South West

What to sow in Exeter

Exeter's sheltered position in the Exe Valley gives it a milder climate than you might expect. The South West's higher rainfall keeps soil moist, and the long growing season suits a huge range of crops.

Last frost date11 AprilEstimated average

First autumn frost23 OctoberEstimated average

Growing season195 daysFrost-free period

March 2026

What to sow in Exeter right now

Based on a last frost date of 11 April, these are the crops you can get going in Exeter this month.

Broad beansPinch out the growing tips once the first pods form to discourage blackfly. They'll also ripen faster.

Direct sowPlant out

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 indoorsDirect sowPlant out

LettuceSow a short row every 2 weeks and you'll never buy a supermarket bag again. Pick outer leaves to keep it going.

Sow indoorsDirect sowPlant out

SpinachBolts the moment it gets hot. Best in spring and autumn. Pick little and often — a whole plant cooks down to about two mouthfuls.

Direct sow

RadishesThe quickest crop you can grow — seed to plate in 4 weeks. Sow between slower crops to use the space while you wait.

Direct sow

CarrotsSow thinly to avoid thinning — the smell of crushed leaves is a dinner bell for carrot fly. Cover with fleece to be safe.

Direct sow

BeetrootEach seed cluster produces several seedlings — thin to the strongest. Don't chuck the leaves, they're delicious wilted with butter.

Sow indoorsDirect sow

Onion setsPush sets into the soil with the tip just showing. Easiest way to grow onions — skip seed unless you enjoy waiting.

Direct sow

Potatoes (early)Chit (sprout) seed potatoes on a windowsill before planting. Earth up as they grow — if you see green skin, it's toxic.

Direct sow

KaleGets sweeter after a frost. One of the hardiest crops — can harvest all winter.

Sow indoorsDirect sow

ParsnipsVery slow to germinate (2-4 weeks). Use fresh seed every year. Sow radishes alongside to mark the row.

Direct sow

Spring onionsSow a pinch every few weeks and you'll have spring onions all season. Dead easy — one of the best crops for beginners.

Direct sow

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

Sow indoorsDirect sow

TurnipsHarvest when golf-ball sized for the sweetest flavour. Leave them too long and they go woody. Quick-growing gap filler.

Direct sow

BroccoliCut the main head first and you'll get side shoots for weeks. Purple sprouting is the real star — worth the long wait.

Sow indoorsDirect sow

CabbageDifferent varieties for each season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter types. Red cabbage is less bothered by caterpillars.

Sow indoorsPlant out

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.

Plant out

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 indoorsDirect sow

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.

Sow indoors

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

Sow indoors

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).

Sow indoors

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

Sow indoors

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

Sow indoors

CorianderBolts at the slightest excuse. Sow every 3-4 weeks, pick frequently, and choose slow-bolt varieties. It's a race you can win if you stay on top of it.

Sow indoors

RocketDead easy and fast. Gets spicier in hot weather — which is either a feature or a bug depending on your taste. Pick leaves small for salads.

Sow indoorsDirect sow

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.

Sow indoors

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

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

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

Sow indoors

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

Sow indoors

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.

Sow indoors

Full year

Exeter sowing calendar

Month-by-month sowing times for Exeter, based on a last frost date of 11 April.

January

Broad beansI LeeksI Brussels sproutsI CeleryI PeppersI ChilliesI AubergineI