Growing, Sowing, Harvesting and Managing Your

Allotment,

Calendar by Month

(The Purple Carrot Corporation)

The Gardener’s YearThe months suggested in this guide are approximate, the

weather, and condition of your soil will change the optimum for your garden or allotment.

You should keep a record of when you sow and your result, as your own knowledge of successes and failures in previous years, will be a valuable tool in getting the most from your

vegetables & Fruit.

When reference is made to sow in cold frame, seeds could equally be sown in a unheated greenhouse, or under a cloche. Seeds sown our of doors early in the year will germinate better

if protected with cloches.

Remember that if you intend to sow seeds out of doors under a cloche you should place the cloche in position 10 – 14 days

before sowing to warm the soil.

JanuaryTo doOrder your seeds for the new growing season. Dig over any empty plots unless soil is too wet or compacted. Dig in organic matter such as compost or manure to newly dug plots.

Sow- In HeatGreenhouse tomatoes

OtherLay Out Potatoes in a cool, light place to encourage sprouting.

Use

Autumn/ winter cabbageBrussels SproutsJerusalem artichokesKaleLeeksParsnipsPurple sprouting broccoliRape KaleRed CabbageRhubarb (forced)Savoy CabbageSeakale (blanched)Winter Spinach

FebruaryTo doContinue Digging vacant ground, adding organic matter, as weather and solid conditions allows.

Sow- In HeatAuberginesBrussels SproutsCape GooseberriesCauliflowerChamomileCucumber (end of month)Green house melons (continue sowing until end May)Greenhouse tomatoesMarjoram

Sow- In SituEarly PeasGarlic cloves (at end of month)

Jerusalem artichokesParsnipsShallotsWelsh Onions

OtherAs you dig up Jerusalem artichokes, replant the best tubers at the same time, in your new bed.

UseAutumn/ Winter cabbageJerusalem artichokesKaleLeeksParsnipsPurple shooting broccoliRape kaleRed CabbageRhubarb (forced)Savoy CabbageWinter spinach

MarchTo doDig, and add organic matter to empty plots. Set beer filled fall traps for slugs.

Sow- In FrameThyme

Sow- In HeatBergamotBrussels sproutsCape gooseberriesCardoonsCeleriacChamomileCucumberGlobe artichokesGreenhouse MelonsGreenhouse tomatoesMarjoramPeppers

Sow- In SeedbedAngelicaBrussels sprouts (from mid month)Couve tronchudaRhubarb

Sow- In SituBroad Beans (mid Month)BurnetChinese artichoke tubersChop suey greens (continue until September)Early carrotsEarly globe beetroot (continue until mid July)Early PeasEarly PotatoesEver Ready Onion BulbsGarlic clovesHamburg parsleyJerusalem artichoke tubersLand cressLettuce (continue until July)Maincrop onion setsParsnipsPickling onionsSalsifySecond-early peasSeakaleShallotsSpinach beet (continue until July)Spring sown maincrop onionsSpring onions (continue until May)Summer Spinach (continue until early July)Turnip

WatercressWelsh onions

OtherShorten old growths on hazels. Thin Japanese onions. Thin seakale plants grown previous year.

TransplantAngelica plants grown the previous March. Autumn sown maincrop onions

UseJerusalem artichokesKale LeeksPurple & white sprouting broccoliRape kaleRed cabbageRhubarbSavoy cabbageSpring onions (sown previous September)

AprilTo doDig up old brassica stumps, add to compost heap or burn. How between rows of seedlings. Look out for flea beetles among brassica seedlings.

Sow- In FrameDwarf and runner beansThyme

Sow- In HeatCeleryChick peasCucumber (until end of month)Greenhouse melonsLima beans MarrowsMelons (later to be grown under cloche outside)New Zealand spinachPumpkinsSoya beans

Sow- In SeedbedBroccoli (winter

cauliflower)Brussels sproutsFrench sorrelHyssopKaleLeeksLovageRosemarySageSavoy Cabbage (continue until June)Summer cabbage

Sow- In SituAniseedAsparagusAsparagus peasBalmBorageBroad beansBurnetCarrots (continue until July)CeltuceChinese artichoke tubersChop suey greensClaryCorianderDandelionDillEarly globe beetrootEarly potatoesEndive (continue until end of August)Every ready onion bulbs

FennelFrench beans (continue until mid July)Good King HenryKohl-rabi (continue until end July)LettuceMaincrop peas (continue until mid July)MarjoramOrach (continue until August)ParsnipPickling onionsPumpkins (end of month)RadishRocket (continue until July)SalsifySavoryScolymusSeakaleSpinach beetSpring onionsSummer spinachSwiss chardTurnipsWatercressWelsh onions

OtherBlanch mature dandelion plants. Thin Japanese onions. Harden-off peppers that are to be grown

outside.

TransplantAsparagus sown during the previous year. September sown red cabbage.

UseChop suey greensKaleNine star perennial broccoliPurple & white sprouting broccoliRape kaleRed cabbageRhubarbSavoy cabbageSpring cabbageSpring onionsSwiss chard

MayTo doWhen frosts are forecast, seedlings should be protected with cloches or newspaper secured with stones, regularly hoe, protect seeds from birds. Pest check: cabbage root fly, carrot fly, onion fly, brassica flea beetle.

Sow- In ClocheMarrowsRidge cucumbers

Sow- In HeatGreenhouse melonsMelons (transfer to cloches later)PumpkinSweetcorn (ealry in month)

Sow-In seedbedAutumn/ winter cabbageBroccoli (winter cauliflower)Calabrese

HyssopKaleLovageNine star perennial broccoliPurple & white sprouting broccoliSageSavoy cabbage

Sow- In SituAsparagus peasBalmBasilBeetroot (long rooted maincrop)Broad beansCarrotsCardoonsChicory (forcing varieties)ChivesChop suey greensDillEarly globe beetrootEndiveFennelFrench beansGlobe artichokesKohl-rabiLettuceMaincrop peas

Maincrop potatoes (end of month)TurnipWelsh onions

OtherBlanch mature dandelion plants, insert pea stakes, earth up early potatoes. Pot on peppers. Begin removing side shoots from tomatoes. Harden-off: April-sown Pumpkins, Cardoons, Celeriac, Celery, Globe artichokes, Marrows, New Zealand spinach, Outdoor tomatoes, Soya beans, Sweetcorn

TransplantAlpine strawberriesAutumn/winter cabbageBergamot seedlings (to nursery bed)Brussels sproutsCauliflowerChamomileFrench sorrelOutdoor peppers6-week old savoy cabbage seedlings

Summer cabbage (late in month)After last frost: Globe artichokes, Marrows, New Zealand spinach, pumpkins, Sweetcorn.

UseAsparagus (from mid month)Chop suey greensGood King HenryLand cressLettuceNine star perennial broccoliRadishSavoy cabbageSeptember-sown spring onionsSwiss chard

JuneTo doContinue hoeing & weeding. Begin mulching around plants that require a lot of water. Be vigilant for pests.

Sow-In SeedbedRueSavoy cabbage

Sow- In SituCarrotsChicory (non-forcing varieties)Chinese cabbage (continue until early August)ChivesChop suey greensEarly globe beetrootEndiveFrench beans Kohl-rabiLettuce

Maincrop peas (until mid month)OrachRadishRocketRunner beansSpinach beetSpring onionsSummer spinachSwedeTurnips

OtherPick herb leaves for drying before flowers open. Blanch mature dandelion plants (until end of month). Blanche endive. Pinch out tops of Broad bean plants once plants are well covered with flowers. Pot on peppers. Remove side shoots from tomatoes. Harden-off May-sown pumpkins.

TransplantCalabrese

ChickpeasCouve tronchudaKaleLeeksLima beans (3-4 weeks after last frost)May-sown autumn/winter cabbageOutdoor tomatoesPurple & white sprouting broccoliRosemary6-week old savoy cabbage seedlingsSummer cabbagePlant out hardened-off: celeriac, celery, May-sown pumpkins, soya beans.Plant out melon seedlings under cloches.

Harvest & StoreCaraway seeds

UseAsparagus (until end of month)Asparagus peas

Broad beans Chop suey greensEarly carrotsEarly potatoesGlobe artichokesGood King HenryGreenhouse cucumbersGreenhouse melonsGreenhouse tomatoesJapanese onions (end of month)LettuceNew Zealand spinach (end of month)RadishSecond-early peas (end of month)Spring-sown spring onionsSummer spinachSwiss chard

JulyTo doPick ripened peas, marrows and French beans, to encourage continued cropping. Water regularly. Prioritise water for more water hungry plants. If in drought do not hoe as it will allow moisture to escape.

Sow-In SeedbedSpring cabbage

Sow- In SituCarrotsChicory (non-forcing varieties)Chinese mustard (continue until mid August)Chop suey greensEarly globe beetrootEndiveFrench beans (until mid month) Kohl-rabi

LettuceOrachRadishRape kaleRocketSpinach beetSpring greens (end of month)Spring onionsSummer spinachSwiss chardTurnipWinter RadishWinter spinach (Continue until end September)

OtherPick herb leaves for drying before flowers open. Blanche endive. Pinch out the growing point of outdoor tomatoes (end of month)

TransplantBroccoli (winter cauliflower)CalabreseCouve tronchudaKaleLeeksNine star perennial

broccoliPurple & white sprouting broccoliRhubarbRosemarySage (to nursery bed)6-week savoy cabbage seedlings

Harvest & StoreAutumn-sown onions (end of month)Bulbous-rooted chervilCaraway seedsOnions (grown from sets)Shallots (from mid month)

UseAlpine strawberriesAuberginesBroad beansBulbous-rooted chervilCauliflowerCeltuceChop suey greensEarly carrotsEarly potatoesGlobe artichokesGreenhouse cucumbersGreenhouse melons

Greenhouse peppersGreenhouse tomatoesJapanese onionsKohl-rabiLettuceMaincrop peasMarrows (from mid month)New Zealand spinachPeaches (variety dependent)Pickling onionsPumpkinsRadishRidge cucumbersRunner beansSecond-early potatoesSelf-blanching celery (end of month)Spring onionsSummer cabbageSummer spinachSwiss chard

AugustTo doAdd garden waste to the compost heap.

Sow-In SeedbedAutumn-sown maincrop onions

Sow- In SituChinese cabbageChinese mustard (until mid month)Chop suey greensCorn salad (continue until end of September)OrachRadish (until mid month)Swiss chardTree onion bulbsWinter spinach

OtherBlanche cardoons. Blanche endive, Disbud first-year globe

artichokes. Pinch out the growing point of outdoor tomatoes.

Transplant6-week savoy cabbage seedlings

Harvest & StoreGarlic Onions (grown from sets) ShallotsSpring-sown maincrop onions

UseAlpine strawberriesAuberginesBroad beansCarrotsCauliflowerCeltuceChop suey greensCranberriesFlorence fennelGreenhouse cucumbersGreenhouse melonsGreenhouse peppers

Greenhouse tomatoesKohl-rabiLettuceLima beansMaincrop peasMarrows New Zealand spinachOkraOutdoor peppersOutdoor tomatoesPeaches (variety dependent)PumpkinsRadishRidge cucumbersRunner beansSecond-early potatoesSpring onionsSummer cabbageSummer spinachSweetcorn (end of month)Swiss chard

SeptemberTo doAs weather gets cold, cut green tomatoes off outdoor plants and bring indoors to ripen. If frosts are forecast, cover late sowings with cloches.

Sow-In FrameAlpine strawberriesPeaches

Sow- In SeedbedRed cabbage

Sow- In SituCarawayChop suey greensCorn salad (until end of month)Land cressSalad onions (to provide early crop next year)Winter spinach

OtherBlanche Cardoons, Blanche

Endive, Disbud first-year globe artichokes. Every third year lift and divide chives

TransplantHyssop (between now and March)LovageRueSageSpring cabbageThyme

Harvest & StoreChick peasMaincrop potatoesOnions (grown from sets)

UseAlpine strawberriesAuberginesCalabreseCardoons (blanched)CarrotsCauliflowerChinese cabbageChinese mustardChop suey greensCouve tronchudaCrab applesCranberries

Florence fennelGreenhouse cucumbersGreenhouse melonsGreenhouse peppersGreenhouse tomatoesHamburg parsleyHazel nutsMaincrop peas (until end of month)New Zealand spinachOkraOutdoor peppersOutdoor tomatoesParsnipsPeaches (variety dependent)PumpkinsRadishRed cabbageRidge cucumbersRunner beansSalsifySavoy cabbageSecond-early potatoesSpring onionsSummer cabbageSummer spinachSwiss chard

OctoberTo doDig up soil if heavy, frost will help break it up. Continue lifting crops for winter storage. Clean cleared greenhouse. Rake up and burn leaves to stop pests overwintering beneath.

Sow-In FrameCranberryHazel Peach

Sow- In SeedbedRed cabbage

Sow- In SituBulbous-rooted chervil

OtherPrepare asparagus bed if you plan to plant next yearBlanche endiveLift chicory roots for forcing.

TransplantMarch-sown bergamotSpring cabbage1-year old cranberry (to nursery bed)1-year old hazel (to nursery bed) 1-year old peach trees 3-year old cranberries

Harvest & StoreChinese artichokesMaincrop carrotsMaincrop potaoesMarrows (by end of month)PumpkinsSalsifySwedeWinter radish

UseAlpine strawberriesAuberginesAutumn/winter cabbageBrussels sprouts (end of month)CalabreseCardoons (blanched)CauliflowerCeleriac

CeleryChinese artichokesChinese cabbageChinese mustard (until end of month)Chop suey greensCouve tronchudaCrab applesGreenhouse tomatoesJerusalem artichokesKohl-rabiMarrowOkra (until first frost)Outdoor tomatoesParsnipsRunner beansSavoy cabbageScolymusSelf-blanching celery (until first frost)Spring onionsSwedeSwiss chardWinter radishWinter spinach

NovemberTo doDig heavy soil and add manure or compost to it. Check stored vegetables regularly, remove & destroy any rotten ones.

Sow-In FrameHazel

Sow- In SituBulbous-rooted chervilFrost-hardy broad beansPeas (early varieties)

OtherForce chicory, Blanche endive (until mid month), Blanch seakale, Protect crops like celeriac with bracken or straw.

Harvest & Store

CeleriacMaincrop beetrootScolymus

UseAutumn/winter cabbageBrussels sprouts CalabreseCauliflowerCeleriacCeleryChinese cabbageChop suey greensJerusalem artichokesLeeksParsnipsRed cabbageSavoy cabbageSeptember-sown land cressSpring greensSwiss chardWinter spinach

DecemberTo doContinue to compost healthy material as crops are removed. Dig over empty empty ground. Grease and store gardening tools for winter storage. Prepare garden plan for following year. Work out seeds and tubers needed for next year and order.

Sow- In SituFrost-hardy broad beans

OtherForce rhubarb cover celery with bracken or straw to protect from frost. Protect winter spinach with cloches.

Harvest & StoreTurnips

UseAutumn/winter cabbageBrussels sproutsCeleryJerusalem artichokesLeeksParsnipsRed cabbageSavoy cabbageSeakale (blanched)Winter spinach