England, UK

Planting calendar for Dover

Last frost around 10 March, first frost around 7 December: about 272 frost-free days.

Last frost: 10 March
First frost: 7 December
Frost-free days: 272

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 Dover. 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 Dover, 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: Not this month	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: Not this month	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 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
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: 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 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 under cover	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: 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
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 outdoors and 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	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Plant under cover
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: Sow under cover	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: 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 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
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: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	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: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	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: 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: 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

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 19 May to 13 Jun; Under cover 21 Apr to 11 Jul

Sow outdoors: 19 May to 13 Jun
Under cover: 21 Apr to 11 Jul
First harvest: About 95 days after sowing. Sown on 19 May, ready around 22 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the UK, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 17 May to 12 Jun; Under cover 19 Apr to 10 Jul

Sow outdoors: 17 May to 12 Jun
Under cover: 19 Apr to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 106 days after sowing. Sown on 17 May, ready around 31 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across the UK, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 23 May to 18 Jun; Under cover 25 Apr to 16 Jul

Sow outdoors: 23 May to 18 Jun
Under cover: 25 Apr to 16 Jul
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 23 May, ready around 31 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across the UK, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 23 May to 13 Jun; Under cover 25 Apr to 11 Jul

Sow outdoors: 23 May to 13 Jun
Under cover: 25 Apr to 11 Jul
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on 23 May, ready around 1 September.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across the UK, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 17 May to 27 Jun; Under cover 19 Apr to 25 Jul

Sow outdoors: 17 May to 27 Jun
Under cover: 19 Apr to 25 Jul
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on 17 May, ready around 15 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across the UK, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 17 May to 27 Jun; Under cover 19 Apr to 25 Jul

Sow outdoors: 17 May to 27 Jun
Under cover: 19 Apr to 25 Jul
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 17 May, ready around 23 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the UK, town by town

SquashOutdoors 17 May to 17 Jun; Under cover 19 Apr to 15 Jul

Sow outdoors: 17 May to 17 Jun
Under cover: 19 Apr to 15 Jul
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 17 May, ready around 21 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across the UK, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 12 May to 17 Jun; Under cover 14 Apr to 15 Jul

Sow outdoors: 12 May to 17 Jun
Under cover: 14 Apr to 15 Jul
First harvest: About 92 days after sowing. Sown on 12 May, ready around 12 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 4 Jul; Under cover 25 Feb to 1 Aug

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 4 Jul
Under cover: 25 Feb to 1 Aug
First harvest: About 104 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 7 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across the UK, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 25 Mar to 8 Jul, and 6 Aug to 18 Aug; Under cover 25 Feb to 18 Aug, and 3 Sep to 15 Sep

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 8 Jul, and 6 Aug to 18 Aug
Under cover: 25 Feb to 18 Aug, and 3 Sep to 15 Sep
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 7 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across the UK, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 5 Mar to 29 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 26 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 29 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 26 Jun
First harvest: About 137 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 20 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across the UK, town by town

RadishOutdoors 5 Mar to 3 Oct; Under cover 5 Feb to 31 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 3 Oct
Under cover: 5 Feb to 31 Oct
First harvest: About 31 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 5 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the UK, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 5 Mar to 7 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 4 Jun

Plant outdoors: 5 Mar to 7 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 4 Jun
First harvest: About 108 days after planting. Planted on 5 March, ready around 21 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across the UK, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 5 Mar to 3 Sep; Under cover 5 Feb to 1 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 3 Sep
Under cover: 5 Feb to 1 Oct
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 11 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across the UK, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 11 Mar to 30 Aug; Under cover 11 Feb to 27 Sep

Sow outdoors: 11 Mar to 30 Aug
Under cover: 11 Feb to 27 Sep
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on 11 March, ready around 26 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the UK, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 5 Mar to 3 Oct; Under cover 5 Feb to 31 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 3 Oct
Under cover: 5 Feb to 31 Oct
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on 5 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 3 Sep; Under cover 25 Feb to 1 Oct

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 3 Sep
Under cover: 25 Feb to 1 Oct
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 28 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across the UK, town by town

RocketOutdoors 5 Mar to 3 Oct; Under cover 5 Feb to 31 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 3 Oct
Under cover: 5 Feb to 31 Oct
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 5 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 13 Feb to 27 Apr; Under cover 16 Jan to 25 May

Sow outdoors: 13 Feb to 27 Apr
Under cover: 16 Jan to 25 May
First harvest: About 145 days after sowing. Sown on 13 February, ready around 8 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across the UK, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 12 May to 27 Jun; Under cover 14 Apr to 25 Jul

Sow outdoors: 12 May to 27 Jun
Under cover: 14 Apr to 25 Jul
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 12 May, ready around 4 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the UK, town by town

French beanOutdoors 12 May to 12 Jul; Under cover 14 Apr to 9 Aug

Sow outdoors: 12 May to 12 Jul
Under cover: 14 Apr to 9 Aug
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 12 May, ready around 19 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across the UK, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 13 Oct to 4 Dec; Under cover 15 Sep to 1 Jan

Sow outdoors: 13 Oct to 4 Dec
Under cover: 15 Sep to 1 Jan
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 13 October, ready around 21 May.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across the UK, town by town

PeaOutdoors 5 Mar to 12 Jun; Under cover 5 Feb to 10 Jul

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 12 Jun
Under cover: 5 Feb to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 1 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the UK, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 26 Feb to 27 Apr; Under cover 29 Jan to 25 May

Plant outdoors: 26 Feb to 27 Apr
Under cover: 29 Jan to 25 May
First harvest: About 149 days after planting. Planted on 26 February, ready around 25 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across the UK, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 13 Oct to 16 Dec; Under cover 15 Sep to 13 Jan

Plant outdoors: 13 Oct to 16 Dec
Under cover: 15 Sep to 13 Jan
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 13 October, ready around 20 June.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the UK, town by town

LeekOutdoors 5 Mar to 26 Jun; Under cover 5 Feb to 24 Jul

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 26 Jun
Under cover: 5 Feb to 24 Jul
First harvest: About 155 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 7 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across the UK, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 13 Feb to 20 Sep; Under cover 16 Jan to 18 Oct

Sow outdoors: 13 Feb to 20 Sep
Under cover: 16 Jan to 18 Oct
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 13 February, ready around 7 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across the UK, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 22 Jan to 6 Apr; Under cover 25 Dec to 4 May

Plant outdoors: 22 Jan to 6 Apr
Under cover: 25 Dec to 4 May
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on 22 January, ready around 10 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across the UK, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 5 Mar to 7 Jul; Under cover 5 Feb to 4 Aug

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 7 Jul
Under cover: 5 Feb to 4 Aug
First harvest: About 118 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 1 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across the UK, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 25 Mar to 26 Jun; Under cover 25 Feb to 24 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 26 Jun
Under cover: 25 Feb to 24 Jul
First harvest: About 94 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 27 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across the UK, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 5 Mar to 12 Jun; Under cover 5 Feb to 10 Jul

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 12 Jun
Under cover: 5 Feb to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 128 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 11 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the UK, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 5 Mar to 12 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 9 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 12 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 9 Jun
First harvest: About 178 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 30 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across the UK, town by town

KaleOutdoors 25 Mar to 8 Jul, and 6 Aug to 13 Aug; Under cover 25 Feb to 13 Aug, and 3 Sep to 10 Sep

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 8 Jul, and 6 Aug to 13 Aug
Under cover: 25 Feb to 13 Aug, and 3 Sep to 10 Sep
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 17 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across the UK, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 10 Apr to 18 Sep; Under cover 13 Mar to 16 Oct

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 18 Sep
Under cover: 13 Mar to 16 Oct
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 27 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across the UK, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 10 Apr to 10 Jul, and 6 Aug to 12 Aug; Under cover 13 Mar to 12 Aug, and 3 Sep to 9 Sep

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 10 Jul, and 6 Aug to 12 Aug
Under cover: 13 Mar to 12 Aug, and 3 Sep to 9 Sep
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 13 June.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across the UK, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 5 Mar to 4 Sep; Under cover 5 Feb to 2 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 4 Sep
Under cover: 5 Feb to 2 Oct
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 27 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across the UK, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 25 Mar to 18 Sep; Under cover 25 Feb to 16 Oct

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 18 Sep
Under cover: 25 Feb to 16 Oct
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 18 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.

Coriander across the UK, town by town

ChivesOutdoors 5 Mar to 29 May, and 6 Aug to 12 Aug; Under cover 5 Feb to 26 Jun, and 9 Jul to 15 Jul, and 6 Aug to 12 Aug, and 3 Sep to 9 Sep

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 29 May, and 6 Aug to 12 Aug
Under cover: 5 Feb to 26 Jun, and 9 Jul to 15 Jul, and 6 Aug to 12 Aug, and 3 Sep to 9 Sep
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 23 Oct; Under cover 25 Feb to 20 Nov

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 23 Oct
Under cover: 25 Feb to 20 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 5 Mar to 12 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 9 Jun

Plant outdoors: 5 Mar to 12 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 9 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 13 Nov to 22 Jan; Under cover 16 Oct to 19 Feb

Plant outdoors: 13 Nov to 22 Jan
Under cover: 16 Oct to 19 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 27 Oct to 11 Jan; Under cover 29 Sep to 8 Feb

Plant outdoors: 27 Oct to 11 Jan
Under cover: 29 Sep to 8 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

Also covers

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

Questions about growing in Dover

When is the last frost in Dover?

On average around 10 March, and the first autumn frost comes around 7 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 Dover?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 19 May to 13 Jun, or under cover 21 Apr to 11 Jul.

What can I sow in Dover 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 Dover. 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