Fruit & vegetable growing guide for each month of the year

No matter the month, there are always plenty of jobs that can be done in the garden. Gardening can be a wonderful a hobby that can be enjoyed at all ages and growing your own fruit and vegetables can be especially rewarding. If you are interested in growing your own produce or perhaps want to grow more types but are unsure of what to plant and when, the fruit and vegetable growing guides found on this page could help

Locate the month you are curious about and click on the relevant guide to discover what can be planted. Also explore further down the page to discover helpful tips, including gardening advice for stair lift users and those with limited mobility, plus even more garden guides.

Contents

1. What fruit and veg can I plant in January through to December?
   • January
   • February
   • March
   • April
   • May
   • June
   • July
   • August
   • September
   • October
   • November
   • December
2. Tips for growing fruit and veg at home
3. Quick gardening tips for people with limited mobility
4. Gardening guides for inspiration, tips, and advice

What fruit and veg can I grow from January to December?

January

In January, gardeners are preparing for a new growing year and while conditions can be very cold with frozen ground, you can still keep busy in the garden and plant a number of vegetables and fruit. For example, you can grow onions and shallots in a greenhouse or shed before transporting them outdoors in the spring. Fruit trees can also be planted in January, allowing you to enjoy the likes of apples, pears and plums later in the year.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in January by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for January

February

While our thoughts may turn towards spring once February comes around, it is still winter and the UK can experience some cold weather. That doesn’t mean that fruit and veg can’t be grown, however, with plenty being able to be grown both indoors and outdoors. When it comes to vegetables, it might be a bit too early to plant herbs outside, but you can get a head start by planting herb seedlings on a sunny windowsill. You can also look to grow mushrooms in February as they require an initial chilling period.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in February by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for February

March

With March, the days are getting longer and the temperatures increasing, meaning the start of the growing season is here so a nice variety of fruit and vegetables can be planted. Carrots are just one type of vegetable that you can look to plant in March, loving well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. Broad beans and parsnips also being options to consider. In terms of fruit that you can plant in March, why not go for some strawberries? Providing a tasty fruit to harvest all through the summer.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in March by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for March

April

Spring is well and truly here, and there is some lovely weather and a lot to be done in the garden, including plenty of fruit and veg to be planted. If you are looking for a few suggestions, radishes can be planted towards the end of the month and if you have a sunny spot, spring onions can be planted straight into the ground. April is also a great month to plant some fruit trees and bushes, allowing you to grow the likes of cherries and apples.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in April by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for April

May

Growing conditions tend to be perfect in May, which in part can be put down to the warmer temperatures. There are loads of delicious vegetables that you can look to grow, depending on your tastes. Runner beans are best sown between May and June for example, and squashes, cucumbers, and cauliflowers can also be planted. May is also an ideal month to transport any tomato seedlings from the greenhouse to the outdoors, and melons are another fruit to consider planting in a greenhouse or well-protected area.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in May by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for May

June

Thanks to the warmer temperatures that come with the start of summer and the extra daylight hours, June is a great month to get out in the garden and get some jobs done. June can be a really busy month for planting fruit and veg as there is so much you can plant. You can start growing salad crops, for example, just look for a nice shady area to plant them in. You can also begin to sow squashes outdoors in June and for fruit, blackberries and strawberries are just two possible options.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in June by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for June

July

Summer is in full swing in July and it tends to be one of the hottest and driest months of the year, meaning a lot of us will be spending time in the garden. You can plant a variety of vegetables in July such as spring onions, salad leaves, radish, French beans, turnips, beetroot, carrots and kohlrabi to name just a few. July is not known as a great month for planting fruit bushes and trees, but there are plenty of other jobs you can do instead such as thinning out bushes, composting the base of fruit plants and ensuring you water them regularly.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in July by reading our dedicated guide.

READ ALSO: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for July

August

August is one of the hottest and driest months of the year in the UK, and it should come as no surprise that people spend a lot of time in their gardens. Whilst the main sowing part of the year has passed by now, there are still lots of fruit and vegetables to plant in August as well as many things you can harvest. Late varieties of carrots and onions are just some of the vegetables you can plant in this month, and you can plant strawberries during the month if your garden has soil that is fertile, drains well and can hold in moisture. Blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries and apples are just some of the fruits which you can plant in August.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in August by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for August

September

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn and although the weather can be a bit up and down, it is still a busy month in the garden. Planting of fruit and vegetables does slow down in September, but it is one of the busiest months for harvesting. Cabbages, salads, peas, beans and garlic are just some of the vegetables you can plant in September and in terms of fruit you can plant strawberries during the month. There are lots of fruit and veg that you can harvest in September too such as peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and chilli.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in September by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for September

October

The autumn season really begins in October with the mornings becoming colder and the first frosts arriving in some parts of the country. There are a few vegetables that you can sow in October and this ranges from broad beans and peas to cabbages and garlic, and October is a great time to plant pot-grown fruit such as blueberries, cherries, raspberries and strawberries. There are several fruit and vegetables that you can harvest as well like potatoes and cabbages.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in October by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for October

November

Hard frosts and heavy rain are more common in November and despite the adverse weather, there are still lots of jobs you can do in the garden during the month. There are plenty of vegetables to plant in the UK in November and these range from broad beans to spring onions. November is the perfect month to plant bare-root fruit trees such as cherry trees, plum trees, pear trees, and gooseberry trees. There is plenty of fruit and veg which needs to be harvested in November and that includes leeks, brussel sprouts, winter cabbages, carrots, and parsnips.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in November by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for November

December

Although December is a quieter month when it comes to planting fruit and vegetables, there are still some that you can plant out in your garden and are hardy enough to survive and even thrive during the colder months of the year. Some of the vegetables you can plant include onions and shallots, broad beans, and garlic, while fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and red, white and black currant plants can all be planted. If that doesn’t keep you busy, then there are plenty of other jobs you can do in December like pruning fruit trees and turning over any compost heaps you have.

Discover more about the fruit and veg you can plant in December by reading our dedicated guide.

READ: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for December

Tips for growing fruit and veg at home

Are you a beginner at growing fruit and veg at home? No problem. After you have explored the guides above and learned which fruit and vegetables can be planted each month, discover a few tips below for getting started.

Think about the time and effort you can dedicate to growing

You should make sure you do your research before planting any fruit and vegetables as there are plenty of factors that could change your choices, including how much time you are willing to dedicate to growing.

Some fruit and vegetables need more attention than others and if you have a busy lifestyle then you should instead opt for the fruit and veg which is easier to look after, such as chillies as they can be grown on a windowsill with little care.

Plant to suit the seasons

Finding out which plants are perfect for which season can benefit your success when it comes to growing your own crops as some fruit and veg love the sun and struggle to grow when it is too wet, whilst others prefer damper climates.

Doing some research and taking a look at the monthly guides above can help you to decide which fruit and veg are the best to grow for each month.

Consider what will work best in your garden

One of the first steps to think about if you are growing fruit and vegetables in your garden for the first time is to work out how much space you have for your chosen fruit and vegetables and if they will grow well in the space you have available. People with small gardens should start by growing smaller crops that don’t take up too much space. Runner beans, onions, tomatoes and lettuces all save you a lot of soil space.

Other things to consider are the type of soil you have in your garden and whether certain fruit and veg suit that soil type better than others.

Be patient

It takes time to get to grips when starting a new hobby and gardening is no different. When you plant fruit and vegetables for the first time, it will be a case of trial and error and what you attempt to grow may not work on your first attempt, but you should keep going as you will learn from your mistakes.

If something does go wrong, then you shouldn’t be disheartened by a failure and should instead look at what has gone wrong and what you can do next time you try to grow the fruit or vegetable.

Grow what you will enjoy eating

The main point of growing fruit and vegetables is to grow things that you will want to eat. By doing this you will not only enjoy growing them, but you’ll enjoy eating them too.

It might seem like an obvious tip, but it is something that some gardeners don’t do. You shouldn’t grow brussel sprouts if there is not anyone in your family that likes them, just because you feel as though you should.

READ: A guide to growing fruit and vegetables at home

Quick gardening tips for people with limited mobility

Age or level of mobility doesn’t need to be an obstacle to enjoying your garden and planting some delicious fruit and veg. However, it’s important to keep safe while doing so. Discover a few quick tips below for gardening with limited mobility.

• Use helpful gardening tools that are lightweight, ergonomic, and long reaching.
• Use low-maintenance plants to keep things simple and easy.
• Sit on a seat while gardening – you can even get ones with wheels.
• Don’t be too ambitious at first – start small and progress from there if comfortable.
• Pace yourself, doing a little bit at a time before taking a break.
• Don’t lift heavy items on your own – ask a friend, family member, or neighbour to help.

READ MORE: Simple gardening tips for those with limited mobility

Gardening guides for inspiration, tips, and advice

If you are looking for some further gardening inspiration, tips, and advice, beyond what fruit and vegetables to plant, below you will find links to some helpful guides on a range of gardening-related topics.

How to prepare your garden for spring

Don’t abandon your garden to winter weather. In this guide, discover a collection of tips and advice for how to prepare for spring and make sure your garden is ready.

How to prepare your garden for autumn

From clipping plants to changing up flower beds, in this guide, learn how to go about preparing your garden for the autumn, along with some helpful advice for your pond.

A guide to the best Royal Horticultural Society gardens

The Royal Horticultural Society has a wonderful collection of beautiful gardens for the public to enjoy. Discover some of the best RHS gardens to visit to get inspiration for your own garden or just enjoy the pleasant surroundings.

Make your garden more mobile and manageable this summer

Having a lovely garden is a wonderful thing but only if you are able to enjoy it and maintain it safely. In this guide, discover some helpful advice for making your garden more friendly to those with limited mobility.

Top 5 plants to plant this summer

This guide looks at which plants are perfect for those wanting to spruce up their garden during the summer months. The plants in this article are perfect for warmer climates and can survive the temperamental forecasts of the UK.

Britain’s Most Accessible Gardens

Many people with mobility problems feel as though they can’t experience Britain’s best gardens, but this article looks at five gardens which have made extraordinary efforts towards accessibility and are seeing their hard work rewarded.

An in-depth guide to garden birds

If you love getting a glimpse of your favourite birds then there are a few things you can do to attract them, some signs you should look out for when watching and some special breeds that may make an appearance once in a while.

How to make a safe and accessible garden pond

This guide shows you how to make a safe and accessible garden pond with recommendations and tips from garden lovers and enthusiasts.

If you are keen to start growing more of your own fruit and vegetables or have just been wondering what to plant and when, this gardening hub should prove helpful. Refer to the calendar above, consult the guides, and make use of some of the mobility gardening tips in order to enjoy your garden for many years to come.

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