Fancy growing your own veg but feeling a bit lost in the seed catalogue jungle? Don't worry, you're not alone! When I first started, I couldn't tell my broad beans from my runner beans. But here's a little secret: choosing the right seeds is half the battle won. Did you know that selecting season-appropriate seeds can boost your success rate by up to 70%? It's true! Whether you're working with a spacious allotment or a few pots on your windowsill, this guide will help you pick the perfect seeds for every season. Ready to embark on your grow-your-own adventure? Let's dig in!
Hey there, budding gardeners! Ready to unlock the secrets of UK growing seasons? Don't let those old seed packet instructions fool you – times are changing, and so is our climate. We're here to guide you through the ins and outs of when to sow, grow, and reap the rewards of your green efforts.
From making the most of our four seasons to outsmarting frost dates, we'll show you how to work with Mother Nature (and sometimes give her a helping hand). Did you know you can grow more than you think year-round with a bit of know-how? Or that you can create your own little garden microclimates without breaking the bank?
So grab your wellies and let's dig into the basics of UK growing seasons. Whether you're dreaming of summer tomatoes or autumn garlic, we'll help you plan a thriving garden that'll have your neighbours green with envy!
Although growing information has changed most information on the back of the seed packets has not. The seasons have changed also, I can remember us having heavily snow falls in the winter and much cooler autumns compared to now.
There are specific crops you want to keep for the warmer months such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergines anything that would be a traditional greenhouse crop or summer vegetable courgettes and runner beans you want to keep these for spring sowings and harvesting in the summers.
While early autumn is best to get over winter broad beans, garlic and onions in the ground as the longer cooler months tend to help promote flavour and growth.
For all other crops the rules can be almost thrown away and you can grow them all year with a little care and attention!
The climate is always changing and evolving. However, due to limited light levels during the autumn and winter months, crops require a longer growing season. It is possible to continue growing crops you just need to allow a longer time frame for these to germinate.
While starting summer crops late December to get a jump on the season will require a heated propagator or heat mat and a growing leds/bulb a SAD daylight bulb along the 6400k spectrum will work as well.
Frost can damage your plants and will set you back weeks! Not to mention as a grower it's disappointing to see all that time and effort wasted just to see plants die back due to frost damage.
We have a complete frost dates here for you to look at.
Spring and summer crops are often super tender and delicate in changes in temperatures more so lower temperatures so do not plant out any of these crops in your garden until all risk of frost has passed, growing fleece can help protect crops but even with a real cold snap the risk of damage or crop loss is still high.
The simplest way to create microclimates is to think of double glazing, using cling film over the top of a seed tray plus a seed tray lid will help keep lift and maintain the soil temperature and humidity to help with germination.
This same effect can be done using multiple seed tray lids. Another simplistic way is to use plastic cloches inside the greenhouse or polytunnel so you end up with a greenhouse inside a greenhouse.
These are simple and cost effective ways to make small microclimates to aid in germination.
It's that exciting time of year when we shake off winter's chill and dive into spring gardening. Choosing your seeds is like picking the all-star lineup for your garden team. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we're here to help you kick off an amazing growing season with top-notch seeds that'll thrive in your patch.
Not sure where to start we offer a spring vegetable seed kit that takes away all the guess work for you. The kit comes with enough spring ready seeds to keep you busy!.
Our top 5 easy to grow spring vegetables
This is often down to when you would like to start sowing and growing there are no right or wrong answers everyone is different so I recommend finding what works for you I would say that all beans and peas are best started in trays indoors or in the greenhouse as this limits the risk of hungry spring critters (field mice and rats) from taking the bean directly from the soil.
Direct planting is always recommended for carrots, beetroot, swede and parsnips as this helps to avoid root shock and damage.
At Growseed all of our other crops are sown directly in seed trays or planting modules and then transplanted (moved to the ground) later.
We offer a new growers seed kit which is almost fool proof! It contains all popular vegetable seeds that anyone can grow. Real simple fool-proof seeds include:
As mentioned earlier you can sow warm-season crops such as peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, cucumbers or anything you grow in a traditional greenhouse during the earlier months with the aid of light and heat.
Starting these crops sooner gives you a great head start on the season December & January light and a heated propagator will be required to aid in germination and promote healthy plant growth. Feb – April keep sowing these but only use a heated propagator no need for the additional light levels unless you really want to give these plants a boost!
Between April & May it is possible to sow these in the greenhouse without any heated aids but to get the most out of the limited UK growing window we really do recommend starting these much sooner.
Tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines are like the beach bums of the veggie world - they just can't get enough of that summer heat. Don't forget about courgettes and runner beans too; they'll grow so fast in the warm weather, you'll think they're trying to reach the sky! These sun-worshippers are perfect for brightening up your garden and your dinner plate. Just remember, even though our summers can be a bit... unpredictable (we're looking at you, random rainy days), these veggies are tough cookies and will do their best to give you a delicious crop.
Fancy having fresh veggies on your plate all season long? Say hello to succession planting, your new best friend in the garden! This nifty trick is all about sowing small batches of quick-growing crops every couple of weeks.
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and rocket are perfect for this - they'll be ready to munch on in no time. Radishes are another speedy superstar; blink and you might miss them popping up! And don't forget about those snappy peas and beans. By planting these fast growers in stages, you'll have a constant supply of fresh, homegrown goodies. It's like having a never-ending veggie buffet right in your backyard. How cool is that?
If you want to advance further with succession planting see our guide here or our succession planting programs
New to gardening? No worries, we've got your back! Let's start you off with some real champs that are practically foolproof. Courgettes are like the overachievers of the veg world - pop a seed in the ground, and before you know it, you'll be up to your ears in delicious green goodness.
Runner beans are another gem; they'll climb up any support you give them, adding a bit of vertical flair to your plot. And don't forget about beetroot - these purple beauties are tough little troopers that'll thrive with minimal fuss. The best part? All these veggies are tasty, versatile, and will make you feel like a proper gardening pro in no time.
So grab your trowel and let's get planting
Thinking ahead to those cozy autumn days? Good on you! Late summer is the perfect time to get a head start on your cool-season crops. First up, don't be shy with the compost - your soil could use a nice feed after all that summer growing. When you're sowing, think 'winter warmers' like kale, Brussels sprouts, and winter cabbage. These hardy fellows will keep growing even when the temperature drops. And here's a top tip: pop some fleece or cloches over your seedlings to give them a snug start. It's like tucking them in with a cozy blanket! Remember, things grow a bit slower as the days get shorter, so patience is key. Before you know it, you'll be harvesting fresh veg for your Sunday roasts all winter long. Now that's what we call planning ahead!
Think the growing season's over just because summer's waving goodbye? Think again! Autumn's like the secret level in your favourite video game - unlock it, and you're in for some serious gardening fun. Let's dive into how you can keep your patch thriving as the days get shorter and the air gets nippy.
Alright, let's talk about the tough guys of the veggie world - the ones that laugh in the face of frost and keep on growing. These cold-hardy champs are your ticket to fresh homegrown goodies long after your neighbours have packed up their gardening gloves.
First up, say hello to the brassica family - we're talking broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. These guys are like the SAS of the vegetable world, thriving in conditions that would make other veggies wilt. Then there's Swiss chard and kale - the superheroes of leafy greens. They'll keep producing tasty leaves even when there's a nip in the air.
And let's not forget about root veggies like carrots and parsnips. These underground treasures actually get sweeter after a frost or two. It's like nature's way of adding a spoonful of sugar to your veggies!
Now, here's where we get to play the long game. Overwintering crops are like those friends who crash on your sofa but end up being the life of the party come spring. Plant these in autumn, and they'll reward you with early harvests that'll make your spring-planting neighbours green with envy.
Garlic is the poster child for overwintering. Pop those cloves in the ground in autumn, and by next summer, you'll have full bulbs ready for harvest. It's like magic, but tastier! Broad beans are another great option. Sow them in autumn, and they'll get a head start on spring growth, giving you an earlier crop.
Plant onion and shallots in autumn, and they'll develop strong roots over winter, ready to explode into growth when spring rolls around. It's like giving your future self a delicious gift!
Feeling a bit nervous about autumn planting? No worries, we've got some fool-proof options that'll have you feeling like a gardening pro in no time.
Spinach is your go-to green for autumn sowing. It's quick-growing, tasty, and doesn't mind a bit of cold. In fact, cool weather makes spinach leaves sweeter - it's nature's way of adding a bit of zing to your salads!
Kale is another superstar. This nutrient-packed powerhouse actually tastes better after a frost or two. It's like the veggie equivalent of a fine wine - it just gets better with age (well, to a point - let's not get carried away!).
And let's not forget about autumn-sown broad beans. These are perfect for newbie gardeners. Sow them in autumn, and they'll quietly do their thing over winter, ready to burst into life come spring. It's like setting up a surprise party for your future self!
Alright, time to put on your thinking cap and do a bit of time-travelling. Autumn planting is all about setting yourself up for spring success. It's like you're sending a care package to your future self - and trust me, future you will be very grateful!
Winter lettuce varieties are a great shout. They'll happily grow through autumn and winter, giving you fresh salad leaves when everyone else is relying on supermarket imports. Peas are another good bet - sow them in autumn, and you'll have sweet, tender pea shoots for salads in late winter, followed by full pods in early spring.
And here's a top tip: plant some hardy annual flowers in autumn too. Things like cornflowers and calendula will overwinter nicely and burst into bloom early in spring, giving bees an early feast and your garden a splash of colour. It's like rolling out the red carpet for spring!
Remember, autumn planting is all about patience. You might not see much action above ground for a while, but trust me, there's a whole lot of growing going on underneath. Come spring, you'll be patting yourself on the back for being such a forward-thinking gardener. So grab those seeds and let's get planting - your spring self will thank you!
Brrr! Feel that chill in the air? Don't let it freeze your green thumb! Winter might be the gardening off-season, but for us clever growers, it's prime time for plotting, planning, and even some sneaky indoor growing. Let's warm up those green fingers and dive into some winter wisdom!
Who says you can't have a taste of summer in the dead of winter? With a bit of indoor magic, you can keep your culinary creations bursting with fresh flavours all year round.
First up, herbs! These aromatic beauties are like the perfect house guests - they don't take up much room and they make everything better. Basil, parsley, and cilantro are perfect for sunny windowsills. And if you're feeling fancy, why not try a DIY herb wall? It's like a living piece of art that you can eat!
Now, let's talk microgreens. These tiny powerhouses are like nature's multivitamins, packed with flavour and nutrients. The best part? They grow fasterthan you can say "winter blues". Radish, mustard, and pea shoots are great starters. In just a week or two, you'll have a crop of gourmet greens that'll make your salads sing. It's like having a minuscule market garden right on your kitchen counter!
Okay, impatient gardeners, this one's for you! Late winter is when we get to dust off those seed trays and start the growing party early.
Tomatoes and peppers are your go-to early birds. Start these indoors in February or March, and by the time summer rolls around, you'll have sturdy plants ready to fruit. It's like giving your summer crops a head start in the race against the British weather!
Don't forget about your flowers either. Snapdragons, petunias, and marigolds all benefit from an early indoor sowing. By the time spring arrives, you'll have a rainbow of blooms ready to brighten up your borders.
And here's a pro tip: use this time to start some of those slower-growing veggies too. Celery, leeks, and onions all appreciate a long, leisurely growing season. It's like sending them to veggie finishing school before they head out into the big bad world of your garden.
Now, let's talk about how to outsmart Old Man Winter with some nifty protection. Cold frames and polytunnels are like cosy winter jackets for your plants, letting you extend your growing season well into the chilly months.
For cold frames, think hardy greens. Lettuce, spinach, and Asian greens like pak choi will happily grow through winter with this extra layer of protection. It's like having your own personal salad bar, even when there's frost on the ground!
Polytunnels open up even more possibilities. With these, you can grow things like carrots, beetroot, and even early potatoes. Imagine pulling fresh new potatoes in early spring - you'll be the envy of the allotment!
And don't forget about those winter salads. Lamb's lettuce, mizuna, and winter purslane are all perfect for polytunnel growing. They're like the SAS of the salad world - tough, resilient, and always ready for action.
Alright, this is where we get to indulge in some good old-fashioned daydreaming. Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a stack of seed catalogues and plan your spring garden.
First things first - take stock of what seeds you've got left from last year. Most seeds stay viable for a few years if stored properly. It's like finding money in your old coat pockets, but better because it grows food!
Now, think about what grew well last year and what you want to try new. Maybe those heritage tomatoes were a hit? Or perhaps you're ready to branch out into some exotic squashes? This is your chance to be bold - gardening is all about experimenting!
Don't forget to plan for succession planting too. Instead of buying one big packet of lettuce seeds, why not get a few different varieties that you can sow throughout the season? It's like ensuring you have a constant supply of Netflix shows, but for your salad bowl.
And here's a final tip: team up with your gardening mates for a seed swap. It's a great way to try new varieties without breaking the bank. Plus, it's an excuse for a nice cuppa and a natter about all things green and growing.
Remember, winter planning is the secret sauce of successful spring planting. So grab a hot chocolate, snuggle up with those seed catalogues, and let your garden dreams run wild. Spring will be here before you know it, and you'll be ready to hit the ground running (or should I say, sowing)!
Alright, green thumbs and budding gardeners alike! Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of seed selection. It's like choosing the perfect starting lineup for your garden team. Get this right, and you're already halfway to veggie victory!
Ever felt like seed packets are written in a secret code? Don't worry, we're about to crack it wide open!
First up, look for the sowing dates. These are usually given as a range, like "March to May". But here's the inside scoop - these dates are more like guidelines than strict rules. With our wonky weather these days, you might need to adjust a bit. Think of it as fashion advice - suggested, but you can totally rock your own style!
All of the seeds sold here on Growseed have detailed sowing, harvest and transplanting dates at the bottom of the page. If you get stuck you can look up a growing guide right here
Next, check out the spacing info. It'll tell you how far apart to plant your seeds and how deep to sow them. This isn't just the seeds being picky - it's about giving your plants the legroom they need to thrive. Imagine being squished on a cramped bus seat - not fun for humans, not fun for veggies either!
And don't skip the 'Days to Germination' and 'Days to Harvest'. These are like your garden's crystal ball, telling you when to expect seedlings and when to start salivating over your future feast. Just remember, these are estimates - your mileage may vary depending on your local conditions. It's like estimating pizza delivery times - always good to add a bit of wiggle room!
Okay, let's demystify these fancy seed terms. It's not as complicated as it sounds, promise!
Open-pollinated seeds are like the friendly neighborhood seeds. They're pollinated naturally by insects, birds, or wind. The cool thing? If you save seeds from these plants, you'll get the same variety next year. It's like having a veggie time machine!
F1 hybrids are the superheroes of the seed world. They're created by crossing two different parent plants and combine the better traits, such as size, taste, colour and better disease resistance. The catch? You can't save the seeds for next year - they're one-hit wonders.
Heirloom seeds are the vintage vinyl records of the garden. These are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations, usually for 50 years or more. They might not have the uniformity of hybrids, but they often have fantastic flavors and interesting histories. Growing heirlooms is like having a living piece of history in your garden!
Alright, let's talk seed storage. Treat your seeds right, and they'll be ready to grow when you are!
First rule of Seed Club: keep 'em dry. Moisture is the enemy here. A good trick is to toss a silica gel packet (you know, those little packets that come with new shoes) in with your seeds. It's like a tiny dehumidifier for your seed stash.
Next up: temperature. Most seeds like it cool, but not freezing. A spot in the fridge can work wonders for long-term storage. Just make sure they're in an airtight container first. You don't want your seeds tasting like last week's leftover curry!
Light is another no-no for stored seeds. Keep them in the dark, like vampires but less bitey. An opaque container or envelope works great.
And here's a pro tip: label everything! Future you will thank present you when you're not playing "guess that seed" come planting time.
Ready to kick off your seed-starting adventure? Here's your starter pack - consider it your gardening starter Pokémon!
First up, you'll need some containers. Seed trays are great, but don't be afraid to get creative. Yogurt pots with drainage holes work a treat. It's like giving your old rubbish a new lease on life!
Next, get yourself some good quality seed compost. This stuff is like spa treatment for your seeds - light, fluffy, and full of nutrients. Regular garden soil is too heavy for delicate seedlings.
A spray bottle is a must-have. It lets you water your seedlings gently without washing them away. Think of it as giving your baby plants a nice, refreshing mist rather than a power shower!
If you're starting seeds indoors, a sunny windowsill might do the trick. But if you want to level up, consider a grow light. It's like giving your plants their own personal sun, minus the sunburn risk.
And don't forget labels! Ice lolly pop sticks work great, we offer plastic plant markers as well at an affordable cost, use a pencil and you can use them time and time again. Trust me, you think you'll remember what you planted where, but give it a week and it'll be like trying to remember what you had for lunch last Tuesday.
Remember, you don't need to break the bank to start seeds successfully. Half the fun is in improvising and seeing what works for you. So gather your gear, channel your inner mad scientist, and let's get growing! Your future salads are counting on you!
There you have it - your roadmap to selecting the perfect seeds for every season! Remember, gardening is all about learning and experimenting. Don't be afraid to try new things, and don't get discouraged if not everything grows perfectly the first time. Why not challenge yourself to grow at least one new vegetable each season?
With these tips and a bit of patience, you'll be harvesting your own homegrown veg before you know it. Happy sowing, and here's to a year full of gardening adventures!