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Seed Sowing Calendar

Planning to grow and sow your own vegetables and flowers? Part of the success is knowing when to plant them. With hundreds of different types of seed available, it is no surprise the seed sowing calendar stretches across most of the year. Follow our handy guide to see the main planting – and harvesting – times for some of the best-known foods and flowers.

When to plant seeds in the UK

You can sown seeds at various times of the year, depending on the type and variety of seed. April is usually the time when there is a more intense flourish of seed sowing. The longer days and warmer temperatures mean that the conditions for sowing successful seeds outside are better.

Spring seeds to sow

Flowers that will not tolerate frost or the wet and cold climate of winter (can be planted in late spring)
Vegetables that will not grow in the colder temperatures

Summer seeds to sow

Biennial flowers
Fast-growing salad selection

Autumn seeds to sow

Winter vegetables (they love the cooler climate)

Winter seeds to sow

Vegetables that can tolerate the cold and that have a prolonged maturing period

Discover a range of seeds here.

Growing your own vegetables is a satisfying and wallet-friendly way to eat with the seasons and ensure a nutritious plate.

Vegetable sowing calendar

Our table below gives a rough overview of the planting times and harvest length of some of the best-loved vegetable and salad crops. The instructions on the specific packet will offer the recommended times for the variety; this will also guide you on whether seeds should be sown indoors or can be planted directly outdoors.

Download a pdf of our vegetable seed sowing calendar

Discover a range of vegetable seeds here.

Many herbs, including basil, chives, coriander, parsley, and mustard, can be planted all year. Plant others like mint, chamomile and dill in the spring.