SOWING CALENDAR: WHAT TO SOW EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR

Sowing at the right time is half the battle. This sowing calendar helps you know what to sow each month of the year so you can make the most of every season, both in the vegetable garden and in your flower and herb beds.

Keep in mind that dates are approximate: your local climate, altitude and whether you sow indoors, in a protected seed tray or directly in the ground can bring the sowing forward or push it back by a few weeks.

Spring (March, April, May)

The star season for sowing. With rising temperatures and light, almost everything germinates well.

• Flowers: most annuals and many perennials.
• Aromatic and medicinal herbs: basil, parsley, coriander, chamomile…
• Vegetables: tomato, pepper, courgette, beans (in trays or direct depending on your area).

Summer (June, July, August)

A good time for short-cycle sowings and for preparing the autumn season.

• Flowers: heat-tolerant species and sowings for autumn blooming.
• Herbs: warm-climate ones keep doing well.
• It's also a great time to plan which trees and shrubs you'll sow in autumn-winter.

Autumn (September, October, November)

The second big sowing season, ideal for species that benefit from rooting over winter.

• Perennial flowers and bulbs that will bloom in spring.
• Trees and shrubs: many woody seeds are sown now so they get the natural winter cold (stratification).
• Perennial aromatic and medicinal herbs.

Winter (December, January, February)

Less activity outdoors, but plenty to do in a protected seed tray and in planning.

• Sow indoors or in a greenhouse to have seedlings ready for spring.
• Use this time to cold-stratify the tree and shrub seeds that need it.
• Prepare substrates, trays and your sowing plan for the year.

Tips to get the timing right

• Know your climate: the coast is not the same as inland or the north.
• Use a seed tray when it's cold: get ahead of the season by protecting seedlings.
• Respect each species' pre-treatment (soaking, scarification, cold).
• Take notes of what you sow and when: it's the best way to improve year after year.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best time to sow?

Spring and autumn are the two great sowing seasons for most species, but every plant has its ideal moment.

Can I sow in summer or winter?

Yes. Short-cycle sowings work well in summer, and in winter you can sow in a protected tray or stratify woody seeds.

Already know what you want to sow? At The Original Garden you'll find seeds of flowers, aromatic and medicinal herbs, and trees and shrubs for every season of the year.