England, UK

Planting calendar for Chelmsford

Last frost around 23 March, first frost around 25 November: about 247 frost-free days.

Last frost: 23 March
First frost: 25 November
Frost-free days: 247

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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford, 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: Sow 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
Chilli	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Sweet pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Aubergine	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Courgette	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Sweetcorn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
Roots
Carrot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	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
Beetroot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	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
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 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
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 under cover	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
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: Sow under cover	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 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
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 under cover	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
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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
French bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Not this month	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 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: Not this month	August: Not this month	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 under cover	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
Garlic	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: Plant 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 under cover	August: Not this month	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 outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	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: Not this month	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 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
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: Not this month	August: Not this month	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: 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
Kale	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	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: Not this month	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 outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	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: Not this month	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 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
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 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
Mint	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	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 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: 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
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 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 15 May to 9 Jun; Under cover 17 Apr to 7 Jul

Sow outdoors: 15 May to 9 Jun
Under cover: 17 Apr to 7 Jul
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 15 May, ready around 19 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the UK, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 14 May to 9 Jun; Under cover 16 Apr to 7 Jul

Sow outdoors: 14 May to 9 Jun
Under cover: 16 Apr to 7 Jul
First harvest: About 107 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 29 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across the UK, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 19 May to 14 Jun; Under cover 21 Apr to 12 Jul

Sow outdoors: 19 May to 14 Jun
Under cover: 21 Apr to 12 Jul
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on 19 May, ready around 28 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across the UK, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 19 May to 9 Jun; Under cover 21 Apr to 7 Jul

Sow outdoors: 19 May to 9 Jun
Under cover: 21 Apr to 7 Jul
First harvest: About 103 days after sowing. Sown on 19 May, ready around 30 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across the UK, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 14 May to 24 Jun; Under cover 16 Apr to 22 Jul

Sow outdoors: 14 May to 24 Jun
Under cover: 16 Apr to 22 Jul
First harvest: About 58 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 11 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across the UK, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 14 May to 24 Jun; Under cover 16 Apr to 22 Jul

Sow outdoors: 14 May to 24 Jun
Under cover: 16 Apr to 22 Jul
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 20 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the UK, town by town

SquashOutdoors 14 May to 14 Jun; Under cover 16 Apr to 12 Jul

Sow outdoors: 14 May to 14 Jun
Under cover: 16 Apr to 12 Jul
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 18 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across the UK, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 9 May to 14 Jun; Under cover 11 Apr to 12 Jul

Sow outdoors: 9 May to 14 Jun
Under cover: 11 Apr to 12 Jul
First harvest: About 91 days after sowing. Sown on 9 May, ready around 8 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across the UK, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 25 Mar to 3 Jul; Under cover 25 Feb to 31 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 3 Jul
Under cover: 25 Feb to 31 Jul
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 4 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across the UK, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 25 Mar to 8 Jul, and 2 Aug to 12 Aug; Under cover 25 Feb to 12 Aug, and 30 Aug to 9 Sep

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 8 Jul, and 2 Aug to 12 Aug
Under cover: 25 Feb to 12 Aug, and 30 Aug to 9 Sep
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 5 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across the UK, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 7 Mar to 24 May; Under cover 7 Feb to 21 Jun

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 24 May
Under cover: 7 Feb to 21 Jun
First harvest: About 132 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 17 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across the UK, town by town

RadishOutdoors 7 Mar to 26 Sep; Under cover 7 Feb to 24 Oct

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 26 Sep
Under cover: 7 Feb to 24 Oct
First harvest: About 30 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 6 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the UK, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 7 Mar to 4 May; Under cover 7 Feb to 1 Jun

Plant outdoors: 7 Mar to 4 May
Under cover: 7 Feb to 1 Jun
First harvest: About 104 days after planting. Planted on 7 March, ready around 19 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across the UK, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 7 Mar to 27 Aug; Under cover 7 Feb to 24 Sep

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 27 Aug
Under cover: 7 Feb to 24 Sep
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 10 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across the UK, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 12 Mar to 23 Aug; Under cover 12 Feb to 20 Sep

Sow outdoors: 12 Mar to 23 Aug
Under cover: 12 Feb to 20 Sep
First harvest: About 73 days after sowing. Sown on 12 March, ready around 24 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the UK, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 7 Mar to 26 Sep; Under cover 7 Feb to 24 Oct

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 26 Sep
Under cover: 7 Feb to 24 Oct
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 24 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the UK, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 25 Mar to 27 Aug; Under cover 25 Feb to 24 Sep

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 27 Aug
Under cover: 25 Feb to 24 Sep
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 26 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across the UK, town by town

RocketOutdoors 7 Mar to 26 Sep; Under cover 7 Feb to 24 Oct

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 26 Sep
Under cover: 7 Feb to 24 Oct
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 19 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across the UK, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 18 Feb to 24 Apr; Under cover 21 Jan to 22 May

Sow outdoors: 18 Feb to 24 Apr
Under cover: 21 Jan to 22 May
First harvest: About 137 days after sowing. Sown on 18 February, ready around 5 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across the UK, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 9 May to 24 Jun; Under cover 11 Apr to 22 Jul

Sow outdoors: 9 May to 24 Jun
Under cover: 11 Apr to 22 Jul
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 9 May, ready around 31 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the UK, town by town

French beanOutdoors 9 May to 9 Jul; Under cover 11 Apr to 6 Aug

Sow outdoors: 9 May to 9 Jul
Under cover: 11 Apr to 6 Aug
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 9 May, ready around 15 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across the UK, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 9 Oct to 27 Nov; Under cover 11 Sep to 25 Dec

Sow outdoors: 9 Oct to 27 Nov
Under cover: 11 Sep to 25 Dec
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 9 October, ready around 17 May.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across the UK, town by town

PeaOutdoors 7 Mar to 7 Jun; Under cover 7 Feb to 5 Jul

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 7 Jun
Under cover: 7 Feb to 5 Jul
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 30 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the UK, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 1 Mar to 24 Apr; Under cover 1 Feb to 22 May

Plant outdoors: 1 Mar to 24 Apr
Under cover: 1 Feb to 22 May
First harvest: About 143 days after planting. Planted on 1 March, ready around 22 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across the UK, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 9 Oct to 8 Dec; Under cover 11 Sep to 5 Jan

Plant outdoors: 9 Oct to 8 Dec
Under cover: 11 Sep to 5 Jan
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 9 October, ready around 16 June.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the UK, town by town

LeekOutdoors 7 Mar to 22 Jun; Under cover 7 Feb to 20 Jul

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 22 Jun
Under cover: 7 Feb to 20 Jul
First harvest: About 150 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 4 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across the UK, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 18 Feb to 12 Sep; Under cover 21 Jan to 10 Oct

Sow outdoors: 18 Feb to 12 Sep
Under cover: 21 Jan to 10 Oct
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 18 February, ready around 6 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across the UK, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 26 Jan to 24 Apr; Under cover 29 Dec to 22 May

Plant outdoors: 26 Jan to 24 Apr
Under cover: 29 Dec to 22 May
First harvest: About 149 days after planting. Planted on 26 January, ready around 24 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across the UK, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 7 Mar to 7 Jul; Under cover 7 Feb to 4 Aug

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 7 Jul
Under cover: 7 Feb to 4 Aug
First harvest: About 114 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 29 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across the UK, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 25 Mar to 23 Jun; Under cover 25 Feb to 21 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 23 Jun
Under cover: 25 Feb to 21 Jul
First harvest: About 91 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 24 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across the UK, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 7 Mar to 7 Jun; Under cover 7 Feb to 5 Jul

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 7 Jun
Under cover: 7 Feb to 5 Jul
First harvest: About 123 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 8 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the UK, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 7 Mar to 9 May; Under cover 7 Feb to 6 Jun

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 9 May
Under cover: 7 Feb to 6 Jun
First harvest: About 174 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 28 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across the UK, town by town

KaleOutdoors 25 Mar to 8 Jul; Under cover 25 Feb to 5 Aug

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 8 Jul
Under cover: 25 Feb to 5 Aug
First harvest: About 81 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 14 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across the UK, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 9 Apr to 11 Sep; Under cover 12 Mar to 9 Oct

Sow outdoors: 9 Apr to 11 Sep
Under cover: 12 Mar to 9 Oct
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on 9 April, ready around 25 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across the UK, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 9 Apr to 9 Jul; Under cover 12 Mar to 6 Aug

Sow outdoors: 9 Apr to 9 Jul
Under cover: 12 Mar to 6 Aug
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on 9 April, ready around 9 June.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across the UK, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 7 Mar to 27 Aug; Under cover 7 Feb to 24 Sep

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 27 Aug
Under cover: 7 Feb to 24 Sep
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 7 March, ready around 25 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across the UK, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 25 Mar to 11 Sep; Under cover 25 Feb to 9 Oct

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 11 Sep
Under cover: 25 Feb to 9 Oct
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 16 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across the UK, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 7 Mar to 24 May; Under cover 7 Feb to 21 Jun

Sow outdoors: 7 Mar to 24 May
Under cover: 7 Feb to 21 Jun
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 25 Mar to 11 Oct; Under cover 25 Feb to 8 Nov

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 11 Oct
Under cover: 25 Feb to 8 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 7 Mar to 9 May; Under cover 7 Feb to 6 Jun

Plant outdoors: 7 Mar to 9 May
Under cover: 7 Feb to 6 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 8 Nov to 18 Jan; Under cover 11 Oct to 15 Feb

Plant outdoors: 8 Nov to 18 Jan
Under cover: 11 Oct to 15 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 22 Oct to 26 Dec; Under cover 24 Sep to 23 Jan

Plant outdoors: 22 Oct to 26 Dec
Under cover: 24 Sep to 23 Jan
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

Also covers

Witham, and nearby villages. Dates are within a few days across the area.

Questions about growing in Chelmsford

When is the last frost in Chelmsford?

On average around 23 March, and the first autumn frost comes around 25 November. 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 Chelmsford?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 15 May to 9 Jun, or under cover 17 Apr to 7 Jul.

What can I sow in Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford. Free for 2 months.

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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