Northern Ireland, UK

Planting calendar for Castlereagh

Last frost around 8 March, first frost around 17 December: about 284 frost-free days.

Last frost: 8 March
First frost: 17 December
Frost-free days: 284

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Broad bean
Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Mint

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Castlereagh. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (a greenhouse or polytunnel)

When to sow each crop in Castlereagh, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chilli	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
AubergineUnder cover only	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Courgette	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	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
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	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
Squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweetcorn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	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	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
Beetroot	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	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
Parsnip	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Radish	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Potato	January: Not this month	February: Plant under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Swiss chard	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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Rocket	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Celery	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 under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
French bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	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
Broad bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Pea	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Onion family
Onion	January: Not this month	February: Plant under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Garlic	January: Plant under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Spring onion	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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Broccoli	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	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
Cauliflower	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	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
Brussels sprout	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Kale	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	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
Pak choi	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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	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	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
Parsley	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Coriander	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	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	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	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
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Not this month	February: Plant under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Plant under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 5 Jun to 17 Jun; Under cover 8 May to 20 May, and 5 Jun to 17 Jun, and 3 Jul to 15 Jul

Sow outdoors: 5 Jun to 17 Jun
Under cover: 8 May to 20 May, and 5 Jun to 17 Jun, and 3 Jul to 15 Jul
First harvest: About 176 days after sowing. Sown on 5 June, ready around 28 November.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the UK, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 3 Jun to 12 Jun; Under cover 6 May to 15 May, and 3 Jun to 12 Jun, and 1 Jul to 10 Jul

Sow outdoors: 3 Jun to 12 Jun
Under cover: 6 May to 15 May, and 3 Jun to 12 Jun, and 1 Jul to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 224 days after sowing. Sown on 3 June, ready around 13 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across the UK, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 10 Jun to 18 Jun; Under cover 13 May to 21 May, and 10 Jun to 18 Jun, and 8 Jul to 16 Jul

Sow outdoors: 10 Jun to 18 Jun
Under cover: 13 May to 21 May, and 10 Jun to 18 Jun, and 8 Jul to 16 Jul
First harvest: About 208 days after sowing. Sown on 10 June, ready around 4 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across the UK, town by town

AubergineUnder cover 17 May to 11 Jun

Sow outdoors: Not here: season too short
Under cover: 17 May to 11 Jun
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on 17 May, ready around 15 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across the UK, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 3 Jun to 27 Jul; Under cover 6 May to 24 Aug

Sow outdoors: 3 Jun to 27 Jul
Under cover: 6 May to 24 Aug
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 3 June, ready around 10 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across the UK, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 3 Jun to 19 Jul; Under cover 6 May to 16 Aug

Sow outdoors: 3 Jun to 19 Jul
Under cover: 6 May to 16 Aug
First harvest: About 81 days after sowing. Sown on 3 June, ready around 23 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the UK, town by town

SquashOutdoors 3 Jun to 20 Jun; Under cover 6 May to 23 May, and 3 Jun to 20 Jun, and 1 Jul to 18 Jul

Sow outdoors: 3 Jun to 20 Jun
Under cover: 6 May to 23 May, and 3 Jun to 20 Jun, and 1 Jul to 18 Jul
First harvest: About 176 days after sowing. Sown on 3 June, ready around 26 November.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across the UK, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 28 May to 25 Jun; Under cover 30 Apr to 23 Jul

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 25 Jun
Under cover: 30 Apr to 23 Jul
First harvest: About 127 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 2 October.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across the UK, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 5 Apr to 3 Aug; Under cover 8 Mar to 31 Aug

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 3 Aug
Under cover: 8 Mar to 31 Aug
First harvest: About 111 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 25 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across the UK, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 5 Apr to 3 Aug; Under cover 8 Mar to 31 Aug

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 3 Aug
Under cover: 8 Mar to 31 Aug
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 21 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across the UK, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 14 Mar to 18 Jun; Under cover 14 Feb to 16 Jul

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 18 Jun
Under cover: 14 Feb to 16 Jul
First harvest: About 148 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 9 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across the UK, town by town

RadishOutdoors 14 Mar to 15 Sep; Under cover 14 Feb to 13 Oct

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 15 Sep
Under cover: 14 Feb to 13 Oct
First harvest: About 32 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 15 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the UK, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 14 Mar to 22 May; Under cover 14 Feb to 19 Jun

Plant outdoors: 14 Mar to 22 May
Under cover: 14 Feb to 19 Jun
First harvest: About 115 days after planting. Planted on 14 March, ready around 7 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across the UK, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 14 Mar to 13 Aug; Under cover 14 Feb to 10 Sep

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 13 Aug
Under cover: 14 Feb to 10 Sep
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 23 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across the UK, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 21 Mar to 9 Aug; Under cover 21 Feb to 6 Sep

Sow outdoors: 21 Mar to 9 Aug
Under cover: 21 Feb to 6 Sep
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 21 March, ready around 8 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the UK, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 14 Mar to 19 Sep; Under cover 14 Feb to 17 Oct

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 19 Sep
Under cover: 14 Feb to 17 Oct
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 5 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the UK, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 5 Apr to 13 Aug; Under cover 8 Mar to 10 Sep

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 13 Aug
Under cover: 8 Mar to 10 Sep
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 10 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across the UK, town by town

RocketOutdoors 14 Mar to 18 Sep; Under cover 14 Feb to 16 Oct

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 18 Sep
Under cover: 14 Feb to 16 Oct
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 30 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across the UK, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 19 Feb to 10 May; Under cover 22 Jan to 7 Jun

Sow outdoors: 19 Feb to 10 May
Under cover: 22 Jan to 7 Jun
First harvest: About 156 days after sowing. Sown on 19 February, ready around 25 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across the UK, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 28 May to 5 Jul; Under cover 30 Apr to 2 Aug

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 5 Jul
Under cover: 30 Apr to 2 Aug
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 13 September.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the UK, town by town

French beanOutdoors 28 May to 23 Jul; Under cover 30 Apr to 20 Aug

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 23 Jul
Under cover: 30 Apr to 20 Aug
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 16 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across the UK, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 23 Sep to 27 Nov; Under cover 26 Aug to 25 Dec

Sow outdoors: 23 Sep to 27 Nov
Under cover: 26 Aug to 25 Dec
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 23 September, ready around 1 May.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across the UK, town by town

PeaOutdoors 14 Mar to 14 Jul; Under cover 14 Feb to 11 Aug

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 14 Jul
Under cover: 14 Feb to 11 Aug
First harvest: About 92 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 14 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the UK, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 7 Mar to 10 May; Under cover 7 Feb to 7 Jun

Plant outdoors: 7 Mar to 10 May
Under cover: 7 Feb to 7 Jun
First harvest: About 161 days after planting. Planted on 7 March, ready around 15 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across the UK, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 23 Sep to 11 Dec; Under cover 26 Aug to 8 Jan

Plant outdoors: 23 Sep to 11 Dec
Under cover: 26 Aug to 8 Jan
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 23 September, ready around 31 May.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the UK, town by town

LeekOutdoors 14 Mar to 3 Aug; Under cover 14 Feb to 31 Aug

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 3 Aug
Under cover: 14 Feb to 31 Aug
First harvest: About 171 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 1 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across the UK, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 19 Feb to 5 Sep; Under cover 22 Jan to 3 Oct

Sow outdoors: 19 Feb to 5 Sep
Under cover: 22 Jan to 3 Oct
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 19 February, ready around 18 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across the UK, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 24 Jan to 8 Apr; Under cover 27 Dec to 6 May

Plant outdoors: 24 Jan to 8 Apr
Under cover: 27 Dec to 6 May
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on 24 January, ready around 12 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across the UK, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 14 Mar to 3 Aug; Under cover 14 Feb to 31 Aug

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 3 Aug
Under cover: 14 Feb to 31 Aug
First harvest: About 126 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 18 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across the UK, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 5 Apr to 3 Aug; Under cover 8 Mar to 31 Aug

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 3 Aug
Under cover: 8 Mar to 31 Aug
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 14 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across the UK, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 14 Mar to 14 Jul; Under cover 14 Feb to 11 Aug

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 14 Jul
Under cover: 14 Feb to 11 Aug
First harvest: About 137 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 29 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the UK, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 14 Mar to 28 May; Under cover 14 Feb to 25 Jun

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 28 May
Under cover: 14 Feb to 25 Jun
First harvest: About 206 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 6 October.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across the UK, town by town

KaleOutdoors 5 Apr to 3 Aug; Under cover 8 Mar to 31 Aug

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 3 Aug
Under cover: 8 Mar to 31 Aug
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 2 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across the UK, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 22 Apr to 31 Aug; Under cover 25 Mar to 28 Sep

Sow outdoors: 22 Apr to 31 Aug
Under cover: 25 Mar to 28 Sep
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 22 April, ready around 10 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across the UK, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 22 Apr to 29 Jul; Under cover 25 Mar to 26 Aug

Sow outdoors: 22 Apr to 29 Jul
Under cover: 25 Mar to 26 Aug
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 22 April, ready around 1 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across the UK, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 14 Mar to 17 Aug; Under cover 14 Feb to 14 Sep

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 17 Aug
Under cover: 14 Feb to 14 Sep
First harvest: About 87 days after sowing. Sown on 14 March, ready around 9 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across the UK, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 5 Apr to 1 Sep; Under cover 8 Mar to 29 Sep

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 1 Sep
Under cover: 8 Mar to 29 Sep
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on 5 April, ready around 30 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across the UK, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 14 Mar to 18 Jun; Under cover 14 Feb to 16 Jul

Sow outdoors: 14 Mar to 18 Jun
Under cover: 14 Feb to 16 Jul
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Chives across the UK, town by town

MintOutdoors 5 Apr to 13 Oct; Under cover 8 Mar to 10 Nov

Sow outdoors: 5 Apr to 13 Oct
Under cover: 8 Mar to 10 Nov
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Mint across the UK, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors 14 Mar to 28 May; Under cover 14 Feb to 25 Jun

Plant outdoors: 14 Mar to 28 May
Under cover: 14 Feb to 25 Jun
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Strawberry across the UK, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors 2 Nov to 24 Jan; Under cover 5 Oct to 21 Feb

Plant outdoors: 2 Nov to 24 Jan
Under cover: 5 Oct to 21 Feb
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the UK, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors 11 Oct to 9 Jan; Under cover 13 Sep to 6 Feb

Plant outdoors: 11 Oct to 9 Jan
Under cover: 13 Sep to 6 Feb
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the UK, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Castlereagh

When is the last frost in Castlereagh?

On average around 8 March, and the first autumn frost comes around 17 December. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Castlereagh?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 5 Jun to 17 Jun, or under cover 8 May to 20 May, and 5 Jun to 17 Jun, and 3 Jul to 15 Jul.

What can I sow in Castlereagh in November?

Outdoors: broad bean, garlic, raspberry, rhubarb. Under cover: mint.

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 Castlereagh. Free for 2 months.

App StoreComing soon

How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work