Wellington Region, New Zealand
Planting calendar for Lower Hutt
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors 26 Nov to 22 Jan.
- 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 Lower Hutt. 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: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 Chilli | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | 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 |
 Sweet pepper | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 Aubergine | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Sow 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 |
 Courgette | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | 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: Not this month | 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: Not this month | 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | 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 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 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: 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 under cover | 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and 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 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: 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
 Lettuce | 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 |
 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 outdoors and 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: Sow under cover | 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 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 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 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 under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
 Onion | July: Plant outdoors and under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant 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 under cover | 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 |
 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: 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: 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 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 |
 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 under cover | December: Not this month | 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: 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 under cover | 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 |
 Brussels sprout | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow 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 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 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: 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: 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 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 under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 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 under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant 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: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 RaspberryWinters 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 |
 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 26 Nov to 22 Jan; Under cover 29 Oct to 19 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 26 Nov to 22 Jan
- Under cover
- 29 Oct to 19 Feb
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on 26 November, ready around 20 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliOutdoors 24 Nov to 22 Jan; Under cover 27 Oct to 19 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Nov to 22 Jan
- Under cover
- 27 Oct to 19 Feb
- First harvest
- About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 24 November, ready around 20 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperOutdoors 3 Dec to 6 Feb; Under cover 5 Nov to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Dec to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 5 Nov to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 3 December, ready around 21 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineOutdoors 3 Dec to 22 Jan; Under cover 5 Nov to 19 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Dec to 22 Jan
- Under cover
- 5 Nov to 19 Feb
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 3 December, ready around 3 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 24 Nov to 1 Mar; Under cover 27 Oct to 29 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Nov to 1 Mar
- Under cover
- 27 Oct to 29 Mar
- First harvest
- About 59 days after sowing. Sown on 24 November, ready around 22 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 24 Nov to 23 Feb; Under cover 27 Oct to 23 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Nov to 23 Feb
- Under cover
- 27 Oct to 23 Mar
- First harvest
- About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 24 November, ready around 30 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashOutdoors 24 Nov to 6 Feb; Under cover 27 Oct to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 24 Nov to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 27 Oct to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 87 days after sowing. Sown on 24 November, ready around 19 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 15 Nov to 6 Feb; Under cover 18 Oct to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Nov to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 18 Oct to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 89 days after sowing. Sown on 15 November, ready around 12 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 25 Jul to 5 Nov, and 7 Feb to 16 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 13 Apr, and 27 Jun to 3 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Jul to 5 Nov, and 7 Feb to 16 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 13 Apr, and 27 Jun to 3 Dec
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 25 July, ready around 5 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 20 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 17 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 20 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 17 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- First harvest
- About 58 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 24 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 7 Feb to 26 Feb, and 1 Jul to 13 Oct; Under cover 10 Jan to 29 Jan, and 7 Feb to 26 Feb, and 7 Mar to 26 Mar, and 3 Jun to 10 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Feb to 26 Feb, and 1 Jul to 13 Oct
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 29 Jan, and 7 Feb to 26 Feb, and 7 Mar to 26 Mar, and 3 Jun to 10 Nov
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 7 February, ready around 26 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 29 Jul to 13 May; Under cover 1 Jul to 10 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 13 May
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 10 Jun
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 2 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 24 Jul to 22 Sep, and 7 Feb to 18 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 15 Apr, and 26 Jun to 20 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 24 Jul to 22 Sep, and 7 Feb to 18 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 15 Apr, and 26 Jun to 20 Oct
- First harvest
- About 72 days after planting. Planted on 24 July, ready around 4 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 29 Jul to 11 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 9 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 11 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 9 May
- First harvest
- About 82 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 19 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 29 Jul to 11 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 9 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 11 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 9 May
- First harvest
- About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 2 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 40 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 10 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 29 Jul to 11 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 9 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 11 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 9 May
- First harvest
- About 82 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 19 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 29 Jul to 1 Jun; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 1 Jun
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 20 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 7 Feb to 11 Mar, and 18 Jun to 26 Sep; Under cover 10 Jan to 8 Apr, and 21 May to 24 Oct
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Feb to 11 Mar, and 18 Jun to 26 Sep
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 8 Apr, and 21 May to 24 Oct
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 7 February, ready around 26 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 15 Nov to 14 Feb; Under cover 18 Oct to 14 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Nov to 14 Feb
- Under cover
- 18 Oct to 14 Mar
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 15 November, ready around 7 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 15 Nov to 28 Feb; Under cover 18 Oct to 28 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 15 Nov to 28 Feb
- Under cover
- 18 Oct to 28 Mar
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 15 November, ready around 24 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 6 Apr to 28 Jul; Under cover 9 Mar to 25 Aug
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Apr to 28 Jul
- Under cover
- 9 Mar to 25 Aug
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 6 April, ready around 12 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 28 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 10 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 7 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 7 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Nov
- First harvest
- About 64 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 30 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 7 Feb to 9 Mar, and 5 Jun to 17 Sep; Under cover 10 Jan to 6 Apr, and 8 May to 15 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 7 Feb to 9 Mar, and 5 Jun to 17 Sep
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 6 Apr, and 8 May to 15 Oct
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on 7 February, ready around 2 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
GarlicOutdoors 6 Apr to 28 Jul; Under cover 9 Mar to 25 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 6 Apr to 28 Jul
- Under cover
- 9 Mar to 25 Aug
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 6 April, ready around 12 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors 7 Feb to 12 Nov; Under cover 10 Jan to 10 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Feb to 12 Nov
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 10 Dec
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 7 February, ready around 8 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Spring onionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 26 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
ShallotOutdoors 7 Feb to 11 Mar, and 18 Jun to 10 Oct; Under cover 10 Jan to 8 Apr, and 21 May to 7 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 7 Feb to 11 Mar, and 18 Jun to 10 Oct
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 8 Apr, and 21 May to 7 Nov
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on 7 February, ready around 26 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 7 Feb to 29 Mar, and 28 Jun to 27 Nov; Under cover 10 Jan to 26 Apr, and 31 May to 25 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Feb to 29 Mar, and 28 Jun to 27 Nov
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 26 Apr, and 31 May to 25 Dec
- First harvest
- About 75 days after sowing. Sown on 7 February, ready around 23 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 28 Jul to 26 Oct, and 7 Feb to 8 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 5 Apr, and 30 Jun to 23 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 26 Oct, and 7 Feb to 8 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 5 Apr, and 30 Jun to 23 Nov
- First harvest
- About 69 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 5 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 11 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 1 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 29 Mar, and 13 Jun to 25 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 11 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 1 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 29 Mar, and 13 Jun to 25 Nov
- First harvest
- About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 11 July, ready around 25 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors 7 Feb to 27 Sep; Under cover 10 Jan to 25 Oct
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Feb to 27 Sep
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 25 Oct
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 7 February, ready around 26 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
KaleOutdoors 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 19 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 16 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 19 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 16 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- First harvest
- About 64 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 30 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 17 Sep to 28 Apr; Under cover 20 Aug to 26 May
- Sow outdoors
- 17 Sep to 28 Apr
- Under cover
- 20 Aug to 26 May
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 17 September, ready around 8 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 17 Sep to 4 Mar; Under cover 20 Aug to 1 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 17 Sep to 4 Mar
- Under cover
- 20 Aug to 1 Apr
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 17 September, ready around 6 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 11 Jul to 3 May; Under cover 13 Jun to 31 May
- Sow outdoors
- 11 Jul to 3 May
- Under cover
- 13 Jun to 31 May
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 11 July, ready around 25 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 29 Jul to 4 May; Under cover 1 Jul to 1 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 4 May
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 1 Jun
- First harvest
- About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 5 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 28 Jul to 13 Oct, and 7 Feb to 16 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 13 Apr, and 30 Jun to 10 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 13 Oct, and 7 Feb to 16 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 13 Apr, and 30 Jun to 10 Nov
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
MintOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors 28 Jul to 27 Sep, and 7 Feb to 21 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 18 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 28 Jul to 27 Sep, and 7 Feb to 21 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 18 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Oct
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RaspberryNot 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.
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 Lower Hutt
Does it frost in Lower Hutt?
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 Lower Hutt?
Yes. Plant them outdoors 26 Nov to 22 Jan, or under cover 29 Oct to 19 Feb.
What can I sow in Lower Hutt in November?
Outdoors: chilli, courgette, cucumber, squash, sweetcorn, beetroot, radish, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, rocket, runner bean, French bean, leek, spring onion, cabbage, kale, pak choi, basil, parsley, coriander, mint. Under cover: tomato, sweet pepper, aubergine, carrot, parsnip, pea, shallot, broccoli, cauliflower, chives.
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 Lower Hutt. 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