A month by month guide for sowing and planting out. When planning your sowing, it is worth bearing in mind Penistone's climate, altitude above sea level and the heavy, clay based soil that many of us work with. Often, it can take extra time for the soil to become workable and warm enough for planting. Late snow and frosts can be common and many plot-holders report increased success from planting out seedlings and small plants, rather than sowing directly into your plot's soil.
January
There is a limited amount that can be sown this month, due to the weather and soil conditions.
Early broad beans and peas may be started off in pots in a greenhouse or cold frame.
Bare-rooted fruit trees and fruit bushes may also be planted out, if the ground is not frozen.
February
If the ground is not frozen, it may be worth preparing any seed beds and covering the soils to warm up for an early planting. Fruit trees, canes and bushes can also be planted out.
Chit seed potato tubers in a light cool but frost free place
Seeds that can be planted indoors include chillies, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, peas and broad beans. One issue can be getting seeds to have sufficient light, especially if not using grow lights. One solution is to cover some cardboard with aluminium foil and put in on one side of the seeds, so that light is reflected back. this can help prevent seeds getting leggy.
March
Plant outdoors onion, shallot and any garlic sets not over-wintered.
Asparagus crowns and Jerusalem artichoke tubers can be planted out this month.
Indoor sowing can include peppers, tomatoes, celery, lettuces, spinach, summer cabbages, brassicas , leeks and Swiss chard, to pot out after once the soil has warmed up. Direct sowing into the ground can depend on weather and if soil has warmed up sufficiently, but broad beans and early peas may be options.
Herbs such as basil, chives and parsley can be sown indoors this month.
April
Chitted seed potatoes can be planted out during this month.
Plant out pot sown broad beans and peas.
If weather and soil conditions allow, seeds such as swiss chard, beetroot, kohl rabi, parsnips, turnips, lettuce radish, spring onions, peas and brassicas may be planted. Alternatively, some of these crops may be started off indoors and planted out once hardened off.
Indoor sowing may include marrow, courgette, pumpkins, squashes, dwarf French and runner beans and sweetcorn.
Sow indoors tender herbs such as basil, coriander, marjoram for planting out when all risk of frost has passed. Herbs such as mint, thyme, borage, oregano and sage can also be started off indoors at this time for planting out next month, as well as chives and parsley.
May
If sowing directly into the soil, can sow the likes of beans, squash, sweetcorn, pumpkins and courgettes. If started indoors, plant out towards the end of the month when the risk of frosts has passed, or protect with cloches or fleece.
Cauliflowers and sprouting broccoli can be sown for harvesting the following year. Swedes can be sown directly.
After hardening off, plant out overwintering brassica plants, such as Brussel Sprouts, cabbages and kale. Tomatoes, chillis and peppers can be moved into the greenhouse.
Continue sowing successional crops such as lettuce, beetroot, turnips, radishes and other salad crops including coriander.
Herbs such as mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary and sage can be directly sown outdoors.
June
Continue growing successional crops such as lettuces, dwarf beans, beetroot, Chinese cabbage, pak choi and radishes. Early carrots and swede can also be sown. Herbs such as coriander and dill can be sown on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer.
Plants ready to be planted out could include broccoli, calabrese, Brussel sprouts, summer cabbages and leeks.
The main jobs this month include keeping on top of the weeds, feeding watering and ensuring the growing plants have suitable supports.
July
For a continual supply of young veg, continue making small successional sowings of lettuces, beetroot, spring cabbage, chicory, Chinese cabbage, kohl rabi, radishes and turnips. Carrots can be sown.
Leeks should be ready for planting out.
Green manures can be planted to fill any areas of bare ground.
August
Seeds that can still be sown include spring and Chinese cabbage, late beet leaf spinach and hardy lettuces such as corn salad.
Hardy kales, savoy cabbage and cauliflowers can be planted out.
Cuttings from herbs such as bay, rosemary, mint, sage, tarragon and thyme can be made from late summer to early autumn. You can divide hardy herbs such as sweet marjoram, mint, thyme and oregano in late summer, after flowering.
September
Winter hardy spring onions and hardy lettuces can be sown, and salad crops under cloche to extend the season.
Green manures can be sown for overwintering.
Bring inside tender herbs such as basil.
October
Over-wintering broad beans can be sown directly into the soil.
November and December
Garlic and overwintering onions and shallots can be sown