Wellington Region, New Zealand
Planting calendar for Porirua
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors 28 Nov to 6 Feb.
- 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 Porirua. 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 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 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 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 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 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 |
 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: Not this month |
 Potato | 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 |
 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 under cover | May: Not this month | 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 under cover | May: Not this month | 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 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 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 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: 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 under cover | April: Not this month | 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 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 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 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 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 |
 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 28 Nov to 6 Feb; Under cover 31 Oct to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Nov to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 31 Oct to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 28 November, ready around 26 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliOutdoors 27 Nov to 6 Feb; Under cover 30 Oct to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 27 Nov to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 30 Oct to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on 27 November, ready around 27 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperOutdoors 6 Dec to 6 Feb; Under cover 8 Nov to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Dec to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 8 Nov to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 6 December, ready around 28 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineOutdoors 6 Dec to 6 Feb; Under cover 8 Nov to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 6 Dec to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 8 Nov to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 6 December, ready around 6 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 27 Nov to 23 Feb; Under cover 30 Oct to 23 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 27 Nov to 23 Feb
- Under cover
- 30 Oct to 23 Mar
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on 27 November, ready around 27 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 27 Nov to 17 Feb; Under cover 30 Oct to 17 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 27 Nov to 17 Feb
- Under cover
- 30 Oct to 17 Mar
- First harvest
- About 69 days after sowing. Sown on 27 November, ready around 4 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashOutdoors 27 Nov to 6 Feb; Under cover 30 Oct to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 27 Nov to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 30 Oct to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 27 November, ready around 25 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 18 Nov to 6 Feb; Under cover 21 Oct to 6 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 18 Nov to 6 Feb
- Under cover
- 21 Oct to 6 Mar
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on 18 November, ready around 18 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 28 Jul to 5 Nov, and 7 Feb to 9 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 6 Apr, and 30 Jun to 3 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 5 Nov, and 7 Feb to 9 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 6 Apr, and 30 Jun to 3 Dec
- First harvest
- About 75 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 11 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 14 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 11 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 14 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 11 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 26 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 10 Jul to 13 Oct, and 7 Feb to 16 Feb; Under cover 10 Jan to 19 Jan, and 7 Feb to 16 Feb, and 7 Mar to 16 Mar, and 12 Jun to 10 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 10 Jul to 13 Oct, and 7 Feb to 16 Feb
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 19 Jan, and 7 Feb to 16 Feb, and 7 Mar to 16 Mar, and 12 Jun to 10 Nov
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 10 July, ready around 28 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 29 Jul to 7 May; Under cover 1 Jul to 4 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 7 May
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 4 Jun
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 3 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 28 Jul to 22 Sep, and 7 Feb to 10 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 7 Apr, and 30 Jun to 20 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 28 Jul to 22 Sep, and 7 Feb to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 7 Apr, and 30 Jun to 20 Oct
- First harvest
- About 75 days after planting. Planted on 28 July, ready around 11 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 29 Jul to 5 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 3 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 5 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 3 May
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 20 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 29 Jul to 5 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 3 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 5 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 3 May
- First harvest
- About 97 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 3 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors 18 Jul to 5 Jun; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 18 Jul to 5 Jun
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on 18 July, ready around 14 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 29 Jul to 5 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 3 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 5 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 3 May
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 20 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 29 Jul to 22 May; Under cover 1 Jul to 19 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 22 May
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 19 Jun
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 21 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 7 Feb to 28 Feb, and 28 Jun to 26 Sep; Under cover 10 Jan to 28 Mar, and 31 May to 24 Oct
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Feb to 28 Feb, and 28 Jun to 26 Sep
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 28 Mar, and 31 May to 24 Oct
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 7 February, ready around 28 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 18 Nov to 7 Feb; Under cover 21 Oct to 7 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 18 Nov to 7 Feb
- Under cover
- 21 Oct to 7 Mar
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on 18 November, ready around 12 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 18 Nov to 22 Feb; Under cover 21 Oct to 22 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 18 Nov to 22 Feb
- Under cover
- 21 Oct to 22 Mar
- First harvest
- About 71 days after sowing. Sown on 18 November, ready around 28 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 4 Apr to 28 Jul; Under cover 7 Mar to 25 Aug
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Apr to 28 Jul
- Under cover
- 7 Mar to 25 Aug
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 4 April, ready around 10 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 28 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 4 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 1 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 4 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 1 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Nov
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 2 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 7 Feb to 25 Feb, and 17 Jun to 17 Sep; Under cover 10 Jan to 28 Jan, and 7 Feb to 25 Feb, and 7 Mar to 25 Mar, and 20 May to 15 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 7 Feb to 25 Feb, and 17 Jun to 17 Sep
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 28 Jan, and 7 Feb to 25 Feb, and 7 Mar to 25 Mar, and 20 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 4 Apr to 28 Jul; Under cover 7 Mar to 25 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 4 Apr to 28 Jul
- Under cover
- 7 Mar to 25 Aug
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 4 April, ready around 10 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 62 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 4 March.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
ShallotOutdoors 7 Feb to 28 Feb, and 28 Jun to 10 Oct; Under cover 10 Jan to 28 Mar, and 31 May to 7 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 7 Feb to 28 Feb, and 28 Jun to 10 Oct
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 28 Mar, and 31 May to 7 Nov
- First harvest
- About 80 days after planting. Planted on 7 February, ready around 28 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 8 Jul to 27 Nov, and 7 Feb to 19 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 16 Apr, and 10 Jun to 25 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Jul to 27 Nov, and 7 Feb to 19 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 16 Apr, and 10 Jun to 25 Dec
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 8 July, ready around 23 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 28 Jul to 26 Oct, and 7 Feb to 2 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 30 Mar, and 30 Jun to 23 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 26 Oct, and 7 Feb to 2 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 30 Mar, and 30 Jun to 23 Nov
- First harvest
- About 71 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 7 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 20 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 21 Feb; Under cover 10 Jan to 24 Jan, and 7 Feb to 21 Feb, and 7 Mar to 21 Mar, and 22 Jun to 25 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 20 Jul to 28 Oct, and 7 Feb to 21 Feb
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 24 Jan, and 7 Feb to 21 Feb, and 7 Mar to 21 Mar, and 22 Jun to 25 Nov
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 20 July, ready around 7 October.
- 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 13 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 10 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 10 Nov, and 7 Feb to 13 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 10 Apr, and 30 Jun to 8 Dec
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 28 July, ready around 2 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 21 Sep to 22 Apr; Under cover 24 Aug to 20 May
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Sep to 22 Apr
- Under cover
- 24 Aug to 20 May
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 21 September, ready around 12 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 21 Sep to 26 Feb; Under cover 24 Aug to 26 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Sep to 26 Feb
- Under cover
- 24 Aug to 26 Mar
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 21 September, ready around 9 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 22 Jul to 23 Apr; Under cover 24 Jun to 21 May
- Sow outdoors
- 22 Jul to 23 Apr
- Under cover
- 24 Jun to 21 May
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 22 July, ready around 5 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 29 Jul to 27 Apr; Under cover 1 Jul to 25 May
- Sow outdoors
- 29 Jul to 27 Apr
- Under cover
- 1 Jul to 25 May
- First harvest
- About 69 days after sowing. Sown on 29 July, ready around 6 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 28 Jul to 13 Oct, and 7 Feb to 10 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 7 Apr, and 30 Jun to 10 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 28 Jul to 13 Oct, and 7 Feb to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 7 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 14 Mar; Under cover 10 Jan to 11 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 28 Jul to 27 Sep, and 7 Feb to 14 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jan to 11 Apr, and 30 Jun to 25 Oct
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RaspberryOutdoors 30 May to 28 Jul; Under cover 2 May to 25 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 30 May to 28 Jul
- Under cover
- 2 May to 25 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 Porirua
Does it frost in Porirua?
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 Porirua?
Yes. Plant them outdoors 28 Nov to 6 Feb, or under cover 31 Oct to 6 Mar.
What can I sow in Porirua in November?
Outdoors: 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, chilli, sweet pepper, aubergine, courgette, cucumber, squash, 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 Porirua. 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