UK vegetable planting calendar for beginners
A UK sowing calendar is a helpful starting point, but it is not a guarantee: local temperature, frost, growing conditions and the variety you choose all matter.
Spring: prepare and sow
In spring, begin hardy crops such as peas, carrots and beetroot as conditions allow. Tomatoes are generally started indoors before being moved outside after frost risk.
Summer: grow and harvest
Summer is a time to harvest salad crops, sow quick-growing radishes in succession and care for fruiting crops. Keep containers watered during warm weather.
Autumn and winter: plan ahead
In autumn, some hardy greens and suitable broad bean varieties can be sown. Winter is useful for preparing containers, improving soil and planning next year's crop choices.
Make a plan for your growing space
Tell us about your pots, raised beds and sunlight to discover beginner-friendly crops and an estimated sowing calendar.
Try the free garden planner →These are approximate UK-wide recommendations. Check local frost risk and individual crop requirements. For more detailed advice, see the RHS vegetable container guide.