Waikato Region, New Zealand

Planting calendar for Cambridge

Last frost around 26 August, first frost around 17 June: about 295 frost-free days.

Last frost: 26 August
First frost: 17 June
Frost-free days: 295

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
Brussels sprout
Strawberry

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Cambridge. 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 Cambridge, 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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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: 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
Beetroot	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
Parsnip	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Radish	July: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow under cover
Potato	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: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Plant under cover
Turnip	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow under cover
Leaves
Lettuce	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow under cover
Spinach	July: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
Swiss chard	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
Rocket	July: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow under cover
Celery	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Broad bean	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
Pea	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Onion family
Onion	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: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Plant under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
Garlic	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: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	July: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
Spring onion	July: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover
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: Not this month	December: Not this month	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Plant under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Broccoli	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
Cauliflower	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Brussels sprout	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
Kale	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: 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and under cover	March: Sow under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month
Parsley	July: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Coriander	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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month
Chives	July: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Sow under cover
Mint	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 outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover
Fruit
Strawberry	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: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Plant under cover
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: Not this month	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover
RhubarbWinters too mild here	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: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 10 Nov to 16 Dec; Under cover 13 Oct to 13 Jan

Sow outdoors: 10 Nov to 16 Dec
Under cover: 13 Oct to 13 Jan
First harvest: About 86 days after sowing. Sown on 10 November, ready around 4 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across New Zealand, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 9 Nov to 16 Dec; Under cover 12 Oct to 13 Jan

Sow outdoors: 9 Nov to 16 Dec
Under cover: 12 Oct to 13 Jan
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 5 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across New Zealand, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 16 Nov to 23 Dec; Under cover 19 Oct to 20 Jan

Sow outdoors: 16 Nov to 23 Dec
Under cover: 19 Oct to 20 Jan
First harvest: About 82 days after sowing. Sown on 16 November, ready around 6 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across New Zealand, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 16 Nov to 16 Dec; Under cover 19 Oct to 13 Jan

Sow outdoors: 16 Nov to 16 Dec
Under cover: 19 Oct to 13 Jan
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 16 November, ready around 14 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across New Zealand, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 9 Nov to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 28 Feb; Under cover 12 Oct to 28 Mar

Sow outdoors: 9 Nov to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 28 Feb
Under cover: 12 Oct to 28 Mar
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 18 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across New Zealand, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 9 Nov to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 21 Feb; Under cover 12 Oct to 21 Feb, and 5 Mar to 21 Mar

Sow outdoors: 9 Nov to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 21 Feb
Under cover: 12 Oct to 21 Feb, and 5 Mar to 21 Mar
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 21 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across New Zealand, town by town

SquashOutdoors 9 Nov to 23 Dec; Under cover 12 Oct to 20 Jan

Sow outdoors: 9 Nov to 23 Dec
Under cover: 12 Oct to 20 Jan
First harvest: About 86 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 3 February.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across New Zealand, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 1 Nov to 23 Dec; Under cover 4 Oct to 20 Jan

Sow outdoors: 1 Nov to 23 Dec
Under cover: 4 Oct to 20 Jan
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 1 November, ready around 28 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across New Zealand, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 15 Aug to 3 Mar; Under cover 18 Jul to 31 Mar

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 3 Mar
Under cover: 18 Jul to 31 Mar
First harvest: About 120 days after sowing. Sown on 15 August, ready around 13 December.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across New Zealand, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 15 Aug to 12 Mar; Under cover 18 Jul to 9 Apr

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 12 Mar
Under cover: 18 Jul to 9 Apr
First harvest: About 87 days after sowing. Sown on 15 August, ready around 10 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across New Zealand, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 4 Jul to 25 Nov, and 5 Feb to 12 Feb; Under cover 8 Jan to 15 Jan, and 5 Feb to 12 Feb, and 5 Mar to 12 Mar, and 6 Jun to 23 Dec

Sow outdoors: 4 Jul to 25 Nov, and 5 Feb to 12 Feb
Under cover: 8 Jan to 15 Jan, and 5 Feb to 12 Feb, and 5 Mar to 12 Mar, and 6 Jun to 23 Dec
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 4 July, ready around 20 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across New Zealand, town by town

RadishOutdoors 19 Jul to 27 Apr; Under cover 21 Jun to 25 May

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 27 Apr
Under cover: 21 Jun to 25 May
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 24 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across New Zealand, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 19 Jul to 25 Oct, and 5 Feb to 4 Mar; Under cover 8 Jan to 1 Apr, and 21 Jun to 22 Nov

Plant outdoors: 19 Jul to 25 Oct, and 5 Feb to 4 Mar
Under cover: 8 Jan to 1 Apr, and 21 Jun to 22 Nov
First harvest: About 67 days after planting. Planted on 19 July, ready around 24 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across New Zealand, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 19 Jul to 29 Mar; Under cover 21 Jun to 26 Apr

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 29 Mar
Under cover: 21 Jun to 26 Apr
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 10 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across New Zealand, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 19 Jul to 27 Mar; Under cover 21 Jun to 24 Apr

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 27 Mar
Under cover: 21 Jun to 24 Apr
First harvest: About 97 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 24 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across New Zealand, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 19 Jul to 9 May; Under cover 21 Jun to 6 Jun

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 9 May
Under cover: 21 Jun to 6 Jun
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 18 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across New Zealand, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 15 Aug to 29 Mar; Under cover 18 Jul to 26 Apr

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 29 Mar
Under cover: 18 Jul to 26 Apr
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 15 August, ready around 28 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across New Zealand, town by town

RocketOutdoors 19 Jul to 4 May; Under cover 21 Jun to 1 Jun

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 4 May
Under cover: 21 Jun to 1 Jun
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 11 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across New Zealand, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 25 Jun to 9 Oct; Under cover 8 Jan to 24 Jan, and 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 5 Mar to 21 Mar, and 28 May to 6 Nov

Sow outdoors: 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 25 Jun to 9 Oct
Under cover: 8 Jan to 24 Jan, and 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 5 Mar to 21 Mar, and 28 May to 6 Nov
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 5 February, ready around 24 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across New Zealand, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 1 Nov to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 11 Feb; Under cover 4 Oct to 11 Feb, and 5 Mar to 11 Mar

Sow outdoors: 1 Nov to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 11 Feb
Under cover: 4 Oct to 11 Feb, and 5 Mar to 11 Mar
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 1 November, ready around 25 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across New Zealand, town by town

French beanOutdoors 1 Nov to 25 Feb; Under cover 4 Oct to 25 Mar

Sow outdoors: 1 Nov to 25 Feb
Under cover: 4 Oct to 25 Mar
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on 1 November, ready around 9 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across New Zealand, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 14 Apr to 7 Jul; Under cover 17 Mar to 4 Aug

Sow outdoors: 14 Apr to 7 Jul
Under cover: 17 Mar to 4 Aug
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 14 April, ready around 20 November.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across New Zealand, town by town

PeaOutdoors 19 Jul to 16 Dec, and 5 Feb to 3 Mar; Under cover 21 Jun to 31 Mar

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 16 Dec, and 5 Feb to 3 Mar
Under cover: 21 Jun to 31 Mar
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 16 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across New Zealand, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 5 Feb to 18 Feb, and 15 Jun to 9 Oct; Under cover 8 Jan to 21 Jan, and 5 Feb to 18 Feb, and 5 Mar to 18 Mar, and 18 May to 6 Nov

Plant outdoors: 5 Feb to 18 Feb, and 15 Jun to 9 Oct
Under cover: 8 Jan to 21 Jan, and 5 Feb to 18 Feb, and 5 Mar to 18 Mar, and 18 May to 6 Nov
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on 5 February, ready around 30 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across New Zealand, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 14 Apr to 18 Jul; Under cover 17 Mar to 15 Aug

Plant outdoors: 14 Apr to 18 Jul
Under cover: 17 Mar to 15 Aug
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 14 April, ready around 20 December.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across New Zealand, town by town

LeekOutdoors 5 Feb to 7 Jan; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: 5 Feb to 7 Jan
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 5 February, ready around 6 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across New Zealand, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 27 Jun to 7 May; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: 27 Jun to 7 May
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 27 June, ready around 8 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across New Zealand, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 25 Jun to 9 Oct; Under cover 8 Jan to 24 Jan, and 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 5 Mar to 21 Mar, and 28 May to 6 Nov

Plant outdoors: 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 25 Jun to 9 Oct
Under cover: 8 Jan to 24 Jan, and 5 Feb to 21 Feb, and 5 Mar to 21 Mar, and 28 May to 6 Nov
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on 5 February, ready around 24 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across New Zealand, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 6 Jul to 9 Mar; Under cover 8 Jun to 6 Apr

Sow outdoors: 6 Jul to 9 Mar
Under cover: 8 Jun to 6 Apr
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 6 July, ready around 10 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across New Zealand, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 15 Aug to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 27 Feb; Under cover 18 Jul to 27 Mar

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 7 Jan, and 5 Feb to 27 Feb
Under cover: 18 Jul to 27 Mar
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on 15 August, ready around 17 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across New Zealand, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 14 Jul to 16 Dec, and 5 Feb to 17 Feb; Under cover 5 Feb to 17 Feb, and 5 Mar to 17 Mar, and 16 Jun to 20 Jan

Sow outdoors: 14 Jul to 16 Dec, and 5 Feb to 17 Feb
Under cover: 5 Feb to 17 Feb, and 5 Mar to 17 Mar, and 16 Jun to 20 Jan
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 14 July, ready around 24 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across New Zealand, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 5 Feb to 2 Nov; Under cover 8 Jan to 30 Nov

Sow outdoors: 5 Feb to 2 Nov
Under cover: 8 Jan to 30 Nov
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 5 February, ready around 24 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across New Zealand, town by town

KaleOutdoors 15 Aug to 9 Mar; Under cover 18 Jul to 6 Apr

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 9 Mar
Under cover: 18 Jul to 6 Apr
First harvest: About 98 days after sowing. Sown on 15 August, ready around 21 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across New Zealand, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 13 Sep to 13 Apr; Under cover 16 Aug to 11 May

Sow outdoors: 13 Sep to 13 Apr
Under cover: 16 Aug to 11 May
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on 13 September, ready around 3 November.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across New Zealand, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 13 Sep to 2 Mar; Under cover 16 Aug to 30 Mar

Sow outdoors: 13 Sep to 2 Mar
Under cover: 16 Aug to 30 Mar
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 13 September, ready around 28 November.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across New Zealand, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 19 Jul to 8 Apr; Under cover 21 Jun to 6 May

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 8 Apr
Under cover: 21 Jun to 6 May
First harvest: About 103 days after sowing. Sown on 19 July, ready around 30 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across New Zealand, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 15 Aug to 16 Apr; Under cover 18 Jul to 14 May

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 16 Apr
Under cover: 18 Jul to 14 May
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on 15 August, ready around 16 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across New Zealand, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 19 Jul to 25 Nov, and 5 Feb to 7 Mar; Under cover 8 Jan to 4 Apr, and 21 Jun to 23 Dec

Sow outdoors: 19 Jul to 25 Nov, and 5 Feb to 7 Mar
Under cover: 8 Jan to 4 Apr, and 21 Jun to 23 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 15 Aug to 24 Jun; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: 15 Aug to 24 Jun
Under cover: all year
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 19 Jul to 2 Nov, and 5 Feb to 8 Mar; Under cover 8 Jan to 5 Apr, and 21 Jun to 30 Nov

Plant outdoors: 19 Jul to 2 Nov, and 5 Feb to 8 Mar
Under cover: 8 Jan to 5 Apr, and 21 Jun to 30 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 25 May to 18 Jul; Under cover 27 Apr to 15 Aug

Plant outdoors: 25 May to 18 Jul
Under cover: 27 Apr to 15 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

RhubarbNot here: winters too mild here

Plant outdoors: Not here: winters too mild here
Under cover: No
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 Cambridge

When is the last frost in Cambridge?

On average around 26 August, and the first autumn frost comes around 17 June. 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 Cambridge?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 10 Nov to 16 Dec, or under cover 13 Oct to 13 Jan.

What can I sow in Cambridge 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, 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 Cambridge. 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