UK sowing calendar
When to sow carrots in the UK
Carrots sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | n/a |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Feb-Jul |
| Harvest | May-Nov (stored/left in ground over winter) |
Direct sow only - carrots resent root disturbance so never start them indoors to transplant. Early Feb-Mar sowings need cloches or fleece; the main outdoor window is Apr to early Jul, and maincrops can be left in the ground and lifted through winter under a straw mulch.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for carrots.
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When to sow carrots in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow carrots in the UK?
Sow carrots outdoors feb-jul. Direct sow only - carrots resent root disturbance so never start them indoors to transplant. Early Feb-Mar sowings need cloches or fleece; the main outdoor window is Apr to early Jul, and maincrops can be left in the ground and lifted through winter under a straw mulch.
Can you sow carrots outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant carrots outdoors feb-jul. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is carrots ready to harvest in the UK?
Carrots is typically harvested May-Nov (stored/left in ground over winter) in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow carrots?
It depends on the month and your region. Carrots has a UK outdoor window of feb-jul; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.