Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Planting calendar for Whakatane
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors 3 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 12 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 Whakatane. 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 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 |
 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 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | 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 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: 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 outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Sow under cover |
 Beetroot | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Sow under cover |
 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 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 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: Sow under cover | 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: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover |
 Swiss chard | 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 |
 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 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 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: Not this month |
 French bean | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | 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 |
 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 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 outdoors and 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 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 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: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Broccoli | 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Sow under cover |
 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: Sow under cover | 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 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 |
 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 |
 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 3 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb; Under cover 6 Oct to 15 Jan, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb, and 4 Mar to 12 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb
- Under cover
- 6 Oct to 15 Jan, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb, and 4 Mar to 12 Mar
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 3 November, ready around 8 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliOutdoors 2 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb; Under cover 5 Oct to 15 Jan, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb, and 4 Mar to 12 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb
- Under cover
- 5 Oct to 15 Jan, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb, and 4 Mar to 12 Mar
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 2 November, ready around 25 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperOutdoors 9 Nov to 18 Dec, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb; Under cover 12 Oct to 17 Jan, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb, and 4 Mar to 14 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 9 Nov to 18 Dec, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb
- Under cover
- 12 Oct to 17 Jan, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb, and 4 Mar to 14 Mar
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 26 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineOutdoors 9 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb; Under cover 12 Oct to 19 Jan, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb, and 4 Mar to 16 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 9 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb
- Under cover
- 12 Oct to 19 Jan, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb, and 4 Mar to 16 Mar
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 9 November, ready around 7 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 2 Nov to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 10 Mar; Under cover 5 Oct to 7 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Nov to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 5 Oct to 7 Apr
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on 2 November, ready around 8 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 2 Nov to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 4 Mar; Under cover 5 Oct to 1 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Nov to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 4 Mar
- Under cover
- 5 Oct to 1 Apr
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on 2 November, ready around 14 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashOutdoors 2 Nov to 18 Dec, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb; Under cover 5 Oct to 17 Jan, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb, and 4 Mar to 14 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 2 Nov to 18 Dec, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb
- Under cover
- 5 Oct to 17 Jan, and 4 Feb to 14 Feb, and 4 Mar to 14 Mar
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 2 November, ready around 7 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 25 Oct to 18 Dec, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb; Under cover 27 Sep to 19 Jan, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb, and 4 Mar to 16 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Oct to 18 Dec, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb
- Under cover
- 27 Sep to 19 Jan, and 4 Feb to 16 Feb, and 4 Mar to 16 Mar
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 25 October, ready around 24 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 9 Jul to 20 Mar; Under cover 11 Jun to 17 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 9 Jul to 20 Mar
- Under cover
- 11 Jun to 17 Apr
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 9 July, ready around 7 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 21 Jul to 24 Mar; Under cover 23 Jun to 21 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 24 Mar
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 21 Apr
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 22 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 4 Feb to 6 Mar, and 12 Jun to 19 Nov; Under cover 7 Jan to 3 Apr, and 15 May to 17 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Feb to 6 Mar, and 12 Jun to 19 Nov
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 3 Apr, and 15 May to 17 Dec
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 4 February, ready around 23 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 21 Jul to 11 May; Under cover 23 Jun to 8 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 11 May
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 8 Jun
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 25 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 8 Jul to 18 Oct, and 4 Feb to 21 Mar; Under cover 7 Jan to 18 Apr, and 10 Jun to 15 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 8 Jul to 18 Oct, and 4 Feb to 21 Mar
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 18 Apr, and 10 Jun to 15 Nov
- First harvest
- About 63 days after planting. Planted on 8 July, ready around 9 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 21 Jul to 12 Apr; Under cover 23 Jun to 10 May
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 12 Apr
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 10 May
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 9 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 21 Jul to 12 Apr; Under cover 23 Jun to 10 May
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 12 Apr
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 10 May
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 22 October.
- 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 35 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 5 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 21 Jul to 12 Apr; Under cover 23 Jun to 10 May
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 12 Apr
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 10 May
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 9 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 21 Jul to 25 May; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 25 May
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 11 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 4 Feb to 19 Mar, and 30 May to 2 Oct; Under cover 7 Jan to 16 Apr, and 2 May to 30 Oct
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Feb to 19 Mar, and 30 May to 2 Oct
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 16 Apr, and 2 May to 30 Oct
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on 4 February, ready around 23 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 25 Oct to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 23 Feb; Under cover 27 Sep to 23 Feb, and 4 Mar to 23 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Oct to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 23 Feb
- Under cover
- 27 Sep to 23 Feb, and 4 Mar to 23 Mar
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 25 October, ready around 18 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 25 Oct to 8 Mar; Under cover 27 Sep to 5 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Oct to 8 Mar
- Under cover
- 27 Sep to 5 Apr
- First harvest
- About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 25 October, ready around 31 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 18 Apr to 20 Jul; Under cover 21 Mar to 17 Aug
- Sow outdoors
- 18 Apr to 20 Jul
- Under cover
- 21 Mar to 17 Aug
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 18 April, ready around 24 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 21 Jul to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 15 Mar; Under cover 23 Jun to 12 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 15 Mar
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 12 Apr
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 15 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 4 Feb to 22 Mar, and 14 May to 2 Oct; Under cover 7 Jan to 30 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 4 Feb to 22 Mar, and 14 May to 2 Oct
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 30 Oct
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on 4 February, ready around 29 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
GarlicOutdoors 18 Apr to 20 Jul; Under cover 21 Mar to 17 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 18 Apr to 20 Jul
- Under cover
- 21 Mar to 17 Aug
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 18 April, ready around 24 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors 4 Feb to 3 Jan; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Feb to 3 Jan
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 4 February, ready around 5 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Spring onionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 1 January, ready around 19 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
ShallotOutdoors 4 Feb to 19 Mar, and 30 May to 3 Oct; Under cover 7 Jan to 16 Apr, and 2 May to 31 Oct
- Plant outdoors
- 4 Feb to 19 Mar, and 30 May to 3 Oct
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 16 Apr, and 2 May to 31 Oct
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on 4 February, ready around 23 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 12 Jun to 1 Apr; Under cover 15 May to 29 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 12 Jun to 1 Apr
- Under cover
- 15 May to 29 Apr
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 12 June, ready around 17 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 21 Jul to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 13 Mar; Under cover 23 Jun to 10 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 3 Jan, and 4 Feb to 13 Mar
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 10 Apr
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 19 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 4 Feb to 8 Mar, and 23 Jun to 11 Dec; Under cover 26 May to 5 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Feb to 8 Mar, and 23 Jun to 11 Dec
- Under cover
- 26 May to 5 Apr
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 4 February, ready around 17 April.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors 4 Feb to 25 Oct; Under cover 7 Jan to 22 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Feb to 25 Oct
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 22 Nov
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 4 February, ready around 23 May.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
KaleOutdoors 21 Jul to 22 Mar; Under cover 23 Jun to 19 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 22 Mar
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 19 Apr
- First harvest
- About 105 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 3 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 4 Sep to 27 Apr; Under cover 7 Aug to 25 May
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Sep to 27 Apr
- Under cover
- 7 Aug to 25 May
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 25 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 4 Sep to 12 Mar; Under cover 7 Aug to 9 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Sep to 12 Mar
- Under cover
- 7 Aug to 9 Apr
- First harvest
- About 75 days after sowing. Sown on 4 September, ready around 18 November.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 30 Jun to 30 Apr; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Jun to 30 Apr
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 30 June, ready around 14 August.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 21 Jul to 1 May; Under cover 23 Jun to 29 May
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 1 May
- Under cover
- 23 Jun to 29 May
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 21 July, ready around 25 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 21 Jul to 19 Nov, and 4 Feb to 20 Mar; Under cover 7 Jan to 17 Apr, and 23 Jun to 17 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 21 Jul to 19 Nov, and 4 Feb to 20 Mar
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 17 Apr, and 23 Jun to 17 Dec
- 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 19 Jul to 25 Oct, and 4 Feb to 24 Mar; Under cover 7 Jan to 21 Apr, and 21 Jun to 22 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 19 Jul to 25 Oct, and 4 Feb to 24 Mar
- Under cover
- 7 Jan to 21 Apr, and 21 Jun to 22 Nov
- 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 Whakatane
Does it frost in Whakatane?
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 Whakatane?
Yes. Plant them outdoors 3 Nov to 11 Dec, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb, or under cover 6 Oct to 15 Jan, and 4 Feb to 12 Feb, and 4 Mar to 12 Mar.
What can I sow in Whakatane 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 Whakatane. 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