UK Gardening Calendar: What to Plant Each Month

Gardening in the UK follows a seasonal rhythm, with different tasks to tackle each month. This guide will help you stay on top of your gardening duties throughout the year, and ensure you're planting and pruning at the best times!

What to Plant in January UK

January is a quiet month in the garden, with colder temperatures and shorter days, but it’s an excellent time to prepare for the growing season ahead. While the garden may seem dormant, there are still plenty of tasks you can do to get a head start on spring, including planting bare-root trees and sowing winter-hardy crops.

Start by chitting potatoes indoors. Place your seed potatoes in a light, cool spot to encourage the shoots to grow. This simple step can lead to an earlier crop of new potatoes once the weather warms up. You can also begin sowing winter-hardy salad leaves, like spinach and kale, under cover in a greenhouse or cold frame. These leafy greens will thrive in cool conditions and give you fresh produce early in the year.

Although the weather may be chilly, bare-root fruit trees such as apple, pear, and plum trees can still be planted during January, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Bare-root trees are more affordable and establish well when planted during the dormant season, ready to burst into growth in spring.

In addition to planting, January is a great time to take stock of your garden. Review your seed collection, clean tools, and maintain equipment to ensure you’re ready for the busy months ahead. If you haven’t already, you can also prune fruit trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth once spring arrives.

What to Plant in February UK

As daylight hours lengthen and temperatures gradually rise, February is a month of renewal in the garden. While the ground may still be cold, it’s an excellent time to start sowing hardy vegetables, planting bare-root roses, and preparing for the first blooms of spring.

February is perfect for sowing onions, shallots, and leeks, which can be started indoors or in heated propagators. These hardy vegetables can withstand the cold and will establish strong roots for an early crop later in the year. You can also start sowing chillies and peppers indoors under cover, allowing them to grow strong before they are transplanted outside when the weather warms.

It's also a great time to plant bare-root roses, which establish well in winter when the plants are dormant. Bare-root roses are ideal for planting in February as they will have plenty of time to settle before the growing season begins. If you already have rose bushes in your garden, February is the perfect time to prune them, removing dead wood and shaping the plants to encourage healthy, vigorous growth in the spring.

In addition to vegetables and roses, early spring flowers such as daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops begin to emerge this month. If you didn’t plant these as bulbs in the autumn, they can typically be bought “in the green” during February. These are plants that have already started to grow and can be planted directly into flowerbeds or containers for an instant splash of colour.

What to Plant in March UK

March marks the start of the main growing season, bringing longer days and rising temperatures—perfect for sowing seeds, planting bulbs, and preparing your garden for a flourishing year ahead.

With the soil warming up, now is the time to plant early potatoes, sow broad beans and carrots, and introduce summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies and gladioli, ready for a spectacular display in the warmer months. In addition, you can start dahlias and begonias indoors in pots, ready for transplanting later.

For salad lovers, sowing lettuce, spinach, and radishes under cloches will give you an early harvest. If you’re looking to grow herbs, hardy varieties like parsley, chives, and coriander can be sown in pots or directly outdoors. Tomatoes and peppers can also be started indoors in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill.

March is also the perfect time to refresh your flower beds with primroses, pansies, and violas for early spring colour. Meanwhile, prune roses and prepare beds for later plantings. By making the most of this month, you’ll set your garden up for a bountiful and beautiful growing season.

What to Plant in April UK

April is a fantastic month for gardeners as the warmer weather and longer daylight hours create ideal conditions for sowing and planting. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, now is the time to get your garden into full swing.

Direct sowings of carrots, parsnips, and beetroot can begin, while lettuce, spinach, and radishes can be sown at intervals for a continuous harvest. It’s also the perfect time to plant onion sets and shallots for a late summer crop. If you missed planting early potatoes, second earlies and maincrop potatoes can go in the ground now.

For legumes, sow peas and mangetout, ensuring they have adequate support from netting or bamboo sticks. You can also start French beans and runner beans under cover to be planted out next month. If you’re growing brassicas, April is a great time to sow cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts in seed trays for later transplanting.

Typically the last frost has passed by April and perennial flowering shrubs such as hydrangea, rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted.

Flower lovers can plant hardy annuals such as calendula, cornflowers, and poppies for vibrant summer displays. Dahlias started indoors in March can now be hardened off before planting out towards the end of the month.

• Carrots & parsnips – Sow thinly in well-drained soil to prevent overcrowding.
• Beetroot – Sow in rows for easy thinning and harvesting.
• Lettuce & spinach – Sow at intervals for a continuous supply.
• Onion sets & shallots – Plant in well-prepared soil for summer harvesting.
• Peas & mangetout – Provide support with netting or canes.
• French beans & runner beans – Start under cover for transplanting later.
• Brassicas – Sow cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts in seed trays.
• Hardy annual flowers – Sow calendula, cornflowers, and poppies for summer colour.
• Sweet peas – Plant out for climbing floral displays.
• Dahlias – Begin hardening off plants started indoors in March.

April is also the perfect time to prepare your borders by weeding and mulching, ensuring your plants have the best possible start. Keep an eye on late frosts, especially in colder regions, and protect young plants with fleece if needed.

What to Plant in May UK

With warmer temperatures and longer days, May is the perfect month for planting out tender crops and sowing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. As the risk of frost diminishes, you can finally move young plants outdoors and start direct sowing summer favourites.

Now is the time to plant out tomatoes, courgettes, and cucumbers in a sunny, sheltered spot. You can also sow sweetcorn in blocks to encourage wind pollination and ensure a successful crop. If you started chillies and peppers indoors, they can be moved into the greenhouse or a warm outdoor location.

If you haven’t already, sow carrots, beetroot, and radishes directly into the ground for a steady summer harvest.

For salad lovers, continue sowing lettuce, spinach, and rocket at intervals to ensure a continuous crop. Now is also a great time to plant out herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano, either in pots or directly into your herb garden.

Flower beds can be transformed this month by planting out summer bedding plants such as marigolds, petunias, and geraniums. Direct sowing of sunflowers, nasturtiums, and cosmos will bring vibrant colour throughout summer. If you have started dahlias and begonias indoors, they can now be planted outside.

May is also a key month for feeding and watering, as plants begin their rapid growth phase. Keep an eye on pests such as slugs and aphids, and protect young plants as needed. With the right care, your garden will thrive, setting the stage for a bountiful and colourful summer.

What to Plant in June UK

June is a fantastic month for succession planting, ensuring a steady supply of fresh vegetables throughout the summer and into autumn. With warmer temperatures and longer days, many crops are growing rapidly, making this a great time to sow fast-maturing vegetables and prepare for late-season harvests.

If you want to extend your vegetable harvest, continue sowing beetroot, radishes, and salad leaves. Carrots can still be sown, particularly later varieties that will be ready for autumn. You can also plant spring onions and kohlrabi for variety in your summer salads.

Now is also the perfect time to sow winter brassicas such as Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, and kale, ensuring they have enough time to develop for harvesting later in the year. If you started leeks earlier in the season, they can be transplanted into their final growing positions.

For those growing beans, you can still sow French beans and runner beans to extend their cropping period. Sweetcorn can also be sown outdoors in June if you missed earlier plantings.

When it comes to flowers, June is ideal for direct sowing biennials such as foxgloves, wallflowers, and hollyhocks for blooms next year. You can also continue sowing hardy annuals like calendula and nigella to keep your garden full of colour.

• Beetroot – Harvest young leaves for salads, or let roots mature.
• Radishes – A quick-growing crop that thrives in warm weather.
• Carrots – Late sowings will be ready for autumn harvesting.
• Spring onions & kohlrabi – Perfect for fresh summer salads.
• Winter brassicas – Sow Brussels sprouts, cabbages, kale, and cauliflower.
• Leeks – Transplant seedlings to their final growing positions.
• French beans & runner beans – Sow now for an extended cropping season.
• Sweetcorn – Can still be sown outdoors for a late summer harvest.
• Biennials – Sow foxgloves, wallflowers, and hollyhocks for next year’s blooms.
• Hardy annuals – Sow calendula and nigella for late summer colour.

June is also a key month for watering and feeding plants as the weather warms up. Mulching around vegetables and flowers will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep an eye on pests like aphids and caterpillars, and provide support for taller plants as they grow. With good care, your garden will thrive, ensuring delicious homegrown produce and stunning floral displays throughout the summer.

What to Plant in July UK

July is the perfect month to keep your garden productive, with a focus on planting for autumn and winter harvests. While summer crops are thriving, now is the time to start sowing vegetables that will extend your growing season and add colour to your garden later in the year.

For a bountiful autumn and winter vegetable garden, sow kale, Swiss chard, and perpetual spinach, all of which are hardy and will continue cropping well into the colder months. Spring onions and salad leaves can also be sown now for a fresh supply later in the season.

If you’re thinking ahead to early spring, sowing winter lettuces, corn salad (lamb’s lettuce), and land cress will ensure a continuous harvest through the colder months. You can also plant overwintering carrots and beetroot for an early crop next year.

July is a great time to plant autumn-flowering bulbs like crocus, nerines, and colchicums, bringing vibrant colour to your garden in the later months. Hardy biennials such as wallflowers, foxgloves, and forget-me-nots should also be sown now for beautiful displays next spring.

If space allows, continue sowing fast-growing crops like radishes, turnips, and dwarf French beans to make the most of the warm summer conditions. These will mature before the first frosts arrive.

• Autumn-flowering bulbs – Plant crocus, nerines, and colchicums for late-season colour.
• Winter greens – Sow kale, Swiss chard, and perpetual spinach for year-round harvesting.
• Spring onions & salad leaves – Keep sowing for fresh crops in autumn.
• Winter lettuces & corn salad – Sow now for harvesting in the colder months.
• Overwintering carrots & beetroot – Plant for an early crop next spring.
• Biennials – Sow wallflowers, foxgloves, and forget-me-nots for next year’s blooms.
• Fast-growing crops – Sow radishes, turnips, and dwarf French beans for a quick harvest.

July is also an important month for watering and feeding your crops, as the summer heat can quickly dry out the soil. Keep an eye out for pests such as caterpillars and aphids, and provide shade for young seedlings if temperatures become too intense. By planting now, you’ll set yourself up for a productive autumn and even an early start to next year’s growing season.

What to Plant in August UK

As summer begins to fade, August is a key month for sowing crops that will keep your garden productive into autumn and beyond. With careful planning, you can continue harvesting fresh vegetables well into winter while also preparing for an early start next spring.

For continued leafy greens, sow spinach, pak choi, and rocket, all of which thrive in the cooler conditions that late summer brings. Spring onions and winter lettuces can also be sown now to provide fresh produce in the coming months.

Now is also the time to plant hardy herbs such as parsley and chives, which will establish well before the colder months arrive. If you’re thinking ahead to spring, sowing overwintering onions and spring cabbages will give them a strong start for next season.

Fast-growing crops like radishes, turnips, and mustard greens can still be sown for quick autumn harvests, making the most of the remaining warmth. You can also plant autumn peas and broad beans towards the end of the month for an early crop next year.

• Spinach, pak choi & rocket – Prefers cooler conditions and provides fresh greens.
• Spring onions & winter lettuces – Sow now for late-season harvests.
• Hardy herbs – Plant parsley and chives for year-round use.
• Overwintering onions & spring cabbages – Start now for an early crop next year.
• Fast-growing crops – Sow radishes, turnips, and mustard greens for quick results.
• Autumn peas & broad beans – Plant towards the end of the month for an early spring crop.

August is also an important month for garden maintenance. Keep watering regularly during dry spells, harvest summer crops to make space for new sowings, and start preparing beds for autumn planting. By planning ahead now, you’ll ensure a productive and colorful garden well into the colder months and beyond.

What to Plant in September UK

As summer draws to a close, September marks the beginning of autumn planting, setting the stage for winter and early spring crops. The soil is still warm, making it a great time to establish hardy vegetables, flowers, and perennials before colder temperatures arrive.

For a productive kitchen garden next year, plant garlic and autumn onion sets, which will overwinter and be ready to harvest in early summer. You can also sow winter-hardy broad beans and peas towards the end of the month for an early crop next spring.

If you want fresh greens throughout winter, continue sowing spinach, Swiss chard, and winter lettuces. Hardy leafy crops such as land cress and mustard greens also thrive in cooler conditions and provide nutritious leaves for salads and cooking.

September is the ideal time to plant spring cabbage, giving it time to establish before winter. You can also plant asparagus crowns now for a long-term investment in future harvests.

In the flower garden, now is the time to sow hardy annuals like cornflowers, nigella, and larkspur to bloom early next year. Planting perennials such as foxgloves, delphiniums, and lupins now allows them to develop strong root systems over winter for a vibrant display in spring and summer.

• Garlic & autumn onion sets – Plant now for an early summer harvest.
• Winter greens – Sow spinach, Swiss chard, and winter lettuces for continuous crops.
• Spring cabbage – Plant now for harvesting in early spring.
• Broad beans & peas – Sow hardy varieties for an early spring crop.
• Asparagus crowns – Establish now for harvests in future years.
• Perennials – Plant foxgloves, delphiniums, and lupins for next year’s blooms.
• Hardy annuals – Sow cornflowers, nigella, and larkspur for early colour.
• Spring bulbs – Plant daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths for a vibrant spring garden.

September is also an important time for tidying the garden. Cut back spent plants, collect seeds for next year, and prepare garden beds for autumn and winter planting. By taking action now, you’ll set the foundation for a thriving garden in the months ahead.

What to Plant in October UK

October marks the heart of autumn, an important month for planting hardy crops and flowers that will flourish through winter and into spring. As temperatures drop, it's time to focus on overwintering vegetables, spring-flowering bulbs, and hardy perennials.

One of the key tasks for October is planting garlic, autumn onion sets, and shallots. These will establish roots before winter and be ready for an early summer harvest next year. If you haven’t already, sow hardy broad beans and winter peas to get a head start on spring cropping.

For leafy greens, continue sowing winter-hardy spinach, corn salad (lamb’s lettuce), and land cress. These resilient greens will provide fresh harvests throughout the colder months. You can also plant spring cabbage now to mature in early spring.

October is one of the best months for planting fruit trees and berry bushes. Apple, pear, and plum trees establish well when planted in autumn, and soft fruits like raspberries, blackberries, and gooseberries will develop strong roots over winter, ready to burst into growth next year.

In the flower garden, this is the prime time for planting spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. You can also plant wallflowers, sweet williams, and forget-me-nots for a burst of colour in spring. Now is also the perfect time to divide and replant perennials like hostas, daylilies, and peonies to keep your borders thriving.

October is also ideal for sowing wildflower seeds to encourage pollinators next year. Scatter a mix of native species, such as poppies, cornflowers, and oxeye daisies, for a natural-looking meadow effect.

October is also a key month for garden maintenance. Clear fallen leaves, mulch around plants for winter protection, and begin preparing your garden for colder months. By planting wisely now, you'll ensure a flourishing garden in spring and beyond.

What to Plant in November UK

November is a key month for preparing your garden for winter while ensuring a strong start for next year’s crops and flowers. With the first frosts arriving, it’s time to focus on hardy vegetables, fruit trees, and spring-flowering bulbs.

One of the most important tasks this month is finishing the planting of garlic, onion sets, and shallots before the ground becomes too cold. These crops will develop roots over winter, leading to an early summer harvest.

If you haven’t sown overwintering broad beans and peas yet, there’s still time to get them in the ground for an early crop next spring. You can also sow hardy winter greens like land cress, winter purslane, and corn salad, which will provide fresh leaves during the colder months.

November is an excellent month for planting bare-root fruit trees and shrubs. Apple, pear, and plum trees will establish well if planted now, while raspberry canes, blackcurrants, and gooseberries can also be put in before winter sets in fully.

In the flower garden, this is the last chance to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. November is also ideal for planting roses, as they will settle in over winter and produce strong growth in spring.

For a natural and wildlife-friendly garden, sowing wildflowers such as red campion, oxeye daisies, and poppies now will ensure a beautiful display that attracts pollinators next year.

• Garlic, onion sets & shallots – Get them in before winter for a summer harvest.
• Winter greens – Sow land cress, winter purslane, and corn salad for fresh winter leaves.
• Broad beans & winter peas – Finish sowing for early spring crops.
• Bare-root fruit trees – Plant apple, pear, and plum trees before the ground freezes.
• Berry bushes – Plant raspberry canes, blackcurrants, and gooseberries.
• Spring-flowering bulbs – Last chance to plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths.
• Roses – Plant bare-root roses for strong spring growth.
• Wildflowers – Sow red campion, oxeye daisies, and poppies for a pollinator-friendly garden.

November is also a time to focus on protecting your garden. Apply mulch around plants to insulate roots, clear fallen leaves to prevent disease, and clean greenhouses and tools ready for next year. By planting now and preparing your garden for winter, you’ll ensure a thriving, productive garden in the months ahead.

What to Plant in December UK

Though winter has arrived and the year is drawing to a close, December still offers some opportunities for planting. While most growth slows down, this is a great time to focus on crops that establish over winter, as well as structural planting for the garden.

For fresh greens throughout winter, plant hardy winter lettuces such as ‘Winter Density’ or ‘Arctic King’. You can also sow corn salad (lamb’s lettuce) and winter purslane, which thrive in cold weather. To ensure steady growth, protect crops with cloches or fleece when frost is severe.

December is an excellent month for planting bare-root trees, hedging, and shrubs. Whether you want to create privacy, attract wildlife, or add structure to your garden, now is the time to plant hawthorn, beech, hornbeam, and yew hedging. For fruit production, plant bare-root apple, pear, and cherry trees, allowing them to establish before spring.

If the ground isn’t frozen, you can still sow broad beans to give them a head start in spring. Hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ will germinate in cold conditions and provide an early crop.

For flower lovers, December is your last chance to plant tulip bulbs for a stunning spring display. You can also take hardwood cuttings from roses, currants, and other shrubs to propagate new plants.

December is also the perfect time to plan for next year. Review your garden layout, order seeds, and prepare planting areas. Keep wildlife in mind by leaving seed heads for birds and providing shelter for insects. While the garden may be quiet, small actions now will lead to a vibrant and productive growing season ahead.