad beans in mild areas for an early spring crop.

Tip: In cold areas, wait until early spring instead.

December

• Focus on garden planning, tool maintenance, and preparing for early sowings next year.

Tip: Order seeds early to get the best varieties for spring sowing.

Quick Reference Chart: When to Plant Key Vegetables

Tips for Success When Planting Vegetables in the UK

• Check seed packets: Always double-check sowing times and adjust for your location.
• Warm the soil: Use cloches, fleece, or tunnels to give seeds a better start.
• Stagger sowings: Sow small amounts regularly rather than one big batch.
• Protect young plants: Cover tender crops if cold snaps hit after planting.
• Harden off: Gradually acclimatise indoor-raised seedlings before planting outdoors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting too early: Seeds rot in cold, wet soil.
• Skipping hardening off: Sudden exposure to outdoor conditions shocks plants.
• Neglecting frost risk: Even in May, a late frost can kill tender crops.
• Overcrowding: Give plants space to grow for better airflow and fewer diseases.

Conclusion: Perfect Timing for a Perfect Harvest

Knowing when to plant each vegetable in the UK is crucial for garden success.
By following a seasonal schedule, protecting young plants, and adapting to the UK’s variable climate, you’ll enjoy healthier crops, bigger harvests, and a more satisfying gardening experience.
Plan your sowings carefully — and your garden will reward you all year round!

Top 10 Questions and Answers about When to Plant Vegetables in the UK

1. When is the best time to plant tomatoes outside in the UK?
After the last frost — usually from late May onwards.

2. Can I sow carrots in March?
Yes, if the soil has warmed up and isn’t too wet.

3. When should I plant potatoes?
First earlies go in during March; maincrop varieties in April.

4. How do I know when it’s safe to plant tender vegetables outdoors?
Wait until all risk of frost has passed and harden off seedlings first.

5. When should I sow winter lettuce?
Sow hardy varieties from August to September under cover.

6. Can I sow broad beans in autumn?
Yes, sow broad beans in October or November for an early crop next year.

7. Is it better to sow indoors or outdoors?
Sow tender crops indoors and hardy ones outdoors when soil conditions allow.

8. Should I use cloches in spring?
Yes, cloches warm the soil and protect early sowings from cold snaps.

9. What vegetables can I plant all summer long?
Succession crops like lettuce, radishes, and carrots can be sown throughout summer.

10. Can I plant garlic in spring?
Yes, but autumn planting usually produces bigger bulbs.