For successful sowing, timing is crucial. We have compiled for you when what needs to be sown.
Harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden all year round has become the ideal. But the variety of species and their different optimal cultivation times make gardening a masterpiece of organization. The right point in time for sowing our vegetable plants has a major impact on when we can harvest, whether the vegetables will actually ripen properly in our latitudes and, last but not least, on the quality. While some plants require extremely long development periods, others, such as Chinese cabbage, tend to bloom prematurely in the summer. But keeping track of all plants and their sowing dates is easier said than done. A sowing calendar that shows at a glance which types of vegetables need to be sown can help.
The gardener's work knows no breaks, because a wide variety of vegetables can be grown or sown directly at any time of the year. The planning for this often takes more time than the sowing itself. In our sowing calendar you can find out when which species are best sown and brought forward.
Sowing calendar for January
Cold-tolerant vegetables can be sown in the greenhouse as early as the first month of the year. Of course, the growth rate cannot be compared with sowing in warmer weather, but it is still worth greening the greenhouse - both for the soil and for the plate. The garden year can also start on the windowsill.
Sowing in cold frames and greenhouses: Lamb's lettuce is ideal all year round (Valerianella locusta) as a particularly robust and vigorous leafy vegetable. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), winter cress (Barbarea also thrive under glass in winter. vulgaris) and winter purslane (Claytonia perfoliata). Some lettuce varieties are so frost-tolerant that they can be sown in an unheated greenhouse from mid-Januarycan.
Tip: The germination of the mentioned vegetables takes much longer in the cold - you can wait three to four weeks for a seedling.
Preculture: Salads like 'Lollo Rosso', 'Lollo Biondo' (Lactuca sativa var. crispa ) or lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) are preferred on the windowsill from the end of January and then from the beginning of March to go to the greenhouse. Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) can also be sown from mid-January to propagate young plants indoors.
Radish and Radishes (Raphanus sativus) are simply sown directly in the cold frame or greenhouse as early as January.
Tip: Sprouts of cress (Lepidium sativum) and rocket (Erucasativa) as well as other microgreens are in season in the kitchen all year round and offer he althy and varied food all year round.
Summary of sowing calendar January:
- In the greenhouse: winter purslane, winter cress, lamb's lettuce, spinach, lettuce, radishes, radishes
- On the windowsill: salads, kohlrabi
Sowing calendar for February
February is the start of the season for slow-growing fruit vegetables - after all, they need enough time to mature.
Sowing in the cold frame and greenhouse: Furthermore, leafy vegetables such as spinach can be sown in batches in the greenhouse and harvested continuously. From the end of February, endives (Cichorium endivia), romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longif.webpolia), iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and seed onions (Allium cepa) sown in the greenhouse. Germination can take a long time at low temperatures, but can be accelerated with covers such as fleece or mulch materials.
Sowing Outdoors: Radishes, radishes and broad beans (Vicia faba) can be sown outdoors once the ground is open . They don't mind even a little frost.
Pre-cultivation: If you have a warm greenhouse, you can start pre-cultivating eggplants (Solanum melongena) from mid-February, Peppers and chillies (Capsicum sp.) begin. If you just want to put the plants in the bed later, it's better to start with thatonly at the end of February or beginning of March - otherwise the young plants will overgrow before they are planted outdoors. The long culture of artichokes (Cynara scolymus) also makes early propagation absolutely necessary from mid-February. Early varieties of cabbage (Brassica oleracea ssp.) can now be preferred. Leek is already being sown for summer leeks, which are to be planted in April (Allium ampeloprasum ssp. apeloprasum).
Summary of sowing calendar February:
- In the greenhouse: lettuce, endives, seed onions, spinach, radishes, radishes, winter cress, winter purslane
- Outdoors: radishes, radishes, field beans
- On the window sill: aubergine, chilli, pepper, artichoke, leek
Sowing calendar for March
March is the harbinger of spring - many things can now be sown directly into the bed.
Preculture: Now it's time to plant Andean Berries (Physalis peruviana) and Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa ) and grow them into small plants on the window sill. Early varieties of cabbage and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea ssp. botrytis) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea ssp. Italica) are now sown for greenhouse cultivation. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), celeriac (Apium graveolens var .rapaceum), Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides ) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) are preferred. The tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) can also be grown into strong young plants from March, which can then be moved outdoors from mid-May. However, the "sowing" does not take place with seeds, but by means of the small root rhizomes.
Sowing outdoors: The first root vegetables such as parsnips (Pastinaca sativa ), parsley root (Petroselinum crispum subsp. tuberosum), oat root (Tragopogon porrifolius), salsify (Scorzonera sp.) and carrots (Daucus carota) sown. Good neighbors to the umbellifers carrots, parsnips and parsley roots are also sown in MarchSpring onions (Allium fistulosum), leeks (Allium porrum) and seed onions. The more robust legumes such as peas (Pisum sativum) and field beans (Vicia faba) thrive wonderfully from March onwards in the bed. Radishes (Raphanus sativus var. sativus) have the main sowing season from the middle of the month to the beginning of September: If you sow weekly, you can harvest continuously. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, lamb's lettuce and orache (Atriplex hortensis) are now sown outdoors until the beginning of September. Onions can be sown directly into the bed or seed onions planted at the end of the month - the same goes for garlic cloves.
Tip: For many hobby gardeners it seems worthwhile to sow the beloved tomato plants at the end of February or beginning of March - definitely earlier than the neighbors do. Don't get involved in this competition. Tomato plants sown too early become long, thin and unstable due to a lack of light - they are also susceptible to disease. Sowing seeds in early April is more than early enough.
Summary sowing calendar March:
- On the window sill: tomatillo, Andean berry, artichoke, tiger nut, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, fennel, chard
- In the field: carrots, parsnips, root parsley, oat root, black salsify, seed onions, spring onions, leeks, peas, field beans, radishes, lamb's lettuce, lettuce, orache, May turnips, onion seeds and onion sets, garlic onions, leeks
- In the greenhouse: head cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, fennel, celeriac, chard, New Zealand spinach
Tip: If vegetable plants are pre-cultivated, it is best to use nutrient-poor soil. One such example is our Plantura organic herb and seed soil. It is not only peat-free, which sets it apart from other seed soils, but also particularly loose due to coarse perlite. Experiments have shown that the better a seedling's roots are aerated, the better they can develop. Incidentally, the low pre-fertilization causes the roots to spread further while they are looking for nutrient supplies - this gives the young plants the best starting conditions in the bed or greenhouse.
Sowing calendar for April
In April the sowing of the pumpkin plants begins:
Preculture: Melons (Cucumis melo), cucumbers are now allowed on the warm windowsill (Cucumissativus), pumpkins (Cucurbita sp.) and courgettes (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) germinate. Vegetable or popcorn corn (Zea mays) are also happy to be grown indoors, as are runner beans (Phaseolusvulgaris) and the thermophilic nasturtium (Tropaeolum spec.). Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) are now also pre-cultivated in order to be planted out in June at the earliest. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are grown into strong young plants and planted out in mid-May. Cucumbers can now be preferred.
Seed outdoors: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and chard can sell Sow directly into the bed in the middle of the month. Lettuce, rocket and Asian salads are also sown from time to time in order to always have supplies. Sugar peas and wrinkled peas are now laid outdoors. Kale (Brassica oleracea ssp. oleracea convar. capitata var. sabauda ) is sown directly into the bed. May turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa var. majalis ) is sown - contrary to its name - from the beginning of April to July. Onions can be sown until the end of the month, onion sets are also planted, as is garlic (Allium sativum). If you still sow leeks at the beginning of April, you can harvest them as winter leeks.
Summary of sowing calendar April:
- On the windowsill: melon, cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, corn, runner beans, nasturtium, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers
- In the open air: beetroot, turnips, all kinds of salads, radishes, peas, turnips, onion seeds and sets, garlic cloves, chard, leeks
Tip: A phenological calendar also helps to find the right time to sow your vegetables. You can find out exactly how this works in our special article.
Sowing calendar for May
The beautiful month of May should be used to sow vegetables with a late harvest time in autumn and into winter.
Seeds outdoors: The swede (Brassica napus subsp. rapifera) is growing Sown directly in the bed in mid-May after the last frosts, as well as runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) as well as French and pole beans. As a leafy vegetable, you can sow Asian salads and wild lettuce such as summer purslane (Portulaca oleracea var.sativa), which are then harvested until autumn. Fennel is sown outdoors. Red cabbage and white cabbage are now sown directly into the bed, as are cucumbers (Cucumis sativus). Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are now placed. Sow parsnips and chard in the bed for later delicious stir-fries.
Preculture: The palm cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia), also called kale , will now be sown for planting out in June or July.
Summary sowing calendar May:
- Into the open air: swede, French beans, runner beans, runner beans, summer purslane, lettuce, fennel, cucumber, tomato, potato, turnip, parsnip, chard
- On the windowsill: Kale
Tip: A sufficient supply of nutrients is important for aromatic vegetables. For this reason, a dose of primarily organic slow-release fertilizers should be incorporated when planting heavy-duty vegetable plants. Our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer is perfectly tailored to the needs of vegetables and is also kind to the environment.
Sowing calendar for June
Sowing outdoors: In June, lettuce crops are sown that do not tend to bloom despite the heat, such as sugar loaf and radicchio, both subspecies of chicory ( Cichorium intybus var. foliosum). Cabbage plants such as Pak Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) and autumn varieties of cauliflower are also sown directly into the bed in June. There is still time in summer for the following crops of radishes, lettuce and carrots. Sowing is now also taking place for fennel and parsnips. Chinese cabbage, pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. pikinensis / chinensis) and turnips ( Brassica rapa ssp. rapa) are sown, just like chard.
Sowing in the greenhouse: If there is still space in the greenhouse, tomatoes and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) can be sown directly.
Summary of sowing calendar June:
- Into the open air: sugar loaf, radicchio, pak choi, autumn varieties of cauliflower, radishes, lettuce, carrots, fennel, cucumber, tomato, turnips, parsnips, Chinese cabbage, pak choi
Sowing calendar for July
When sowing in the high summer month of July, one's eyes are already on the approaching oneAutumn.
Sowing outdoors: Autumn and winter radishes such as the black radish (Raphanus sativus var. niger ) and the winter hedge onion should now have a place in the bed. Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) can now also be sown directly outdoors. Late sowing of carrots ensures a harvest of the same in autumn and winter. Now is also the best time to sow the delicious autumn turnips (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa). , which are needed for winter stews. Chinese cabbage and pak choi as a summer crop are also sown.
Summary of sowing calendar July:
- Into the open air: autumn and winter radishes, winter onions, Chinese cabbage, salads, radishes, carrots, autumn turnips/turnips, Chinese cabbage, pak choi
Sowing calendar for August
August, with its decreasing day length, is ideal, like July, for budding autumn crops such as winter hedge onions, winter radishes and Chinese cabbage. Vegetables grown in sets like lamb's lettuce and radishes are still in season. Autumn turnips should now be sown quickly in the bed. Swiss chard, which is now sown, overwinters in the bed and is not harvested until spring.
Summary of sowing calendar August:
- Into the open air: lamb's lettuce, autumn and winter radishes, winter hedge onions, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, radishes, autumn turnips, chard
Sowing calendar for September
In September, the greenhouse for crop extension gains importance again:
Sowing outdoors: The last batches of spinach, lettuce, lamb's lettuce and radishes as well as winter purslane and winter cress are now finding their way into the bed, as are the winter hedge onions and mustard ( Sinapis spec.). Now at the latest, harvested areas are covered with green manure. You can also use mustard, winter rape (Brassica napus) or lamb's lettuce. Black salsify and Swiss chard can also be sown until mid-September and survive the winter as young plants.
Sowing in the greenhouse: Now sown, fast-growing and frost-tolerant radishes, pick and cut lettuce as well as Asian lettuce will be ready to harvest in the greenhouse or cold frame before winter.
Summary of sowing calendar September:
- Into the field: winter hedge onions, mustard, lettuce, radishes, green manure, winter lettuce, spinach, black salsify, chard
- In the greenhouse and cold frame: lettuce, radishes, lamb's lettuce for the winter harvest and for ground cover
Sowing calendar for October
In the greenhouse there is finally space again for overwintering leafy vegetables such as spinach, lamb's lettuce and winter purslane. Leaf and lettuce can also be sown in the greenhouse in October. Outdoors, fallow areas can be planted with winter greenery that can remain in place until spring. Robust Asian salads and leafy mustard like mizuna (Brassica rapa var. japonica) can also be left outside . They are far more cold tolerant than one would assume and are even allowed to overwinter outdoors. Garlic can now be planted as cloves or bulbs for spring sprouting.
Summary of sowing calendar for October:
- Into the open air: Asian salads, leaf mustard, winter greenery, stick garlic cloves
- Into the greenhouse: lettuce, spinach, lamb's lettuce, purslane
Sowing calendar for November
The approaching winter and the reduced daylight are suitable for sowing crops that should not germinate until next spring. Plants that will not sprout until next spring are now sown in the bed, for example chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum), parsnips, early carrots or root parsley. The well-known winter crops and Asian cut salads can still be sown in the greenhouse.
Summary of sowing calendar for November:
- Outdoors: chervil beets, parsnips, early carrots, root parsley
- In the greenhouse: winter purslane, lamb's lettuce, spinach, Asian salads, leaf mustard
Sowing calendar for December
December, as the darkest month of the year, is only suitable for sowing winter purslane and lamb's lettuce in the greenhouse. Both crops take quite a long time to germinate, but can be harvested from February if the weather is frost-free. The cress and other microgreens on the windowsill bridge the cold time very well, as do the vegetables that you may have canned or stored.
SummaryDecember sowing calendar:
- In the greenhouse: winter purslane, lamb's lettuce
- On the windowsill: cress, sprouts, microgreens
If, in addition to sowing, you also want to adjust your diet to the season, you can find our Plantura seasonal calendar here. The perpetual and decorative annual calendar shows each month which fruits and vegetables are currently available seasonally and regionally. This makes it a practical shopping aid for more sustainability in everyday life.
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