UK planting calendar: What you should plant and when you should start?

IT doesn't matter if you're a novice gardener or a horticulture pro, it's time to make sure you're planting the right things in your garden over the next twelve months.

Here is a month-to-month guide on what fruit, vegetables and flowers to plant each month.

January

Flowers to plant in January

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are great for sowing now if you are able to keep them indoors in a seed tray until they germinate.

Once this has happened move them to a frost-free greenhouse or cold frame.

By sowing them now, you will lilley get bigger plants than if you hang on until spring.

Bare Root Roses

You can plant Bare Root Roses anywhere between November and March.

Before you plant them, make sure to add plenty of organic matter, such as manure to the bedding.

Your hole needs to be spade’s depth, and twice as wide as the roots.

You'll then need to tease out the roots before planting, to encourage them to grow outwards and stabilise the plant.

Once you’re happy with the position, backfill the hole with soil while making sure the plant is firmly in place.

Fruit and Vegetables to plant in January

Raspberries and Blackberries

Raspberries and Blackberries can be planed as bare root plants anytime from November to March.

You can choose from summer-fruiting and autumn-fruiting varieties when it comes to Raspberries.

If you you have got the space, a row of plants works well, but you can also grow them in containers.

Bear in mind, these plants will require support such as a post-and-wire fence or a single post for containers.

Forced Rhubarb

Although this isnt plant, it still involves growing.

If you've already got rhubarb plants, you can 'force' the stems to grow earlier than usual.

To do this, you just need to cover the crown with a layer of straw, then put a large container over the whole thing.

The aim is to block out the light, which forces the stem to grow.

Bulbs to plant in January

Lilies

Lilies flower in summer, and if you plant them in January, they will bloom later the same year.

If you’re planting them in the ground, choose a spot that enjoys full sun or partial shade, and add some grit to the soil if it’s heavy.

If you want to encourage them to bloom early, you have the option to plant pot them until Spring where you can move them into a greenhouse.

Miracle Gro’s experts recommended two types of lily in particular, they said: “Lilies really bring that wow factor into the garden and some lilies can even grow up to 2.5m! Choose the Regale and Oriental types for a heavenly scent.”

February

Flowers to plant in February

Violas

Violas are great to plant during the colder months as they are extremely tough.

They are a great option when it comes to a plant that is low-cost and will brighten your garden during the Spring months.

They will thrive in partial shade, but will cope with full sun or full shade too.

Lupins

Lupins are great to plant in February as they are hardy perennial plants.

You can choose from a huge range of colours too.

They like free-draining soil and a sunny spot, but will put up with partial shade too.

Bulbs to plant February

Lilies

Just like January, Lilies are a great option to also plant in February.

Just make sure you choose a sunny position and ideally rich with well-drained soil.

Vegetables to plant in February

Chillies

You can sow these little fireballs in February, but they need to be in a greenhouse or indoors on a sunny windowsill as they need the heat to germinate. 

Broad Beans

Broad Beans are really easy to grow with little to no fuss when it comes to the soil they are in.

Simple sow them in pots in the greenhouse and then plant them out from March onwards.

This is a really good idea if you're planning on growing more than one type of bean, as you are able to spread out the harvest.

March

Fruit and Vegetables to plant in March

Peas

Although many plant their peas later on in Spring, it is completely fine starting them off in March.

Simply sow the peas outdoors, or in a cold frame.

Once they have grown large enough to handle, transfer them into a their last growing spot.

Carrots

Normally carrots aren't planted until April, but if you'd like an early crop in June, go ahead and plant them in late March.

If your soil is stony, opt for shorter varieties such as Chantenay, as you may end up with split roots.

Flowers to plant in March

Roses

Bare-root roses are usually planted during their dormant season.

March is the last chance you have to plant them before the Spring wakes them up.

Bare-root roses are usually less expensive than pot-grown roses, and will develop quickly if you plant them now.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are super-easy when it comes to making your garden wildlife-friendly.

They are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and a great way to suppress weeds.

Bulbs to plant March

Ranunculus, Gladioli, Agapanthus, Lilies and Crocosmia are all great options to plant in March.

Just make sure to remember where you plant them so you avoid accidentally digging them up later.

April

Flowers to plant in April

Sunflowers

Sunflower seeds are easy to grow, and great gardening projects for children.

They are fanaditc for local wildlife, providing food for birds, bees and other pollinating insects.

Fruit and Vegetables to plant in April

Peas and Broad Beans

April is a great month to sow peas and broad beans outdoors.

When it comes to peas, it's a good idea to stagger the sowing, putting a few seeds in the ground each week.

This will result in a longer harvest period and avoid a glut.

Onions and Shallots

Onions and shallots are really easy to grow as you just push them into the earth until only the tip is showing.

Sometimes the odd one can pop out of the soil, but will just need popping back in.

The harvest will be ready towards the end of summer.

Strawberries

Strawberries are great to plant this month, simply place them straight into the soil.

If you do not have a lot of room, try growing them in containers or hanging baskets.

Bulbs to plant in April

Lilies

Lily bulbs are perfect to plant anywhere between late autumn until early April.

Lilies enjoy a sunny location that is rich with a well-drained soil.

May

Flowers to plant in May

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are super-easy to grow from seed.

They love poor soil, will climb or trail, and the flowers are even edible.

Bulbs to plant in May

Agapanthus, Dahlias, Alliums and Gladioli are all good options to plant in May.

These bulbs will likely flower in summer if they are planted in spring, when the soil has started to warm up.

Vegetables to plant in May

Radishes

Radishes are quick-maturing and cab be ready in around four weeks.

Sow the radish seeds directly into the soil, 1cm deep and in rows 15cm apart.

Then thin out the seedlings while they are small, leaving 2-4cm between plants.

Sweetcorn

Sow the seeds into pots now and plant them out when they’re around 15cm tall.

Sweetcorn needs to be planted in a grid formation, to make sure the plants cross-pollinate and produce a crop.

They should grow quite tall, but shouldn't need any support.

June

Flowers to plant in June

Don't assume that you need to have a plant for it to flower this year.

Calendula, Candytuft and Nigella are all good seed options to plant this month.

Vegetables to plant in June

Pre-grown vegetables

Don't worry if you've left it a bit late to grow your veg this year.

Buying small plants from the garden centre is a great way to catch up on the growing time.

This will allow you to plant crops that you’d normally need to start growing earlier.

Tomatoes, peppers, runner beans, carrots, courgette, beetroot and cabbage are all popular crops to find in the garden centre around this time.

Just make sure you plant them outdoors as soon as you get back.

Bulbs to plant in June

Summer-Blooming Bulbs such as Dahlias, Gladiolus and Canna Lilies are actually tropical, meaning they thrive in hot climates with full sun.

This means it's fine to plant them during the summer, just make sure you have enough time for them to grow and bloom before the frost comes.

July

Flowers to plant in July

July is also a great month to sow seeds for next spring's flowers.

Lupins, delphiniums, bellis and aquilegias are all great options to plant this month.

You will need to give the young plants protection over the winter, so be sure you have enough space when you are sowing your seeds.

Vegetables to grow in July

Beetroot

There's still time to grow a crop of beetroot this month.

Sow them directly into the soil (they’re well-suited to containers too).

Their flavour will be at its best when they young and small, so don’t feel bad about harvesting them young.

Dwarf French Beans

French beans are a great veg to plant as they are quick growing so that you can harvest them in a couple of months.

Simply sow the seeds in pots of compost and plant them out when they reach about 15-20cm tall.

Dwarf french beans are small plants, which are ideal vegetables to grow in containers.

Bulbs to plant in July

Nerines and Autumn crocus

These should be planted in summer.

Nerines like a sunny spot, while Autumn crocus enjoy a shadier location.

Both plants like soil that drains well, so be sure to avoid any soggy areas of your garden.

August

Flowers to plant in August

Winter pansies, violas and primroses can all be grown from seed this month.

This is a great way to add colour to your winter garden.

Fruit and Vegetables to plant in August

Strawberries

Now is a great time to plant strawberries so they become developed just before those winter months.

They will provide you with delicious fruit next summer. 

Spring cabbage

Spring cabbage is great to harvest after months of cold weather.

If you've got room to grow this crop now, you will have fresh produce early spring the following year.

Sow the seed thinly in rows about 15cm apart and 1cm deep.

Thin seedlings to about 8cm between plants.

You can also plant spring cabbage as small plants this month.

Bulbs to plant in August

Forced Spring bulbs

Spring bulbs are ready to be planted in autumn.

You can force some to flower earlier than they would normally this month.

Forcing bulbs is speeding up the natural process of growth and flowering.

September

Flowers to plant in September

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are great fo plant in september.

They are low-maintenance, and help to control weeds.

Sow wildflowers in a patch of ground, or a container.

Fruit and Vegetables to plant in September

Spring Onions

There are many different types of spring onion such as Performer and White Lisbon, which can be sown this month for harvesting next spring.

Sow them thinly in rows about 10cm apart and 1cm deep.

Once the seedlings appear, you'll need to thin them out to allow 2-3cm between plants.

Strawberry Runners

Strawberry runners are long shoots, with a few leaves on them that come from the strawberry plant.

You are able to make a new strawberry plant by pegging the runners down into soil or a pot of compost.

Once they start to root, you can cut them away from the parent plant.

Bulbs to plant in September

Daffodils, crocus and hyacinths should all be planted by the end of September.

October

Flowers to plant in October

Pansies, violas, cyclamen, ivy and heather are all great plants for an autumn display.

Clematis

Clematis are great to plant in spring or early-to-mid autumn.

The soil needs to be warm and damp enough to help the root develop.

Clematis tend to be hungry plants, so be sure to dig a deep hole and mix in lots of manure or compost before planting.

Fruit and vegetables to plant in October

Asparagus

Some varieties of asparagus can be planted in autumn.

By planting them now, it allows them to become developed more quickly.

There are lots of varieties available, including Ariane, Mondeo and Pacific 2000. 

The only catch is that asparagus cannot be picked for two years.

Garlic

Garlic is a great veg to plant this month as its not very fussy, and there are lots of different vareities.

Bare Root Tree Apples

Late autumn and early winter is the best time to plant bare-root trees.

There are so many varieties of apple tree, so be sure to do you research on finding the best option to suit the condition of your garden.

Bulbs to plant in October

Daffodils, crocus and hyacinths should all be planted by the end of September but are fine to be planted in the start of October.

November

Flowers to plant in November

Sweet Peas

By sowing swee peas now, it gives you a better chance of a strong healthy plant come sring.

They can be sown from October to March.

Once the seeds have germinated, you can place them in a sheltered spot for winter.

A cold frame or an unheated greenhouse are perfect options.

Fruit and vegetables to plant in November

Spring cabbage

If you want to grow spring cabbages from seed, choose a sunny spot.

Make sure to also walk over the soil to compact it a bit before sowing - cabbages like a firm anchor.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb should be planted in autumn or spring.

Make sure to choose a sunny spot with soil that is well-drained.

Plant with the crown just poking out above the soil.

Bulbs to plant in November

Daffodils, crocus and hyacinths should all be planted by the end of September but are fine to be planted in November.

It may be worth potting up a bulb lasagne, which is a container layered with bulbs that flower at different times.

December

Flowers to plant in December

Bare Root Roses

You can plant bare root roses from November to March.

Make sure you add lots of organic matter to the area you will be planting.

The hole needs to be about a spade’s depth, and twice as wide as the roots.

Be sure to tease out the roots before planting as this encourages them to grow outwards.

Fruit and vegetables to grow in December

Raspberries and Blackberries

Raspberry canes and blackberries can be planted as bare root plants from November to March.

You can choose from summer-fruiting and autumn-fruiting varieties when it comes to raspberries.

Blueberries

Blueberries are fairly easy to grow, but they do need acidic soil with a with a pH of 5.5 or lower.

The best way to grow them is in a container with ericaceous compost.

They will thrive best in full sun or light shade.

Bulbs to plant in December

Lilies

Lily bulbs flower in summer, but if you plant them now they will for sure bloom next year.

Make sure to choose a spot that enjoys full sun or partial shade.

You can also plant lilies in pots, which helps encourage them to bloom early, and then move them into a greenhouse in Spring.