Planting with the Seasons: A Month-by-Month Guide to Vegetable Sowing Dates

The timings you need to make successful sowings from February until early November.
Southern Hemisphere free download here charlesdowding.co.uk/wp-conte...
Every year I publish a Calendar of sowing dates. This is the 2023 version in my webshop:
charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...
This year I put extra dates in the calendar. Then in February I received this comment on Facebook from Carla van Weelie in the Netherlands. She wrote:
"I have a no dig allotment for 10 years now. I bought your calendar ‘23. Have some Questions: do you sow bread beans 9 times until April? We sow summer and winter leeks- it seems you only sow winter leeks? and we sow summer and winter carrots, do you too? And what is the difference between onions and onion sets? I would love a video in which you walk us through the calendar."
Filmed and edited by Edward Dowding edowdingfilms.onfabrik.com
At Homeacres, Somerset UK on 20th February.
00:00 Introduction, including explanation of recommended sowing dates in my calendar
01:07 February sowings…
01:50 Lettuce, options
02:44 Radish
03:07 Onions, bulb and salad (from seeds)
03:54 Speciality veg, kohlrabi and fennel
04:36 Spinach
05:05 Legumes, peas and broad beans
05:46 Peas for shoots
06:00 Beetroot
06:22 Cabbage, two types
07:08 Broccoli, two types
07:31 Cauliflowers
07:56 Heat-loving plants, chilli, pepper, aubergine
08:35 Tomatoes, and why sowing in March may be better than in Feb
09:08 More March sowings…peas for pods
09:34 Carrots and parsnips (first outdoor sowings)
10:03 Celery and celeriac
10:34 Leeks, and basil (March or April)
11:08 Onions from sets
11:28 Potatoes
12:21 April sowings… more warmth-loving plants, eg basil
12:44 Cucumbers, for growing under cover
13:04 Courgettes
13:20 Squash plants
13:53 Sweetcorn
14:15 Chard and leaf beet
14:45 Melons
15:11 May sowings…cabbage
15:27 Brussels sprouts, and kale
15:55 Swedes/rutabagas
16:19 Beans (French, pole, runner, borlotti)
17:12 Summer sowings…
17:36 Endive and radicchio
18:20 Chinese cabbage
19:22 Radish (winter)
19:29 Turnips (end of summer/early autumn)
19:36 Early autumn sowings...rocket, pak choi, mustards
20:01 Lettuce and endive
20:14 Garlic
20:35 Broad beans
20:44 Sowing date reminders - my sowing calendar, available in print and digital, and sowing timeline wallchart
21:03 My book, No Dig, which has lots of detailed info on growing veg
See also this page of my website, where I explain month by month, best sowing dates, and why!
charlesdowding.co.uk/sowing-t...
My new book, No Dig, has detailed information on growing all of the vegetables mentioned in this video: charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...
You can join this channel by paying a monthly fee, to support our work with helping gardeners grow better, and to receive monthly videos made only for members:
/ @charlesdowding1nodig

[@jeas4980]

Mr. Dowding, you are an absolute treasure. Thank you so much for teaching the world to grow over these years. Much love.

[@Melody-en6xn]

This is exactly the type of guide I've been searching for a long time on youtube! What seeds to sow each month! I love this! Thank you so much for making this!❤️

[@racheljohnson770]

He has a calendar with a planting guide that you can get. If your zone is similar to his, it's very handy. I used mine a lot.

[@sallygiles132]

This is just what I wanted, fab video but also I now know to buy your calendar. Thank you

[@Melody-en6xn]

@@racheljohnson770 Thank you for telling me about it! 😊👍

[@TofferJ-UK]

I have the calendar, a gift for Christmas! Along with a copy of Huw Richards book 👍

[@deirdrecollins3987]

Me too! This perfect. I’ve saved the vlog and will transcribe the dates into my notebook! Thank you!

[@kravgirl4]

I often begin my morning with a coffee and a Charles Dowding video, as I am now. You have a soothing voice and your content gets my brain moving in the right direction. My Texas garden is thriving because of all I’m learning! Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to imagine, thanks

[@GardenerGray]

I usually watch Monty Don on Gardeners World each week but I think I've now found a new replacement. Brilliant Charles Thank you

[@shanejay-vw6mu]

I used to meditate with a coffee on a morning, now I do the same as you! 😄 It's basically the same and you learn some cool stuff too. I live in an apartment so I can't grow anything but either way Thanks Charles 🤙

[@mohammedadam495]

That's why he's the GOAT! 🐐Thank you Sir Charles Dowding!

[@DValentine-lp3yr]

Charles Dowding is the BEST gardener in the world! In my humble opinion. His no-dig approach changed my life. He's a brilliant man.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much 💚 nice to hear

[@wyldwuchs]

I've already somewhat established my own sowing strategies but I'll leave a comment for the algorithm. I also want to leave a big *THANK YOU* for being one of my main inspirations to gardening for all these years. No dig has been such a huge relief for somebody dealing with physical impairments. Greetings from Germany 💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful to hear thanks 💚

[@susankubitz3980]

A heartfelt ditto!

[@ForestTiefling]

no dig helped me with my mental impairments, too! Also cheers from Germany. Gesunde Erde, gesunder Geist.

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

It feels so strange watching, and knowing, the correct times for seed sowing in the UK latitude when compared to the correct times here in Thailand. I am currently harvesting carrots, Courgettes, tomatoes, kale, beetroot and sugar peas, which were sown in November and December 😅😅😅My "Thailand no dig" beds are going from strength to strength. Thanks for posting Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to imagine all that 💚💚

[@johnman559]

​@@CharlesDowding1nodig Are you sure you need to cram the cell Charles? Are you sure more soil is better? I'm wondering if volume space for the Roots is most important. If you keep cells light and fluffy the roots can move and grow unrestricted......I've just tried this and it seems to work 👍

[@StayPrimal]

Oh my, nothing better than waking up with a notification from Mr Dowding himself. Charles, thank you for all the questions you answered to me over the year. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Edit after watching : What an amazing guide you just did here, thank you so much.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Our pleasure!

[@tedbastwock3810]

Charles, this video alone is enough for a novice to learn how to feed themselves year round, what an amazing resource this video, and your complete video library. You never cease to amaze me. Every time I think I have found the ultimate gardening video on your channel, you pop out another. Well done, and thank you. I love your No Dig book and Calendar and CD trays, so appreciative of what you offer.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you Ted 🍀

[@neilanscombe7348]

Absolutely fantastic video as always, many thanks Charles for sharing. Have a great week!!!

[@NannaCarlstedt2]

Thank´s Charles for everything you do for us!

[@ruopenforchange]

wow thank you so much Charles, this is gold!

[@michaelhopper4545]

this is pure gold.

[@jenniferfitzgerald369]

Perfect timing!!! 😀 Thanks!!! Just super excited to be starting!! Spring let's go! 💕

[@yawner1154]

I was just searching for a video like this yesterday! My prayers have been answered

[@TibtheBear]

perfect info everyone needed

[@ScottishWhisper90]

Definitely noting down these dates as a rough guide and sticking it to the fridge! I always lose track of sowings, especially successive sowings so this video is a godsend, thanks Charles!

[@mikekelly1566]

That's the perfect video for sowing that everyone was looking for Charles. Thank you very much.

[@clarereynolds9607]

Wonderful, thank you lots !

[@kimryder4538]

Many thanks for a wonderful yearly growing guide, 🌱🍅🥦🥕

[@minternet1]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@willsolarski8550]

Your Calendar is great, and thanks for the deeper explanation!

[@deborahhw8030]

This is the best video thank you so much!

[@brittanyrenick8920]

Thank you for this!

[@rochford1000]

A very useful video, as always. Thank you Charles.

[@Bee-mi8ml]

Thank you for organizing my brain! I always get so overwhelmed just thinking about all the different sowing dates. Now I will just watch this video over and over again. Cheers!

[@agnespeterse2529]

Thank you!!!! This is very helpful!!!!

[@iansouthcote-want1606]

Every video of yours is great, but this might be the best. I'll be coming back to this one many times, thanks so much for all the information!

[@bdm369]

Always loved gardening but you have really given me the confidence to try much more thanks for all your videos.

[@julianzenker6679]

Perfect. All the information i needed in one Video. Thank you Charles!

[@canadian-gardening-Zone6A]

Great information and just what I was looking for. Thank you Charles!

[@markshaw5835]

Great video, lots of information.

[@glassbackdiy3949]

Good talk, jam packed! cheers Charles

[@sheilabutts1044]

Love this, great information,, as sometimes we forget about some of our seeds. Thanks for sharing.

[@taffpatch1]

Well well well, what a gem of a video, well done and thanks Charles x.

[@georgelowellohhdgg63nnd96]

Best comprehensive guide I've seen. Thanks.

[@zacgoad1507]

Wonderful video as always, Charles. I’m listening to you as I make breakfast.

[@ilikerice1]

This is a fantastic video! thank you!

[@carolewarner101]

Wow, this video is PACKED with information! Thank you.

[@mamazeeto623]

Wow how helpful is this! Absolutely made my day to watch, thank you so much, this guidance is exactly what I need . 🙏🏼💜

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

Thank you Charles.

[@TheSpottedBoot]

Best video ever. Bookmarking for annual sowing reminders. Great job and very helpful!

[@russellscott1151]

Good addition to the book thanks.

[@NanasWorms]

Can't wait to see how my garden does this year! I'm keeping the crops to those I know and love. Also, I'm excited to see the difference made by my worm castings and other organic amendments.

[@LaVikinga108]

Thank you so much for this video, invaluable advice 🙏🏻

[@juanjosesilva7164]

Well done my friend! So clear and so practical as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@jennyreeves8191]

Wonderful video and really helpful! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@philippayne8901]

Another great video, thanks Charles.

[@albertopascolini1118]

Beautiful video! Thanks

[@cuznclive2236]

Thank you!

[@jimtao9020]

excellent Charles 👍🙏

[@karinrodger1952]

Another very useful video which will will work alongside your calendar, thank you for doing this.

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

I love this 💚👩🏻‍🌾🙏🏻

[@joyscott374]

Thank you for this great video, I have learnt so much from you, a true inspiration.

[@wladziarivadeneyra4247]

Thank you.

[@johnmorgan5495]

Very helpful video Charles, thanks

[@andreacodrington3768]

Thanks Charles

[@travelwithhithuwakkarayo]

Amazing and wonderful

[@davegaskell7680]

I watch most (if not all) of your videos but this particular one is absolutely packed with information and is brilliant. Many many thanks.

[@irenesmith5676]

Hi Charles loved the video it was great ! Very interesting thank you lv Irene 😘 xx

[@PNW_Homesteader]

Interesting advice on waiting until Spring Solstice to plant Onion Sets. Makes total sense. Thanks!

[@chompers11]

Another amazing video

[@lovegansaw]

Learning so much from you since two years ago, Mr. Dowding. Thank you for useful videos! BTW, greetings from Myanmar!

[@OrtoInScatola]

Funny, a couple of years back I watched all your videos and compiled every sowing and planting dates you mentioned and created myself a plan based on your dates adapting them to our climate by using the reasoning more than the dates themselves. I think that is the key to learn from your experience. And that is the difference between your videos and everyone else’s. You focus on the why, most people just dictate their dates…

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool, thanks for sharing this

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Thank you for doing this Charles it is going to be very useful!!!! ATB Woody 🙂

[@timmoorhead2865]

What a superb video.

[@agnex7432]

Mr Charles Dowding you are a miracle! I don't know if I ever came across anything that great quality lectures about gardening as you doing! You are massive inspiration for so many people! Thanks for all your hard job! The only problem I need more land as I got only tiny back garden 😂

[@helenprocessofgrowing8007]

As a seasoned gardener, I still need monthly reminders of sowing dates.I had one of your printed calenders previously, but I prefer this as it's succinct and time stamped.Thankyou for this Charles.

[@SmallholdingUK]

Really helpful video Charles 👍 Thank you

[@rhondamoffit6490]

THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS SHARING!!! IVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOU!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm so glad! 💚💚

[@jamiryce3945]

Thanks! This is so helpful!! Your advice means a whole lot to me.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool thanks

[@turtle2212]

Wonderful! Just in time Sir Charles , Dankeschön.

[@user-dn7vb8nc9b]

Sooo helpful.....thank you.

[@SoxInTheGarden]

I rushed to write notes, so was super excited when you mention that we can get an actual calendar! I’ve just ordered the signed no dig book, cookbook and calendar! 🥰🌱🥰

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah wonderful thanks

[@itsmewende]

This was really good, it's saved in my Charles folder, never hurts to have it as a yearly reminder. Thanks for taking the time to go month by month, you all over there have a nice weekend, mines looking wet.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Wende!

[@nathanpickett7224]

Mate, I needed that video like you wouldn't believe.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

‼️ good

[@stevendowden2579]

great info

[@the_green_anna]

Oh, thank you so very very much! You are so generous with your knowledge I actually get moved. You are truly special! 🌱💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome Anna

[@tanyareynolds1960]

Brilliant video Charles. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing and explaining sowing dates. I have bought your printed calendar previously but this year bought the digital version. Really helpful

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fantastic!

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

Brilliant overview of sowing times. I have your diary which is extremely useful, I use as reference. I am extremely jealous of your melon you’ve grown. The best I get are flowers and then nothing. I think my growing site not hot enough. I’m going to try growing them in my windowsill. Had fantastic success with tomatoes and peppers growing. Also going to try intercropping brassicas (broccoli and sprouts) in with my perennials.

[@JulianJP21]

Very Thanks Master 👍 appreciated

[@pazwidmer8005]

❤Wow Charles your info is amazing! Thank you so much!!! ❣️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alandouglas4612]

Thanks so much Charles, this is so informative, I am an expat who lives on Vancouver Island and loves his Veg garden, around 15 raised beds and a greenhouse, always learning from your videos and this one is awesome! many thanks Charles (:

[@sarahyardley1923]

I've ordered your calender for 2024 hoping it will bring some order to my chaotic sowing schedule!

[@ritadejesusarellanocastill8965]

Hermoso video. Gracias por enseñarnos tantos detalles de la siembra. Felicidades.

[@kathrynweber-boer5917]

Thank you, so much, this was perfect timing!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You're so welcome!

[@abramhowitz]

Lovely as always, thank you Charles for your videos and the important useful information you provide with your long experience to us, especially for those like me who are pretty new in this matter. Hugs from Uruguay!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@pascalxus]

Goodness, i aspire to make my veggies look that good!

[@Premchintan]

Thanks a million 🌞👍🙏

[@kathleenfoleygeiger2511]

Thank you! This is very helpful! And I agree with other posts below, you are indeed a treasure!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks :)

[@elizabethbooth5446]

Thank you for all the knowledge you share.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@snazye]

This is amazing! SO MUCH useful information, I kept pausing to make notes. Thank you so much Charles. I have bought your calendar but this clarifies a lot.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful!

[@vicroberts9876]

The most useful gardening video ever! Thankyou Master!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wow, thanks Vic

[@helenlatimer9230]

Great video thank you for explaining about the calendar. I have this years and I find it my go to at the start of each week to know what to sow next and what seeds I need to get for what coming next. That way I don’t carried away with buying to many seeds. 😊. Your No Dig book is excellent so easy to follow and everything is very clear with great photos. I love it to as my new guid for sowing and growing. Thank you Charles for all the time you take to help us all to grow vegetables Im also apply these techniques to my cut flower garden that I’m starting this year.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is wonderful Helen!

[@lyndaturner6686]

I always check your sowing guides, quite invaluable, thanks for all your good advice from your many years of experience Charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Lynda 🥦

[@richardpreston4320]

Brilliant video Charles!! Calendar ordered just to say thanks!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice Richard

[@FirebirdDigitalis]

I've found your calendar so useful. I like that i can clearly see the 1st and final sowing dates. I can then pick and choose when i need to sow a few more or if they fail. I know if i have time to sow some more. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and making us better gardeners!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome!

[@carlmclean3886]

Love this video, Charles!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great thanks

[@suzannecrowe5701]

Fantastic Charles … this is simply the best video ever! Tu es le meilleur 🌸😎🌸

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you think so!

[@roccoconte2960]

Great video Charles. I sowed escarole, and Boston lettuce first of March , tomatoes, peppers, eggplant April 14th, cucumbers and basil may 30th. Thanks again for a fantastic video.