England, UK

Planting calendar for Maidstone

Last frost around 16 March, first frost around 1 December: about 260 frost-free days.

Last frost: 16 March
First frost: 1 December
Frost-free days: 260

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 Maidstone. 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 Maidstone, 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: Sow outdoors and 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 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: 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: Not this month	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 95 days after sowing. Sown on 15 May, ready around 18 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 106 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 28 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Chilli across the UK, town by town

Sweet pepperOutdoors 18 May to 13 Jun; Under cover 20 Apr to 11 Jul

Sow outdoors: 18 May to 13 Jun
Under cover: 20 Apr to 11 Jul
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 18 May, ready around 26 August.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.

Sweet pepper across the UK, town by town

AubergineOutdoors 18 May to 8 Jun; Under cover 20 Apr to 6 Jul

Sow outdoors: 18 May to 8 Jun
Under cover: 20 Apr to 6 Jul
First harvest: About 102 days after sowing. Sown on 18 May, ready around 28 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 66 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 19 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 95 days after sowing. Sown on 14 May, ready around 17 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 24 Mar to 2 Jul; Under cover 24 Feb to 30 Jul

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 2 Jul
Under cover: 24 Feb to 30 Jul
First harvest: About 102 days after sowing. Sown on 24 March, ready around 4 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Carrot across the UK, town by town

BeetrootOutdoors 24 Mar to 7 Jul, and 3 Aug to 15 Aug; Under cover 24 Feb to 15 Aug, and 31 Aug to 12 Sep

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 7 Jul, and 3 Aug to 15 Aug
Under cover: 24 Feb to 15 Aug, and 31 Aug to 12 Sep
First harvest: About 73 days after sowing. Sown on 24 March, ready around 5 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Beetroot across the UK, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors 5 Mar to 24 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 21 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 24 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 21 Jun
First harvest: About 134 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 17 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsnip across the UK, town by town

RadishOutdoors 5 Mar to 29 Sep; Under cover 5 Feb to 27 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 29 Sep
Under cover: 5 Feb to 27 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 3 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 31 May

Plant outdoors: 5 Mar to 3 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 31 May
First harvest: About 105 days after planting. Planted on 5 March, ready around 18 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Potato across the UK, town by town

TurnipOutdoors 5 Mar to 31 Aug; Under cover 5 Feb to 28 Sep

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 31 Aug
Under cover: 5 Feb to 28 Sep
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 9 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Turnip across the UK, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors 10 Mar to 26 Aug; Under cover 10 Feb to 23 Sep

Sow outdoors: 10 Mar to 26 Aug
Under cover: 10 Feb to 23 Sep
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 10 March, ready around 23 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the UK, town by town

SpinachOutdoors 5 Mar to 29 Sep; Under cover 5 Feb to 27 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 29 Sep
Under cover: 5 Feb to 27 Oct
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 23 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the UK, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors 24 Mar to 31 Aug; Under cover 24 Feb to 28 Sep

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 31 Aug
Under cover: 24 Feb to 28 Sep
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on 24 March, ready around 26 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Swiss chard across the UK, town by town

RocketOutdoors 5 Mar to 29 Sep; Under cover 5 Feb to 27 Oct

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 29 Sep
Under cover: 5 Feb to 27 Oct
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 18 April.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Rocket across the UK, town by town

CeleryOutdoors 15 Feb to 23 Apr; Under cover 18 Jan to 21 May

Sow outdoors: 15 Feb to 23 Apr
Under cover: 18 Jan to 21 May
First harvest: About 140 days after sowing. Sown on 15 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 11 Oct to 30 Nov; Under cover 13 Sep to 28 Dec

Sow outdoors: 11 Oct to 30 Nov
Under cover: 13 Sep to 28 Dec
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 11 October, ready around 19 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 7 Jun; Under cover 5 Feb to 5 Jul

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 7 Jun
Under cover: 5 Feb to 5 Jul
First harvest: About 85 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 29 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the UK, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors 27 Feb to 23 Apr; Under cover 30 Jan to 21 May

Plant outdoors: 27 Feb to 23 Apr
Under cover: 30 Jan to 21 May
First harvest: About 145 days after planting. Planted on 27 February, ready around 22 July.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Onion across the UK, town by town

GarlicOutdoors 11 Oct to 12 Dec; Under cover 13 Sep to 9 Jan

Plant outdoors: 11 Oct to 12 Dec
Under cover: 13 Sep to 9 Jan
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on 11 October, ready around 18 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 20 Jun; Under cover 5 Feb to 18 Jul

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 20 Jun
Under cover: 5 Feb to 18 Jul
First harvest: About 151 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 3 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Leek across the UK, town by town

Spring onionOutdoors 15 Feb to 15 Sep; Under cover 18 Jan to 13 Oct

Sow outdoors: 15 Feb to 15 Sep
Under cover: 18 Jan to 13 Oct
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 15 February, ready around 6 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Spring onion across the UK, town by town

ShallotOutdoors 20 Jan to 23 Apr; Under cover 23 Dec to 21 May

Plant outdoors: 20 Jan to 23 Apr
Under cover: 23 Dec to 21 May
First harvest: About 157 days after planting. Planted on 20 January, ready around 26 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.

Shallot across the UK, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors 5 Mar to 5 Jul; Under cover 5 Feb to 2 Aug

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 5 Jul
Under cover: 5 Feb to 2 Aug
First harvest: About 115 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 28 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Cabbage across the UK, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors 24 Mar to 22 Jun; Under cover 24 Feb to 20 Jul

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 22 Jun
Under cover: 24 Feb to 20 Jul
First harvest: About 93 days after sowing. Sown on 24 March, ready around 25 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Broccoli across the UK, town by town

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

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 7 Jun
Under cover: 5 Feb to 5 Jul
First harvest: About 125 days after sowing. Sown on 5 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 5 Mar to 9 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 6 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 9 May
Under cover: 5 Feb to 6 Jun
First harvest: About 175 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 27 August.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Brussels sprout across the UK, town by town

KaleOutdoors 24 Mar to 7 Jul, and 3 Aug to 9 Aug; Under cover 24 Feb to 9 Aug, and 31 Aug to 6 Sep

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 7 Jul, and 3 Aug to 9 Aug
Under cover: 24 Feb to 9 Aug, and 31 Aug to 6 Sep
First harvest: About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 24 March, ready around 15 June.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.

Kale across the UK, town by town

Pak choiOutdoors 8 Apr to 14 Sep; Under cover 11 Mar to 12 Oct

Sow outdoors: 8 Apr to 14 Sep
Under cover: 11 Mar to 12 Oct
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on 8 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 8 Apr to 8 Jul, and 3 Aug to 9 Aug; Under cover 11 Mar to 9 Aug, and 31 Aug to 6 Sep

Sow outdoors: 8 Apr to 8 Jul, and 3 Aug to 9 Aug
Under cover: 11 Mar to 9 Aug, and 31 Aug to 6 Sep
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on 8 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 5 Mar to 31 Aug; Under cover 5 Feb to 28 Sep

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 31 Aug
Under cover: 5 Feb to 28 Sep
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 5 March, ready around 24 May.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.

Parsley across the UK, town by town

CorianderOutdoors 24 Mar to 14 Sep; Under cover 24 Feb to 12 Oct

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 14 Sep
Under cover: 24 Feb to 12 Oct
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on 24 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 5 Mar to 24 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 21 Jun

Sow outdoors: 5 Mar to 24 May
Under cover: 5 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 24 Mar to 16 Oct; Under cover 24 Feb to 13 Nov

Sow outdoors: 24 Mar to 16 Oct
Under cover: 24 Feb to 13 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 9 May; Under cover 5 Feb to 6 Jun

Plant outdoors: 5 Mar to 9 May
Under cover: 5 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 10 Nov to 19 Jan; Under cover 13 Oct to 16 Feb

Plant outdoors: 10 Nov to 19 Jan
Under cover: 13 Oct to 16 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 24 Oct to 2 Jan; Under cover 26 Sep to 30 Jan

Plant outdoors: 24 Oct to 2 Jan
Under cover: 26 Sep to 30 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

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

Questions about growing in Maidstone

When is the last frost in Maidstone?

On average around 16 March, and the first autumn frost comes around 1 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 Maidstone?

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

What can I sow in Maidstone 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 Maidstone. 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