UK Planting Calendar 2026: What to Plant Each Month
Knowing what to plant and when is one of the most important skills for successful gardening. This UK planting calendar for 2026 breaks down exactly what to sow, plant, and prepare each month, based on UK growing conditions.
Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, this month-by-month guide will help you get better results all year round. Created by the expert team at Chessington Garden Centre, it’s ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
January: What to Plant in January (UK)
January is all about planning and preparation.
What to do in January:
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Clean pots, tools, and greenhouse glazing
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Order vegetable seeds and summer-flowering bulbs
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Plan crop rotation and companion planting
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Start a garden journal
What to plant in January (UK):
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Indoors (with heat): chillies, aubergines, early tomatoes
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Under cover: garlic and shallots in trays
February: Early Sowing Month
Light levels increase, making February ideal for early indoor sowing.
What to plant in February:
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Indoors: tomatoes, chillies, lettuce, sweet peas
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Outdoors (mild weather): broad beans, onion sets, shallots
Gardening tip:
Use fleece or cloches to warm soil and protect young plants.
March: Spring Planting Begins
March marks the start of the main growing season.
What to plant in March:
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Indoors: courgettes, cucumbers, brassicas
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Outdoors: carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach, parsnips
Flowers to plant in March:
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Hardy annuals like calendula and cornflowers
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Summer bulbs such as gladioli
April: Peak Sowing Season
April is one of the busiest gardening months in the UK.
What to plant in April:
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Outdoors: lettuce, radish, leeks, peas, turnips
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Indoors: runner beans and French beans
Gardening tip:
Late frosts are still possible—protect seedlings with fleece.
May: Planting After the Last Frost
Once the risk of frost passes, planting accelerates.
What to plant in May:
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Courgettes, squash, pumpkins, sweetcorn
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Hardened-off tomatoes and cucumbers
Flowers to plant in May:
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Bedding plants (after mid-May)
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Hanging baskets and containers
June: Summer Growth Month
Plants grow quickly in warmer conditions.
What to plant in June:
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Succession sow salad leaves, carrots, beetroot
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Dwarf French beans, fennel, chicory
July: Harvest and Succession Sowing
July is about maintaining growth and planning ahead.
What to plant in July:
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Kale, pak choi, chard, winter lettuces
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Turnips and kohlrabi
Gardening tip:
Mulch and water deeply during hot, dry spells.
August: Late Summer Planting
There’s still time to sow for autumn and winter harvests.
What to plant in August:
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Spinach, spring cabbage, oriental greens
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Green manures to improve soil health
September: Autumn Gardening Jobs
Growth slows, but planting continues.
What to plant in September:
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Garlic and overwintering onion sets
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Broad beans in mild regions
October: Preparing the Garden for Winter
October focuses on bulbs and soil care.
What to plant in October:
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Spring-flowering bulbs: tulips, daffodils, hyacinths
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Garlic and autumn onions
November: Structural Planting Month
Ideal for trees and shrubs.
What to plant in November:
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Bare-root trees, hedging, shrubs
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Garlic in milder UK areas
December: Garden Planning and Wildlife Care
A quieter month for reflection and preparation.
What to do in December:
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Feed birds and support wildlife
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Final bare-root fruit tree planting
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Plan next year’s garden
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to start planting in the UK?
March is when most outdoor sowing begins, but indoor planting can start as early as January with heat.
Can you garden all year round in the UK?
Yes. While winter growth slows, planning, planting bulbs, bare-root trees, and indoor sowing happen year-round.
When should I plant vegetables in the UK?
Vegetable planting depends on the crop, but most are sown between March and June, with late sowings from July to September.
Expert Gardening Advice from Chessington Garden Centre
Gardening success comes from good timing, healthy soil, and choosing the right plants for your space. If you need help selecting seeds, peat-free compost, tools, or seasonal plants, visit Chessington Garden Centre and speak to our knowledgeable team.
We’re here to help you grow with confidence in 2026 and beyond 🌱
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