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What To Sow
Scotland

What to sow in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's east coast position means it's drier than Glasgow but cooler in spring. The Firth of Forth moderates extremes, and the city's many walled gardens and allotments show what's possible. Start tender crops indoors and make the most of the long summer days.

Last frost date13 MayEstimated average
First autumn frost27 SeptemberEstimated average
Growing season137 daysFrost-free period
March 2026

What to sow in Edinburgh right now

Based on a last frost date of 13 May, these are the crops you can get going in Edinburgh 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

Edinburgh sowing calendar

Month-by-month sowing times for Edinburgh, based on a last frost date of 13 May.

January

No sowing activity this month.

February

LeeksI

March

Now
Broad beansI/DPeasILeeksICabbageICauliflowerIBrussels sproutsIParsleyICeleryITomatoesIPeppersIChilliesIAubergineI

April

Broad beansD/PPeasI/D/PLettuceI/D/PSpinachDRadishesDCarrotsDBeetrootI/DOnion setsDPotatoes (early)DKaleI/DParsnipsDSpring onionsDSwiss chardI/DTurnipsDBroccoliI/DCabbageI/PCauliflowerIBrussels sproutsPParsleyI/DSweetcornICourgettesIFrench beansISquashIPumpkinsICorianderIRocketI/DPak choiIFennelITomatoesICucumbersIRunner beansIBasilI

May

Broad beansPPeasPLettuceD/PRadishesDCarrotsDBeetrootI/D/PKaleD/PParsnipsDSpring onionsDSwiss chardI/D/PTurnipsDLeeksPBroccoliD/PCabbagePCauliflowerPBrussels sproutsPParsleyDSweetcornD/PCourgettesI/D/PFrench beansI/D/PSquashI/PPumpkinsI/PCorianderI/DRocketI/DPak choiI/D/PFennelI/D/PCeleryPDillDTomatoesPRunner beansI/D/PBasilD/P

June

BeetrootPSwiss chardPLeeksPBroccoliPSweetcornD/PCourgettesD/PFrench beansD/PSquashPPumpkinsPCorianderDPak choiD/PFennelD/PCeleryPDillDTomatoesPPeppersPChilliesPCucumbersPRunner beansD/PAuberginePBasilD/P

July

No sowing activity this month.

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 Edinburgh

This guide uses the frost date for Edinburgh 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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Near Edinburgh

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