A seasonal gardening calendar takes the guesswork out of planting. Instead of wondering what to sow, you can look at the month, check your weather, and plant with confidence. This guide is written for warm temperate and subtropical gardens, where winters are mild and summers are hot. If your area has frost, shift spring sowing a few weeks later and autumn sowing a few weeks earlier. Always watch your local temperature and rain, because they matter more than a date on a page.
How to Use This Calendar
Think of each month as a small set of jobs, not a strict rule. Sow a little at a time, keep notes on what grew well, and repeat your successes next year. Start seeds indoors or in a sheltered spot when nights are cool, and move plants outside when they are strong. For pots, use fresh potting mix each season and check drainage before sowing. A good base mix is explained in our soil mix for pots guide.
Winter: January and February
January: Plan and Sow Leafy Greens
January is a good month for cool season crops in mild climates. Sow spinach, lettuce, peas, coriander, and fenugreek in pots or beds. Harvest outer leaves often so plants keep producing. Prune dead growth from roses and shrubs on dry days, and check stored seeds for the year ahead. Water sparingly, because soil dries slowly in cool weather.
February: Start Summer Vegetables Indoors
In February, start tomato, chilli, and brinjal seeds in trays in a warm, bright spot. Keep trays moist but not wet, and give seedlings strong light so they do not grow leggy. Sow carrots, radish, and beetroot directly in beds. Feed winter greens lightly with compost tea, and protect young plants from cold nights with a cloth cover if frost is forecast.
Spring: March, April and May
March: Plant Tomatoes and Herbs
March is a busy planting month. Move tomato and chilli seedlings outside when nights are warm, and plant mint, basil, and coriander in separate pots. Sow marigold and zinnia seeds for summer colour. Mulch beds to keep moisture in the soil, and water in the morning so leaves dry during the day. For a full tomato plan, read our tomato growing guide.
April: Sow Okra, Cucumber and Beans
As days warm up, sow okra, cucumber, bottle gourd, and French beans directly where they will grow. These plants love heat and grow fast in April and May. Give climbing plants a trellis or string support early, so stems are not damaged later. Water deeply at the base, and watch for aphids on new growth. Pick beans young for the best flavour and a longer harvest.
May: Feed, Mulch and Protect From Heat
May is about keeping plants steady through rising heat. Feed vegetables every two weeks, mulch pots with straw or bark, and water early in the morning. Sow a second batch of okra and beans for succession harvests. Plant heat loving flowers such as portulaca and marigold. Move tender pots to morning sun if afternoon heat scorches leaves.
Summer and Monsoon: June, July and August
June: Prepare for Rain and Humidity
In June, check drainage in every pot, because heavy rain can waterlog roots. Raise pots on feet or bricks so water flows away. Sow leafy greens that tolerate humidity, and plant ginger and turmeric rhizomes in rich soil. Prune overcrowded growth to improve air flow, which helps prevent fungal problems in humid weather.
July: Plant in the Rainy Season
July rain makes it easy to establish new plants. Sow spinach, amaranth, and coriander, and plant cuttings of mint, curry leaf, and other herbs. Avoid working wet soil too much, because it can become compacted. Watch for slugs and snails after rain, and pick them off by hand in the evening. Feed lightly, because rain can wash nutrients from pots.
August: Sow for Autumn Harvests
August is a bridge month. Harvest summer vegetables regularly, and start seeds for autumn crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli in trays. Keep an eye on pests that thrive in warm, wet weather, and use natural sprays if needed. Refresh tired pots with compost, and sow a fresh batch of herbs for the cooler months ahead.
Autumn: September, October and November
September: Plant Brassicas and Root Crops
September is ideal for cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and radish in many warm climates. Move seedlings outside when they have four true leaves, and protect them from strong sun for a few days. Sow peas and broad beans for winter harvests. Water evenly, because uneven watering can split root crops and stress young plants.
October: The Best Month for New Planting
October often brings cooler nights and steady growth, making it one of the best months to plant. Sow spinach, lettuce, coriander, garlic, and onions. Plant roses, fruit trees, and flowering shrubs so roots establish before winter. Add compost to beds, and start a new compost heap with autumn leaves. For beginners, our kitchen garden for beginners guide is a good place to start.
November: Sow Greens and Plan Winter Care
In November, sow lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, and fenugreek for winter picking. Reduce watering as growth slows, but do not let pots dry out completely. Cover tender plants on cold nights, and clean tools before storing them. Order seeds for next spring while popular varieties are still in stock, and note which crops did best this year.
December: Rest, Harvest and Prepare
December: Harvest Greens and Care for Soil
December is a quieter month, but still productive in mild climates. Harvest leafy greens, peas, and root crops, and sow a final batch of coriander and spinach in sheltered pots. Feed fruit trees with compost, prune dead wood, and add mulch to protect soil. Use this slower time to clean pots, repair trellises, and plan next year. For advice on watering through cool months, see our watering mistakes guide.
Keep a Simple Garden Notebook
A notebook turns a general calendar into a personal one. Record sowing dates, first harvests, pests, and weather notes each month. After one year, you will know exactly when tomatoes fruit best on your balcony, which pot dries fastest, and which flowers last longest. That local knowledge is worth more than any printed calendar. For wider growing advice, see the RHS growing advice pages.
Start This Month, Not Next Year
You do not need to wait for spring to garden. Every month offers something to sow, plant, feed, or harvest. Pick one crop from this month, sow it today, and build your routine from there. Month by month, your garden will grow with you.