Canterbury, New Zealand

Planting calendar for Ashburton

Last frost around 18 September, first frost around 27 May: about 251 frost-free days.

Last frost: 18 September
First frost: 27 May
Frost-free days: 251

Southern hemisphere: spring sowing is September to November, and the main harvest runs December to April.

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Under cover

Potato
Celery
Onion
Shallot
Brussels sprout
Strawberry

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Ashburton. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (a greenhouse or polytunnel)Months run July to June, so summer reads in one piece.

When to sow each crop in Ashburton, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun
Fruiting
Tomato	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Chilli	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Sweet pepper	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Aubergine	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Courgette	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Cucumber	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Squash	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Sweetcorn	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Beetroot	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Parsnip	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Radish	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Potato	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Turnip	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	July: Not this month	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Spinach	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Swiss chard	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Rocket	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Celery	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner bean	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
French bean	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Broad bean	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
Pea	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Garlic	July: Plant under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Spring onion	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Shallot	July: Plant outdoors and under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Plant under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Broccoli	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Cauliflower	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Brussels sprout	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Kale	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Pak choi	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Parsley	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Coriander	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Chives	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Mint	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Raspberry	July: Plant outdoors and under cover	August: Plant under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Plant under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	July: Plant under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 8 Nov to 19 Dec; Under cover 11 Oct to 16 Jan

Sow outdoors: 8 Nov to 19 Dec
Under cover: 11 Oct to 16 Jan
First harvest: About 117 days after sowing. Sown on 8 November, ready around 5 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across New Zealand, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 7 Nov to 19 Dec; Under cover 10 Oct to 16 Jan

Sow outdoors: 7 Nov to 19 Dec
Under cover: 10 Oct to 16 Jan
First harvest: About 134 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 21 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across New Zealand, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 14 Nov to 28 Dec; Under cover 17 Oct to 25 Jan

Sow outdoors: 14 Nov to 28 Dec
Under cover: 17 Oct to 25 Jan
First harvest: About 126 days after sowing. Sown on 14 November, ready around 20 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across New Zealand, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 14 Nov to 19 Dec; Under cover 17 Oct to 16 Jan

Sow outdoors: 14 Nov to 19 Dec
Under cover: 17 Oct to 16 Jan
First harvest: About 128 days after sowing. Sown on 14 November, ready around 22 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across New Zealand, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 7 Nov to 21 Jan; Under cover 10 Oct to 18 Feb

Sow outdoors: 7 Nov to 21 Jan
Under cover: 10 Oct to 18 Feb
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 14 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across New Zealand, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 7 Nov to 21 Jan; Under cover 10 Oct to 18 Feb

Sow outdoors: 7 Nov to 21 Jan
Under cover: 10 Oct to 18 Feb
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 25 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across New Zealand, town by town

SquashOutdoors 7 Nov to 28 Dec; Under cover 10 Oct to 25 Jan

Sow outdoors: 7 Nov to 28 Dec
Under cover: 10 Oct to 25 Jan
First harvest: About 117 days after sowing. Sown on 7 November, ready around 4 March.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across New Zealand, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 30 Oct to 28 Dec; Under cover 2 Oct to 25 Jan

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 28 Dec
Under cover: 2 Oct to 25 Jan
First harvest: About 111 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 18 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across New Zealand, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 7 Sep to 1 Feb; Under cover 10 Aug to 1 Mar

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 1 Feb
Under cover: 10 Aug to 1 Mar
First harvest: About 111 days after sowing. Sown on 7 September, ready around 27 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across New Zealand, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 7 Sep to 3 Feb; Under cover 10 Aug to 3 Mar

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 3 Feb
Under cover: 10 Aug to 3 Mar
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 7 September, ready around 23 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across New Zealand, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 20 Aug to 24 Nov; Under cover 23 Jul to 22 Dec

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 24 Nov
Under cover: 23 Jul to 22 Dec
First harvest: About 144 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 11 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across New Zealand, town by town

RadishOutdoors 20 Aug to 26 Mar; Under cover 23 Jul to 23 Apr

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 26 Mar
Under cover: 23 Jul to 23 Apr
First harvest: About 30 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 19 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across New Zealand, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 20 Aug to 24 Oct; Under cover 23 Jul to 21 Nov

Plant outdoors: 20 Aug to 24 Oct
Under cover: 23 Jul to 21 Nov
First harvest: About 111 days after planting. Planted on 20 August, ready around 9 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across New Zealand, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 20 Aug to 22 Feb; Under cover 23 Jul to 22 Mar

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 22 Feb
Under cover: 23 Jul to 22 Mar
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 24 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across New Zealand, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 25 Aug to 17 Feb; Under cover 28 Jul to 17 Mar

Sow outdoors: 25 Aug to 17 Feb
Under cover: 28 Jul to 17 Mar
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 25 August, ready around 10 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across New Zealand, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 20 Aug to 27 Mar; Under cover 23 Jul to 24 Apr

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 27 Mar
Under cover: 23 Jul to 24 Apr
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 7 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across New Zealand, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 7 Sep to 22 Feb; Under cover 10 Aug to 22 Mar

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 22 Feb
Under cover: 10 Aug to 22 Mar
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 7 September, ready around 12 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across New Zealand, town by town

RocketOutdoors 20 Aug to 27 Mar; Under cover 23 Jul to 24 Apr

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 27 Mar
Under cover: 23 Jul to 24 Apr
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 2 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across New Zealand, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 4 Aug to 11 Oct; Under cover 7 Jul to 8 Nov

Sow outdoors: 4 Aug to 11 Oct
Under cover: 7 Jul to 8 Nov
First harvest: About 147 days after sowing. Sown on 4 August, ready around 29 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across New Zealand, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 30 Oct to 21 Jan; Under cover 2 Oct to 18 Feb

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 21 Jan
Under cover: 2 Oct to 18 Feb
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 8 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across New Zealand, town by town

French beanOutdoors 30 Oct to 1 Feb; Under cover 2 Oct to 1 Mar

Sow outdoors: 30 Oct to 1 Feb
Under cover: 2 Oct to 1 Mar
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 18 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across New Zealand, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 5 Apr to 30 May; Under cover 8 Mar to 27 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 30 May
Under cover: 8 Mar to 27 Jun
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 11 November.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across New Zealand, town by town

PeaOutdoors 20 Aug to 19 Dec; Under cover 23 Jul to 16 Jan

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 19 Dec
Under cover: 23 Jul to 16 Jan
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 16 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across New Zealand, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 15 Aug to 11 Oct; Under cover 18 Jul to 8 Nov

Plant outdoors: 15 Aug to 11 Oct
Under cover: 18 Jul to 8 Nov
First harvest: About 155 days after planting. Planted on 15 August, ready around 17 January.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across New Zealand, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 5 Apr to 10 Jun; Under cover 8 Mar to 8 Jul

Plant outdoors: 5 Apr to 10 Jun
Under cover: 8 Mar to 8 Jul
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 5 April, ready around 11 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across New Zealand, town by town

LeekOutdoors 20 Aug to 21 Jan; Under cover 23 Jul to 18 Feb

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 21 Jan
Under cover: 23 Jul to 18 Feb
First harvest: About 165 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 1 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across New Zealand, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 4 Aug to 13 Mar; Under cover 7 Jul to 10 Apr

Sow outdoors: 4 Aug to 13 Mar
Under cover: 7 Jul to 10 Apr
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 4 August, ready around 21 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across New Zealand, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 14 Jul to 11 Oct; Under cover 16 Jun to 8 Nov

Plant outdoors: 14 Jul to 11 Oct
Under cover: 16 Jun to 8 Nov
First harvest: About 159 days after planting. Planted on 14 July, ready around 20 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across New Zealand, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 20 Aug to 1 Feb; Under cover 23 Jul to 1 Mar

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 1 Feb
Under cover: 23 Jul to 1 Mar
First harvest: About 122 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 20 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across New Zealand, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 7 Sep to 21 Jan; Under cover 10 Aug to 18 Feb

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 21 Jan
Under cover: 10 Aug to 18 Feb
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 7 September, ready around 16 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across New Zealand, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 20 Aug to 19 Dec; Under cover 23 Jul to 16 Jan

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 19 Dec
Under cover: 23 Jul to 16 Jan
First harvest: About 133 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 31 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across New Zealand, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 20 Aug to 31 Oct; Under cover 23 Jul to 28 Nov

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 31 Oct
Under cover: 23 Jul to 28 Nov
First harvest: About 192 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 28 February.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across New Zealand, town by town

KaleOutdoors 7 Sep to 1 Feb; Under cover 10 Aug to 1 Mar

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 1 Feb
Under cover: 10 Aug to 1 Mar
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 7 September, ready around 4 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across New Zealand, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 22 Sep to 11 Mar; Under cover 25 Aug to 8 Apr

Sow outdoors: 22 Sep to 11 Mar
Under cover: 25 Aug to 8 Apr
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 22 September, ready around 10 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across New Zealand, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 22 Sep to 1 Feb; Under cover 25 Aug to 1 Mar

Sow outdoors: 22 Sep to 1 Feb
Under cover: 25 Aug to 1 Mar
First harvest: About 73 days after sowing. Sown on 22 September, ready around 4 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across New Zealand, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 20 Aug to 23 Feb; Under cover 23 Jul to 23 Mar

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 23 Feb
Under cover: 23 Jul to 23 Mar
First harvest: About 82 days after sowing. Sown on 20 August, ready around 10 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across New Zealand, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 7 Sep to 11 Mar; Under cover 10 Aug to 8 Apr

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 11 Mar
Under cover: 10 Aug to 8 Apr
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 7 September, ready around 31 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across New Zealand, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 20 Aug to 24 Nov; Under cover 23 Jul to 22 Dec

Sow outdoors: 20 Aug to 24 Nov
Under cover: 23 Jul to 22 Dec
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Chives across New Zealand, town by town

MintOutdoors 7 Sep to 15 Apr; Under cover 10 Aug to 13 May

Sow outdoors: 7 Sep to 15 Apr
Under cover: 10 Aug to 13 May
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Mint across New Zealand, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors 20 Aug to 31 Oct; Under cover 23 Jul to 28 Nov

Plant outdoors: 20 Aug to 31 Oct
Under cover: 23 Jul to 28 Nov
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Strawberry across New Zealand, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors 10 May to 13 Jul; Under cover 12 Apr to 10 Aug

Plant outdoors: 10 May to 13 Jul
Under cover: 12 Apr to 10 Aug
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across New Zealand, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors 21 Apr to 30 Jun; Under cover 24 Mar to 28 Jul

Plant outdoors: 21 Apr to 30 Jun
Under cover: 24 Mar to 28 Jul
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across New Zealand, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Ashburton

When is the last frost in Ashburton?

On average around 18 September, and the first autumn frost comes around 27 May. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Ashburton?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 8 Nov to 19 Dec, or under cover 11 Oct to 16 Jan.

What can I sow in Ashburton in November?

Outdoors: tomato, chilli, sweet pepper, aubergine, courgette, cucumber, squash, sweetcorn, carrot, beetroot, parsnip, radish, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, rocket, runner bean, French bean, pea, leek, spring onion, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, pak choi, basil, parsley, coriander, chives, mint. Under cover: potato, celery, onion, shallot, Brussels sprout, strawberry.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your plot in Ashburton. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work