South West

What to sow in Plymouth

Plymouth's coastal position means mild winters and fewer frosts, but Atlantic winds can be fierce. Shelter is key — behind a wall or hedge, you can grow crops that would struggle further north. Rainfall is generous.

Last frost date9 AprilEstimated average

First autumn frost25 OctoberEstimated average

Growing season199 daysFrost-free period

May 2026

What to sow in Plymouth right now

Based on a last frost date of 9 April, these are the crops you can get going in Plymouth this month.

Swiss chardBeautiful and productive. Pick outer leaves and it keeps going for months. Rainbow chard looks stunning.

Plant 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

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

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 sow

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

Full year

Plymouth sowing calendar

Month-by-month sowing times for Plymouth, based on a last frost date of 9 April.

January

Broad beansI LeeksI Brussels sproutsI CeleryI PeppersI ChilliesI AubergineI

MayNow

Swiss chardP LeeksP SweetcornD/P CourgettesD/P French beansD/P SquashP PumpkinsP Pak choiD FennelD/P CeleryP DillD TomatoesP PeppersP ChilliesP CucumbersP Runner beansD/P AubergineP BasilD/P

June