England, UK

Planting calendar for Loughton

Last frost around 24 April, first frost around 4 November: about 194 frost-free days.

Last frost: 24 April
First frost: 4 November
Frost-free days: 194

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Broad bean
Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Nothing this month.

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Loughton. 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 Loughton, 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
Aubergine	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
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 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 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: 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
Radish	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: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	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: 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: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	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
Spinach	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
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: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Rocket	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
Celery	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
Beans and peas
Runner bean	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
French bean	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 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: 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
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: 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 under cover
Leek	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 under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spring onion	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
Shallot	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
Brassicas
Cabbage	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 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: 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
Brussels sprout	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 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: Not this month	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: Not this month	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: 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: Not this month	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: 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
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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	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 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: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	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 under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors 29 May to 17 Jun; Under cover 1 May to 20 May, and 29 May to 17 Jun, and 26 Jun to 15 Jul

Sow outdoors: 29 May to 17 Jun
Under cover: 1 May to 20 May, and 29 May to 17 Jun, and 26 Jun to 15 Jul
First harvest: About 176 days after sowing. Sown on 29 May, ready around 21 November.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the UK, town by town

ChilliOutdoors 28 May to 12 Jun; Under cover 30 Apr to 15 May, and 28 May to 12 Jun, and 25 Jun to 10 Jul

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 12 Jun
Under cover: 30 Apr to 15 May, and 28 May to 12 Jun, and 25 Jun to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 224 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 7 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across the UK, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 2 Jun to 17 Jun; Under cover 5 May to 20 May, and 2 Jun to 17 Jun, and 30 Jun to 15 Jul

Sow outdoors: 2 Jun to 17 Jun
Under cover: 5 May to 20 May, and 2 Jun to 17 Jun, and 30 Jun to 15 Jul
First harvest: About 208 days after sowing. Sown on 2 June, ready around 27 December.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across the UK, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 2 Jun to 12 Jun; Under cover 5 May to 15 May, and 2 Jun to 12 Jun, and 30 Jun to 10 Jul

Sow outdoors: 2 Jun to 12 Jun
Under cover: 5 May to 15 May, and 2 Jun to 12 Jun, and 30 Jun to 10 Jul
First harvest: About 240 days after sowing. Sown on 2 June, ready around 28 January.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Aubergine across the UK, town by town

CourgetteOutdoors 28 May to 17 Jul; Under cover 30 Apr to 14 Aug

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 17 Jul
Under cover: 30 Apr to 14 Aug
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 31 July.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Courgette across the UK, town by town

CucumberOutdoors 28 May to 16 Jul; Under cover 30 Apr to 13 Aug

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 16 Jul
Under cover: 30 Apr to 13 Aug
First harvest: About 75 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 11 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the UK, town by town

SquashOutdoors 28 May to 20 Jun; Under cover 30 Apr to 18 Jul

Sow outdoors: 28 May to 20 Jun
Under cover: 30 Apr to 18 Jul
First harvest: About 176 days after sowing. Sown on 28 May, ready around 20 November.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Squash across the UK, town by town

SweetcornOutdoors 23 May to 24 Jun; Under cover 25 Apr to 22 Jul

Sow outdoors: 23 May to 24 Jun
Under cover: 25 Apr to 22 Jul
First harvest: About 113 days after sowing. Sown on 23 May, ready around 13 September.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Sweetcorn across the UK, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors 10 Apr to 31 Jul; Under cover 13 Mar to 28 Aug

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 31 Jul
Under cover: 13 Mar to 28 Aug
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 20 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across the UK, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 10 Apr to 31 Jul; Under cover 13 Mar to 28 Aug

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 31 Jul
Under cover: 13 Mar to 28 Aug
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 19 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across the UK, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 25 Mar to 10 Jun; Under cover 25 Feb to 8 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 10 Jun
Under cover: 25 Feb to 8 Jul
First harvest: About 130 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 2 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across the UK, town by town

RadishOutdoors 25 Mar to 8 Sep; Under cover 25 Feb to 6 Oct

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 8 Sep
Under cover: 25 Feb to 6 Oct
First harvest: About 28 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 22 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the UK, town by town

PotatoOutdoors 25 Mar to 20 May; Under cover 25 Feb to 17 Jun

Plant outdoors: 25 Mar to 20 May
Under cover: 25 Feb to 17 Jun
First harvest: About 99 days after planting. Planted on 25 March, ready around 2 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across the UK, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 25 Mar to 7 Aug; Under cover 25 Feb to 4 Sep

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 7 Aug
Under cover: 25 Feb to 4 Sep
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 23 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across the UK, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 30 Mar to 2 Aug; Under cover 2 Mar to 30 Aug

Sow outdoors: 30 Mar to 2 Aug
Under cover: 2 Mar to 30 Aug
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 30 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 25 Mar to 9 Sep; Under cover 25 Feb to 7 Oct

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 9 Sep
Under cover: 25 Feb to 7 Oct
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 8 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the UK, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 10 Apr to 7 Aug; Under cover 13 Mar to 4 Sep

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 7 Aug
Under cover: 13 Mar to 4 Sep
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 9 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across the UK, town by town

RocketOutdoors 25 Mar to 9 Sep; Under cover 25 Feb to 7 Oct

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 9 Sep
Under cover: 25 Feb to 7 Oct
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 3 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across the UK, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 13 Mar to 12 May; Under cover 13 Feb to 9 Jun

Sow outdoors: 13 Mar to 12 May
Under cover: 13 Feb to 9 Jun
First harvest: About 128 days after sowing. Sown on 13 March, ready around 19 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Celery across the UK, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors 23 May to 4 Jul; Under cover 25 Apr to 1 Aug

Sow outdoors: 23 May to 4 Jul
Under cover: 25 Apr to 1 Aug
First harvest: About 99 days after sowing. Sown on 23 May, ready around 30 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the UK, town by town

French beanOutdoors 23 May to 20 Jul; Under cover 25 Apr to 17 Aug

Sow outdoors: 23 May to 20 Jul
Under cover: 25 Apr to 17 Aug
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 23 May, ready around 5 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.

French bean across the UK, town by town

Broad beanOutdoors 25 Sep to 14 Nov; Under cover 28 Aug to 12 Dec

Sow outdoors: 25 Sep to 14 Nov
Under cover: 28 Aug to 12 Dec
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 25 September, ready around 3 May.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Broad bean across the UK, town by town

PeaOutdoors 25 Mar to 25 Jun; Under cover 25 Feb to 23 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 25 Jun
Under cover: 25 Feb to 23 Jul
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 12 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the UK, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 21 Mar to 11 May; Under cover 21 Feb to 8 Jun

Plant outdoors: 21 Mar to 11 May
Under cover: 21 Feb to 8 Jun
First harvest: About 141 days after planting. Planted on 21 March, ready around 9 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across the UK, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 25 Sep to 23 Nov; Under cover 28 Aug to 21 Dec

Plant outdoors: 25 Sep to 23 Nov
Under cover: 28 Aug to 21 Dec
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 25 September, ready around 2 June.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the UK, town by town

LeekOutdoors 25 Mar to 17 Jul; Under cover 25 Feb to 14 Aug

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 17 Jul
Under cover: 25 Feb to 14 Aug
First harvest: About 152 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 24 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across the UK, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 13 Mar to 24 Aug; Under cover 13 Feb to 21 Sep

Sow outdoors: 13 Mar to 24 Aug
Under cover: 13 Feb to 21 Sep
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on 13 March, ready around 19 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across the UK, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 2 Mar to 15 May; Under cover 2 Feb to 12 Jun

Plant outdoors: 2 Mar to 15 May
Under cover: 2 Feb to 12 Jun
First harvest: About 124 days after planting. Planted on 2 March, ready around 4 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across the UK, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 25 Mar to 31 Jul; Under cover 25 Feb to 28 Aug

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 31 Jul
Under cover: 25 Feb to 28 Aug
First harvest: About 109 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 12 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across the UK, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 10 Apr to 17 Jul; Under cover 13 Mar to 14 Aug

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 17 Jul
Under cover: 13 Mar to 14 Aug
First harvest: About 91 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 10 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across the UK, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors 25 Mar to 25 Jun; Under cover 25 Feb to 23 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 25 Jun
Under cover: 25 Feb to 23 Jul
First harvest: About 120 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 23 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the UK, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors 25 Mar to 25 May; Under cover 25 Feb to 22 Jun

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 25 May
Under cover: 25 Feb to 22 Jun
First harvest: About 189 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 30 September.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across the UK, town by town

KaleOutdoors 10 Apr to 31 Jul; Under cover 13 Mar to 28 Aug

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 31 Jul
Under cover: 13 Mar to 28 Aug
First harvest: About 81 days after sowing. Sown on 10 April, ready around 30 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across the UK, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 23 Apr to 24 Aug; Under cover 26 Mar to 21 Sep

Sow outdoors: 23 Apr to 24 Aug
Under cover: 26 Mar to 21 Sep
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on 23 April, ready around 8 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pak choi across the UK, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors 24 Apr to 26 Jul; Under cover 27 Mar to 23 Aug

Sow outdoors: 24 Apr to 26 Jul
Under cover: 27 Mar to 23 Aug
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on 24 April, ready around 24 June.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.

Basil across the UK, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors 25 Mar to 7 Aug; Under cover 25 Feb to 4 Sep

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 7 Aug
Under cover: 25 Feb to 4 Sep
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 25 March, ready around 7 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across the UK, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 10 Apr to 24 Aug; Under cover 13 Mar to 21 Sep

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 24 Aug
Under cover: 13 Mar to 21 Sep
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on 10 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 25 Mar to 10 Jun; Under cover 25 Feb to 8 Jul

Sow outdoors: 25 Mar to 10 Jun
Under cover: 25 Feb to 8 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 10 Apr to 24 Sep; Under cover 13 Mar to 22 Oct

Sow outdoors: 10 Apr to 24 Sep
Under cover: 13 Mar to 22 Oct
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 25 Mar to 25 May; Under cover 25 Feb to 22 Jun

Plant outdoors: 25 Mar to 25 May
Under cover: 25 Feb to 22 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 27 Oct to 17 Dec; Under cover 29 Sep to 14 Jan

Plant outdoors: 27 Oct to 17 Dec
Under cover: 29 Sep to 14 Jan
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 9 Oct to 6 Dec; Under cover 11 Sep to 3 Jan

Plant outdoors: 9 Oct to 6 Dec
Under cover: 11 Sep to 3 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

Questions about growing in Loughton

When is the last frost in Loughton?

On average around 24 April, and the first autumn frost comes around 4 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 Loughton?

Yes. Plant them outdoors 29 May to 17 Jun, or under cover 1 May to 20 May, and 29 May to 17 Jun, and 26 Jun to 15 Jul.

What can I sow in Loughton in November?

Outdoors: broad bean, garlic, raspberry, rhubarb.

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 Loughton. 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