Waikato Region, New Zealand
Planting calendar for Hamilton
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors 9 Nov to 16 Dec.
- Frost
- Frost is rare here
Frost comes in fewer than half of years, so there’s no last or first frost date to work from. Dates below go by how warm it is instead. On a clear, still winter night a light frost can still happen, so cover tender plants then.
Southern hemisphere: spring sowing is September to November, and the main harvest runs December to April.
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Hamilton. 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.
| 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 outdoors and 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | 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: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and 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: Sow 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: 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | May: Plant under cover | June: Plant outdoors and 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: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and 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: Sow under cover | 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: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Sow under cover |
 Mint | 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 |
| 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: Plant under cover | 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 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 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 81 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 29 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliOutdoors 8 Nov to 16 Dec; Under cover 11 Oct to 13 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Nov to 16 Dec
- Under cover
- 11 Oct to 13 Jan
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 8 November, ready around 31 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperOutdoors 15 Nov to 23 Dec; Under cover 18 Oct to 20 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Nov to 23 Dec
- Under cover
- 18 Oct to 20 Jan
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 15 November, ready around 1 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineOutdoors 15 Nov to 16 Dec; Under cover 18 Oct to 13 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Nov to 16 Dec
- Under cover
- 18 Oct to 13 Jan
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 15 November, ready around 13 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 8 Nov to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 7 Mar; Under cover 11 Oct to 4 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Nov to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 7 Mar
- Under cover
- 11 Oct to 4 Apr
- First harvest
- About 37 days after sowing. Sown on 8 November, ready around 15 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 8 Nov to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 1 Mar; Under cover 11 Oct to 29 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Nov to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 1 Mar
- Under cover
- 11 Oct to 29 Mar
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 8 November, ready around 20 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashOutdoors 8 Nov to 23 Dec; Under cover 11 Oct to 20 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Nov to 23 Dec
- Under cover
- 11 Oct to 20 Jan
- First harvest
- About 82 days after sowing. Sown on 8 November, ready around 29 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 31 Oct to 23 Dec, and 6 Feb to 13 Feb; Under cover 3 Oct to 20 Jan, and 6 Feb to 13 Feb, and 6 Mar to 13 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 23 Dec, and 6 Feb to 13 Feb
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 20 Jan, and 6 Feb to 13 Feb, and 6 Mar to 13 Mar
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 30 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 30 Jul to 15 Mar; Under cover 2 Jul to 12 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 15 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jul to 12 Apr
- First harvest
- About 126 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 3 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 30 Jul to 20 Mar; Under cover 2 Jul to 17 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 20 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jul to 17 Apr
- First harvest
- About 91 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 29 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 6 Feb to 27 Feb, and 22 Jun to 24 Nov; Under cover 9 Jan to 27 Mar, and 25 May to 22 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Feb to 27 Feb, and 22 Jun to 24 Nov
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 27 Mar, and 25 May to 22 Dec
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 6 February, ready around 25 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 20 Jul to 6 May; Under cover 22 Jun to 3 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 6 May
- Under cover
- 22 Jun to 3 Jun
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 24 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 16 Jul to 23 Oct, and 6 Feb to 16 Mar; Under cover 9 Jan to 13 Apr, and 18 Jun to 20 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 16 Jul to 23 Oct, and 6 Feb to 16 Mar
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 13 Apr, and 18 Jun to 20 Nov
- First harvest
- About 64 days after planting. Planted on 16 July, ready around 18 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 20 Jul to 7 Apr; Under cover 22 Jun to 5 May
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 7 Apr
- Under cover
- 22 Jun to 5 May
- First harvest
- About 81 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 9 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 20 Jul to 7 Apr; Under cover 22 Jun to 5 May
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 7 Apr
- Under cover
- 22 Jun to 5 May
- First harvest
- About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 23 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors 12 Jul to 27 May; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Jul to 27 May
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on 12 July, ready around 8 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 30 Jul to 7 Apr; Under cover 2 Jul to 5 May
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 7 Apr
- Under cover
- 2 Jul to 5 May
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 16 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 20 Jul to 17 May; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 17 May
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 11 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 6 Feb to 10 Mar, and 11 Jun to 7 Oct; Under cover 9 Jan to 7 Apr, and 14 May to 4 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Feb to 10 Mar, and 11 Jun to 7 Oct
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 7 Apr, and 14 May to 4 Nov
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 6 February, ready around 25 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 31 Oct to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 19 Feb; Under cover 3 Oct to 19 Feb, and 6 Mar to 19 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 19 Feb
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 19 Feb, and 6 Mar to 19 Mar
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 24 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 31 Oct to 5 Mar; Under cover 3 Oct to 2 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 5 Mar
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 2 Apr
- First harvest
- About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 6 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 17 Apr to 19 Jul; Under cover 20 Mar to 16 Aug
- Sow outdoors
- 17 Apr to 19 Jul
- Under cover
- 20 Mar to 16 Aug
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 17 April, ready around 23 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 20 Jul to 16 Dec, and 6 Feb to 11 Mar; Under cover 22 Jun to 8 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 16 Dec, and 6 Feb to 11 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jun to 8 Apr
- First harvest
- About 57 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 15 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 6 Feb to 9 Mar, and 30 May to 7 Oct; Under cover 9 Jan to 6 Apr, and 2 May to 4 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 6 Feb to 9 Mar, and 30 May to 7 Oct
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 6 Apr, and 2 May to 4 Nov
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on 6 February, ready around 1 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
GarlicOutdoors 17 Apr to 19 Jul; Under cover 20 Mar to 16 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 17 Apr to 19 Jul
- Under cover
- 20 Mar to 16 Aug
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 17 April, ready around 23 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors 6 Feb to 7 Jan; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Feb to 7 Jan
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 6 February, ready around 7 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Spring onionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 50 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 20 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
ShallotOutdoors 6 Feb to 10 Mar, and 11 Jun to 7 Oct; Under cover 9 Jan to 7 Apr, and 14 May to 4 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 6 Feb to 10 Mar, and 11 Jun to 7 Oct
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 7 Apr, and 14 May to 4 Nov
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on 6 February, ready around 25 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 23 Jun to 24 Mar; Under cover 26 May to 21 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 23 Jun to 24 Mar
- Under cover
- 26 May to 21 Apr
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 23 June, ready around 28 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 30 Jul to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 9 Mar; Under cover 2 Jul to 6 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 7 Jan, and 6 Feb to 9 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jul to 6 Apr
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 29 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 3 Jul to 16 Dec, and 6 Feb to 2 Mar; Under cover 5 Jun to 30 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Jul to 16 Dec, and 6 Feb to 2 Mar
- Under cover
- 5 Jun to 30 Mar
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 3 July, ready around 13 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors 6 Feb to 31 Oct; Under cover 9 Jan to 28 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Feb to 31 Oct
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 28 Nov
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 6 February, ready around 25 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
KaleOutdoors 30 Jul to 18 Mar; Under cover 2 Jul to 15 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 18 Mar
- Under cover
- 2 Jul to 15 Apr
- First harvest
- About 103 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 10 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 8 Sep to 23 Apr; Under cover 11 Aug to 21 May
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Sep to 23 Apr
- Under cover
- 11 Aug to 21 May
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on 8 September, ready around 29 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 8 Sep to 9 Mar; Under cover 11 Aug to 6 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Sep to 9 Mar
- Under cover
- 11 Aug to 6 Apr
- First harvest
- About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 8 September, ready around 23 November.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 10 Jul to 22 Apr; Under cover 12 Jun to 20 May
- Sow outdoors
- 10 Jul to 22 Apr
- Under cover
- 12 Jun to 20 May
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 10 July, ready around 24 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 30 Jul to 26 Apr; Under cover 2 Jul to 24 May
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 26 Apr
- Under cover
- 2 Jul to 24 May
- First harvest
- About 65 days after sowing. Sown on 30 July, ready around 3 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 20 Jul to 24 Nov, and 6 Feb to 16 Mar; Under cover 9 Jan to 13 Apr, and 22 Jun to 22 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 24 Nov, and 6 Feb to 16 Mar
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 13 Apr, and 22 Jun to 22 Dec
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
MintOutdoors 30 Jul to 10 Jul; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jul to 10 Jul
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors 20 Jul to 31 Oct, and 6 Feb to 19 Mar; Under cover 9 Jan to 16 Apr, and 22 Jun to 28 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 20 Jul to 31 Oct, and 6 Feb to 19 Mar
- Under cover
- 9 Jan to 16 Apr, and 22 Jun to 28 Nov
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RaspberryOutdoors 30 May to 19 Jul; Under cover 2 May to 16 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 30 May to 19 Jul
- Under cover
- 2 May to 16 Aug
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
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.
Questions about growing in Hamilton
Does it frost in Hamilton?
Not often: frost comes in fewer than half of years, so sowing here goes by warmth rather than frost dates. A light frost can still happen on a clear, still winter night.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Hamilton?
Yes. Plant them outdoors 9 Nov to 16 Dec, or under cover 12 Oct to 13 Jan.
What can I sow in Hamilton 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 Hamilton. Free for 2 months.
App StoreComing soonHow 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