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What To Sow
Scotland

What to sow in Aberdeen

Aberdeen's northern position and North Sea exposure mean a short growing season and cool summers. But the long daylight hours in June and July are a secret weapon — crops grow remarkably fast once they get going. Stick to hardy varieties and polytunnels help enormously.

Last frost date22 MayEstimated average
First autumn frost19 SeptemberEstimated average
Growing season120 daysFrost-free period
March 2026

What to sow in Aberdeen right now

Based on a last frost date of 22 May, these are the crops you can get going in Aberdeen this month.

Broad beansPinch out the growing tips once the first pods form to discourage blackfly. They'll also ripen faster.
Sow indoorsDirect sow
PeasSow every 3 weeks for a continuous harvest. Pick regularly to keep them producing — leave one pod on and the whole plant slows down.
Sow indoors
LeeksDrop seedlings into deep holes and just water in — no need to fill the hole. They'll fatten up on their own.
Sow indoors
CabbageDifferent varieties for each season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter types. Red cabbage is less bothered by caterpillars.
Sow indoors
CauliflowerFold outer leaves over the curd to keep it white. Cauliflower leaves are delicious too — don't throw them away.
Sow indoors
Brussels sproutsGrow through summer, harvest from autumn through winter. Flavour improves after frost. Start early — they're slow.
Sow indoors
ParsleySlow to germinate (3-4 weeks) — don't give up on it. Soak seeds overnight in warm water to speed things up. Flat-leaf has the stronger flavour.
Sow indoors
CelerySow seeds on the surface — they need light to germinate. Start early in a propagator. Cutting celery is much easier than trench celery if you're new to it.
Sow indoors
TomatoesPinch out side shoots on cordon types. Feed weekly with tomato feed once the first truss sets. Don't overwater — flavour comes from a bit of stress.
Sow indoors
PeppersStart early — they're slow growers. Pinch out the first flower to encourage bushier growth and more fruit overall.
Sow indoors
ChilliesNeed heat to germinate — use a propagator or the warmest windowsill you've got. The more sun they get, the hotter the fruit.
Sow indoors
AubergineStart very early — January isn't too soon. Limit to 5-6 fruits per plant if you want decent-sized aubergines rather than marbles.
Sow indoors
Full year

Aberdeen sowing calendar

Month-by-month sowing times for Aberdeen, based on a last frost date of 22 May.

January

No sowing activity this month.

February

LeeksI

March

Now
Broad beansI/DPeasILeeksICabbageICauliflowerIBrussels sproutsIParsleyICeleryITomatoesIPeppersIChilliesIAubergineI

April

Broad beansI/D/PPeasI/DLettuceI/DSpinachDRadishesDBeetrootIOnion setsDPotatoes (early)DKaleI/DParsnipsDSpring onionsDSwiss chardITurnipsDBroccoliI/DCabbageICauliflowerIBrussels sproutsIParsleyI/DSweetcornICourgettesISquashIPumpkinsICorianderIRocketIPak choiIFennelICeleryITomatoesIPeppersIChilliesICucumbersIRunner beansIAubergineIBasilI

May

Broad beansPPeasD/PLettuceI/D/PSpinachDRadishesDCarrotsDBeetrootI/D/POnion setsDPotatoes (early)DKaleI/D/PParsnipsDSpring onionsDSwiss chardI/D/PTurnipsDBroccoliI/D/PCabbagePCauliflowerPBrussels sproutsPParsleyDSweetcornI/DCourgettesI/DFrench beansI/DSquashIPumpkinsICorianderI/DRocketI/DPak choiI/D/PFennelI/DDillDCucumbersIRunner beansI/DBasilI

June

BeetrootPKalePSwiss chardPLeeksPBroccoliPCauliflowerPSweetcornD/PCourgettesD/PFrench beansD/PSquashPPumpkinsPCorianderDPak choiD/PFennelD/PCeleryPDillDTomatoesPPeppersPChilliesPCucumbersPRunner beansD/PAuberginePBasilD/P

July

PeppersPChilliesPCucumbersPAubergineP

August

No sowing activity this month.

September

No sowing activity this month.

October

No sowing activity this month.

November

GarlicD

December

GarlicD
I = Sow indoorsD = Direct sowP = Plant out

Get more precise dates for Aberdeen

This guide uses the frost date for Aberdeen city centre. Your exact frost date depends on your postcode — enter it below for personalised sowing dates, soil temperature, and frost forecasts.

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