North West
What to sow in Manchester
Manchester's reputation for rain is well-earned — the Pennines wring moisture from Atlantic air masses. The upside: you'll rarely need to water. The growing season is shorter than the south, but hardy crops thrive.
Last frost date30 AprilEstimated average
First autumn frost8 OctoberEstimated average
Growing season161 daysFrost-free period
What to sow in Manchester right now
Based on a last frost date of 30 April, these are the crops you can get going in Manchester this month.
LettuceSow a short row every 2 weeks and you'll never buy a supermarket bag again. Pick outer leaves to keep it going.
Plant out
BeetrootEach seed cluster produces several seedlings — thin to the strongest. Don't chuck the leaves, they're delicious wilted with butter.
Direct sowPlant out
Potatoes (maincrop)Plant a few weeks after earlies. Earth up as haulms grow. Harvest when foliage dies back — leave in the ground for a week first to toughen the skins.
Direct sow
KaleGets sweeter after a frost. One of the hardiest crops — can harvest all winter.
Plant out
Swiss chardBeautiful and productive. Pick outer leaves and it keeps going for months. Rainbow chard looks stunning.
Direct sowPlant out
LeeksDrop seedlings into deep holes and just water in — no need to fill the hole. They'll fatten up on their own.
Plant out
BroccoliCut the main head first and you'll get side shoots for weeks. Purple sprouting is the real star — worth the long wait.
Plant out
CabbageDifferent varieties for each season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter types. Red cabbage is less bothered by caterpillars.
Plant out
CauliflowerFold outer leaves over the curd to keep it white. Cauliflower leaves are delicious too — don't throw them away.
Plant out
Brussels sproutsGrow through summer, harvest from autumn through winter. Flavour improves after frost. Start early — they're slow.
Plant out
SweetcornPlant in a block, not a row — they're wind-pollinated and need neighbours. Each plant gives you 1-2 cobs, so don't be stingy with numbers.
Direct sowPlant out
CourgettesYou only need 2-3 plants. Seriously. Pick them small (15cm) or they turn into marrows overnight.
Direct sowPlant out
French beansDwarf varieties need no support. Pick every few days — once they start producing, they don't stop (unless you let pods go to seed).
Direct sowPlant out
SquashBig hungry plants — give them space and feed them well. Leave to cure in the sun before storing and they'll keep for months.
Plant out
PumpkinsLimit each plant to 2-3 fruits for bigger pumpkins. Sit them on a tile or slate to stop rot from underneath.
Plant out
CorianderBolts at the slightest excuse. Sow every 3-4 weeks, pick frequently, and choose slow-bolt varieties. It's a race you can win if you stay on top of it.
Direct sow
RocketDead easy and fast. Gets spicier in hot weather — which is either a feature or a bug depending on your taste. Pick leaves small for salads.
Direct sow
Pak choiSow early spring or after midsummer — it'll bolt faster than you can blink in the heat. Worth it though. Fast-growing and very rewarding.
Direct sowPlant out
FennelSow after midsummer for best bulbs — earlier sowings often bolt. Don't transplant bare-root, it hates root disturbance. Use modules.
Direct sowPlant out
CelerySow seeds on the surface — they need light to germinate. Start early in a propagator. Cutting celery is much easier than trench celery if you're new to it.
Plant out
DillSow direct — dill absolutely hates being transplanted. Short rows every few weeks for continuous supply. Gets to 90cm, so give it a sheltered spot.
Direct sow
TomatoesPinch out side shoots on cordon types. Feed weekly with tomato feed once the first truss sets. Don't overwater — flavour comes from a bit of stress.
Plant out
PeppersStart early — they're slow growers. Pinch out the first flower to encourage bushier growth and more fruit overall.
Plant out
ChilliesNeed heat to germinate — use a propagator or the warmest windowsill you've got. The more sun they get, the hotter the fruit.
Plant out
CucumbersOutdoor varieties are tougher and easier than greenhouse ones. Keep picking and they keep producing — ignore them and they swell to marrow size.
Plant out
Runner beansBuild a strong frame — they get seriously heavy. Pick every 2-3 days or they go stringy and the plant stops producing.
Direct sowPlant out
AubergineStart very early — January isn't too soon. Limit to 5-6 fruits per plant if you want decent-sized aubergines rather than marbles.
Plant out
BasilPinch out flower buds to keep leaves coming. Harvest from the top to encourage bushy growth. Loves heat — don't even think about putting it outside before June.
Direct sowPlant out
Manchester sowing calendar
Month-by-month sowing times for Manchester, based on a last frost date of 30 April.
No sowing activity this month.
Broad beansPPeasD/PLettuceI/D/PSpinachDRadishesDCarrotsDBeetrootI/D/POnion setsDPotatoes (maincrop)DPotatoes (early)DKaleI/D/PParsnipsDSpring onionsDSwiss chardI/DTurnipsDBroccoliI/D/PCabbagePCauliflowerPBrussels sproutsPParsleyDSweetcornICourgettesIFrench beansISquashIPumpkinsICorianderI/DRocketI/DPak choiI/PFennelICucumbersIRunner beansIBasilIStrawberriesPRaspberriesPBlackberriesP
MayNow
No sowing activity this month.
No sowing activity this month.
No sowing activity this month.
No sowing activity this month.
I = Sow indoorsD = Direct sowP = Plant out
Get more precise dates for Manchester
This guide uses the frost date for Manchester city centre. Your exact frost date depends on your postcode — enter it below for personalised sowing dates, soil temperature, and frost forecasts.
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