Northern Ireland

What to sow in Derry

Derry's far-western position means it gets the full benefit of the Gulf Stream — mild, wet, and rarely very cold. The Foyle Estuary moderates temperatures. Rain is plentiful, so drainage matters more than watering.

Last frost date5 MayEstimated average

First autumn frost4 OctoberEstimated average

Growing season152 daysFrost-free period

June 2026

What to sow in Derry right now

Based on a last frost date of 5 May, these are the crops you can get going in Derry this month.

Swiss chardBeautiful and productive. Pick outer leaves and it keeps going for months. Rainbow chard looks stunning.

Plant out

LeeksDrop seedlings into deep holes and just water in — no need to fill the hole. They'll fatten up on their own.

Plant out

SweetcornPlant in a block, not a row — they're wind-pollinated and need neighbours. Each plant gives you 1-2 cobs, so don't be stingy with numbers.

Direct sowPlant out

CourgettesYou only need 2-3 plants. Seriously. Pick them small (15cm) or they turn into marrows overnight.

Direct sowPlant out

French beansDwarf varieties need no support. Pick every few days — once they start producing, they don't stop (unless you let pods go to seed).

Direct sowPlant out

SquashBig hungry plants — give them space and feed them well. Leave to cure in the sun before storing and they'll keep for months.

Plant out

PumpkinsLimit each plant to 2-3 fruits for bigger pumpkins. Sit them on a tile or slate to stop rot from underneath.

Plant out

Pak choiSow early spring or after midsummer — it'll bolt faster than you can blink in the heat. Worth it though. Fast-growing and very rewarding.

Direct sow

FennelSow after midsummer for best bulbs — earlier sowings often bolt. Don't transplant bare-root, it hates root disturbance. Use modules.

Direct sowPlant out

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.

Plant out

DillSow direct — dill absolutely hates being transplanted. Short rows every few weeks for continuous supply. Gets to 90cm, so give it a sheltered spot.

Direct sow

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.

Plant out

PeppersStart early — they're slow growers. Pinch out the first flower to encourage bushier growth and more fruit overall.

Plant out

ChilliesNeed heat to germinate — use a propagator or the warmest windowsill you've got. The more sun they get, the hotter the fruit.

Plant out

CucumbersOutdoor varieties are tougher and easier than greenhouse ones. Keep picking and they keep producing — ignore them and they swell to marrow size.

Plant out

Runner beansBuild a strong frame — they get seriously heavy. Pick every 2-3 days or they go stringy and the plant stops producing.

Direct sowPlant out

AubergineStart very early — January isn't too soon. Limit to 5-6 fruits per plant if you want decent-sized aubergines rather than marbles.

Plant out

BasilPinch out flower buds to keep leaves coming. Harvest from the top to encourage bushy growth. Loves heat — don't even think about putting it outside before June.

Direct sowPlant out

Full year