Find plants to grow in

A hardy annual grown in the UK for airy white flowers and good cutting stems. Sow in spring for a summer display in borders and cutting patches, or try an autumn sowing in mild areas for stronger plants.

Tender crop for a greenhouse, polytunnel, or very warm sheltered patio in the UK. It needs steady warmth, rich soil, and a long growing season to crop well.

Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.

Grow beetroot in a sunny, open bed with soil that has been worked to a fine tilth. Sow direct from spring through summer, keep the ground evenly moist, and thin plants promptly so the roots can size up without forking.

Blueberries need acidic, moisture-retentive soil or ericaceous compost, with rainwater where possible. Grow them in the ground only if your soil is naturally acid, or keep them in pots of ericaceous compost and top up mulch each spring.

A fast-growing annual herb with edible flowers and cucumber-flavoured leaves. It grows well in most UK gardens, self-seeds freely, and is best sown direct where it is to flower.

A hardy, reliable crop for UK gardens, broad beans do well in open ground and cope with cool weather better than most beans. Sow in autumn for an earlier crop or from late winter into spring for a main harvest, then pick pods young and often for the best flavour.

Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.

Grow butternut squash in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot in rich, moisture-retentive soil. In the UK it needs a long, frost-free season, regular watering in dry spells, and fruit left to ripen fully before the first frost.

Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.

Hardy annual grown for long-lasting edible and ornamental flowers. In the UK it grows well from seed sown in modules or direct outdoors, then keeps flowering for months if you keep picking and deadheading.

Carrots do best in a deep, light, stone-free soil with plenty of sun. Sow direct in short batches from late winter into early summer, thin carefully, and keep roots covered to help reduce carrot fly damage.

A brassica grown for its tight white curds. In the UK it needs steady growth, firm soil, and protection from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies. Keep it well watered in dry spells or the curds can stay small or go loose.

A slow-growing root crop for deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil. In the UK, sow directly outdoors in spring, keep plants evenly watered, and leave the roots in the ground for later lifting through winter where the soil stays workable.

Celery grows best in rich, moisture-retentive soil and a cool, bright position. In the UK it needs a long, steady season, regular watering, and protection from drying winds to make crisp, well-flavoured stems.

A hardy annual herb grown for its small daisy-like flowers, usually sown in spring in the UK. It grows best in a sunny, well-drained spot and flowers well if picked regularly.

A quick, cool-season herb for spring and autumn sowing in the UK. Grow it in moist, fertile soil or a pot in light shade, and keep sowing little and often for a steady supply of fresh leaves before it runs to seed in warmer weather.

Chilli peppers are tender perennials grown as annuals in the UK, requiring a long, warm season. They thrive in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered outdoor spot, producing fruits that range from mild to intensely hot depending on variety and growing conditions.

A half-hardy annual grown for long-lasting late summer colour. Sow under cover in the UK, harden off carefully, then plant out once frost risk has passed in a sheltered, sunny spot with free-draining soil.

A hardy perennial herb for pots or the open ground. It grows best in moist but free-draining soil in sun or light shade, and regular cutting keeps the clumps productive.

A half-hardy garden chrysanthemum grown for late colour in a sheltered UK border or large pot. It flowers best in fertile, free-draining soil with regular feeding and good air movement.

A hardy perennial for a permanent UK garden bed. It grows best in moist, fertile soil and is usually planted from crowns or bare roots in spring, then cut back for feed a few times each year once established.

Fast-growing annual herb for leaves and seed. In the UK, sow little and often for a steady supply of foliage, and grow in a cool, sunny spot with moist, free-draining soil to slow bolting.

A half-hardy annual grown for long-lasting, daisy-like flowers. In the UK it does best in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil, and it flowers freely from summer into autumn if you keep it deadheaded.

A tender summer crop for the UK. Sow indoors in warmth, plant out after the last frost into rich, moisture-retentive soil, and keep picking young fruits to keep plants productive.

Hardy perennial grown from corms in UK borders. Plant in moist but free-draining soil in sun or light shade, water well after planting, and leave the clump to settle before lifting and dividing every few years.

Hardy spring-flowering bulbs for free-draining soil. Plant them in autumn in sun or light shade, then leave the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the bulbs can store energy for the next year.

A tender climbing plant grown for its tiny cucumber-like fruits. In the UK, start seed indoors, move plants out only after the last frost, and give them warmth, a sunny sheltered spot, and steady moisture for a reliable crop.

A tender climbing vine grown for its crisp fruits, requiring warm conditions and consistent moisture. In the UK, greenhouse varieties yield earlier and longer, while outdoor ridge types are hardier but need a warm summer.

Hardy spring bulbs for borders, lawns and pots in the UK. Plant in free-draining soil in autumn and they will flower reliably in late winter to spring, then die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year.

Show-stopping tuberous perennials that provide a spectacular display of colour from mid-summer right up until the first frosts. Ranging from enormous 'dinner plate' blooms to intricate pompoms and open-centred varieties that bees adore, they are a staple of the late summer UK garden.

A quick-growing annual herb for light, feathery leaves and seed heads. In the UK it grows best from spring to mid-summer in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil, and it dislikes being moved once established.

A hardy perennial for a sunny border or large container, grown for its daisy-like flowers and useful pollinator value. In UK gardens it does best in free-draining soil and may not flower well until its second year from seed.

A hardy allium grown from planting cloves rather than true seed, with large bulbs and a milder flavour than garlic. In the UK it does best in a sunny, free-draining bed, planted in autumn and lifted the following summer.

Fennel is a hardy herb grown for its feathery foliage and aniseed-flavoured seeds, and sometimes for crisp bulbs in specialist varieties. In UK gardens it does best in full sun, in fertile, free-draining soil, and it dislikes being moved once established.

A half-hardy fennel grown for its swollen leaf bases. In the UK it does best sown from late spring into mid-summer in fertile, moisture-retentive soil, with steady watering to avoid bolting and split bulbs.

A hardy biennial for UK gardens, foxgloves are usually grown from seed sown in early summer, then moved to their flowering position once plants are sturdy. They flower the following year and often self-seed freely, so leave a few spikes if you want them to return. All parts are toxic, so wear gloves and wash hands after handling.

Tender annual bean grown for fresh pods in the UK. Sow once the soil has warmed, protect from cold winds and late frost, and keep plants well watered through flowering and pod set for the best crop.

French marigold is a half-hardy annual grown for its bright summer flowers and useful place in the vegetable plot. Start it indoors or under cover and plant out after frost risk has passed, in a sunny spot with free-draining soil.

Garlic is a hardy, sun-loving bulbous vegetable from the onion family, grown for its pungent cloves used in cooking. It’s easy to grow in a warm, well-drained spot and needs minimal fuss – plant individual cloves and they will develop into full bulbs by the following summer. Most garlic varieties require a cold spell over winter to form good bulbs, so in the UK they are generally planted in autumn. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck types produce flower stalks (scapes) which should be removed, and their bulbs have fewer but larger cloves (they store for around 4–6 months). Softneck types have more, smaller cloves and rarely bolt; they also store for longer, often up to a year.

Half-hardy corms grown for tall summer flower spikes. Plant corms in a sunny, sheltered spot after frost risk has passed, or start them in pots under cover for an earlier display.

Hardy gypsophila makes airy clouds of small white or pink flowers on long stems. It grows best in full sun in free-draining soil, and dislikes heavy, wet ground in winter.

A hardy brassica for the UK garden, kale grows well in open ground and gives a long harvest in cool weather. It copes with frost, and the leaves often taste better after a cold spell.

A quick-growing brassica grown for its swollen stem, which tastes mild and crisp when picked young. It does best in cool UK conditions with steady moisture and protection from cabbage root fly and pigeons.

A hardy, drought-tolerant shrub for a sunny, free-draining spot. It grows best in light soil, and hates sitting wet in winter.

A hardy allium for the UK garden, best started under cover and planted out into firm, fertile soil. Keep the rows weed-free, water well in dry spells, and lift stems as you need them from autumn through winter and into spring.

A hardy, bushy herb with a lemon scent and soft leaves. It grows well in the ground or a pot in most UK gardens, and will spread if you let it.

A fast-growing leafy green vegetable with crisp, tender leaves. Lettuce comes in many varieties including butterhead, romaine, leaf, and iceberg types. It's a cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall, offering mild to slightly bitter flavors depending on the variety.

A hardy perennial herb with a strong celery flavour. Grow it in moist, fertile soil in sun or light shade, and give it space because it becomes a large plant in the border or a roomy container.

Hardy perennial with tall flower spikes that suits borders in most parts of the UK. Give it full sun and well-drained soil, and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

A tender summer squash grown outdoors in rich, moisture-retentive soil once frost risk has passed. Start indoors for the best crop in the UK, then plant out into a sunny, sheltered spot and keep the plants well watered and fed through summer.

Mint is a hardy, vigorous herb that grows well in the ground or in pots across the UK. It spreads quickly, so containers or a contained bed are usually the easiest way to keep it under control.

A fast-growing Japanese mustard green that does best in cool UK conditions. Sow a little at a time from spring to late summer for a steady run of leaves, and protect young plants from slugs and flea beetle in dry weather.

A fast-growing Japanese radish for the UK veg patch. Sow direct into a fine, stone-free soil in summer, keep it well watered, and lift roots once they reach a good size and before they get woody.

A fast-growing leafy brassica for cool and mild weather. Sow in succession from spring through late summer for a steady supply of pungent young leaves, and keep it well watered in dry spells to slow bolting.

A fast-growing half-hardy annual with bright edible flowers and round leaves. In the UK it’s easy from seed, flowers well in poor soil, and suits beds, edging, hanging baskets, or larger containers.

A hardy annual grown from direct sowing in the UK. It does best in open, sunny ground with free-draining soil, and it often self-seeds if you leave some flower heads to mature.

A hardy allium for UK gardens, usually grown from sets for the easiest crop or from seed for more choice. It needs free-draining soil, steady weeding and a careful cure before storing.

A hardy Mediterranean herb that grows best in a sunny, free-draining spot or a pot. In the UK it copes well with cold winters if the soil stays reasonably dry, and the flavour is strongest in dry weather.

A quick-growing Asian brassica for the UK garden. It does best in cool, moist conditions, with regular sowings from late spring through summer and a steady supply of water to slow bolting.

Hardy bedding plant grown for long-lasting colour in UK gardens. Start plants in summer for winter display, or in late winter to spring for summer bedding, then plant out into beds, borders, or containers in free-draining compost or soil. Keep watered in dry spells and deadhead regularly to extend flowering.

A hardy biennial herb grown for its leaves. In the UK it does well in pots or beds in full sun or light shade, with steady moisture and regular picking to keep it productive.

Parsnips need a deep, stone-free soil and do best where the bed has been well dug but not freshly manured. Sow direct, keep the seedbed moist while they germinate, and use fine mesh to keep carrot fly off the row. Roots swell slowly, then can be lifted as needed through the colder part of the year.

A hardy fruit tree for UK gardens, usually planted bare-root while dormant. It does best in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil, with steady watering while it establishes and winter pruning to keep the crown open.

A cool-season legume grown for its sweet pods or shelling peas. In the UK, peas thrive in early spring and autumn, needing support and protection from pests like mice and pigeons.

Hardy perennial for a sheltered UK border in fertile, free-draining soil. Plant crowns shallowly, keep the site undisturbed, and expect the best flowering once plants have settled in for a few years.

A hardy cut-and-come-again leaf beet that grows well in most UK gardens. Sow in succession from spring to mid-summer for steady picks through autumn and into winter with light protection.

Half-hardy bedding plant grown for a long flowering season in the UK. Start seeds indoors early, plant out after frosts, and keep deadheading for a long display in beds, borders, and containers.

Grow plum trees in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Bare-root trees are best planted while dormant, then watered well through the first two summers and pruned only in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.

Hardy annual poppies are best sown direct where they are to flower, as they dislike root disturbance. In UK gardens, sow in a prepared, weed-free patch in autumn for earlier blooms, or in spring for a longer flowering season.

A staple root vegetable grown from seed potatoes, producing tubers underground. In the UK, potatoes are classified as first earlies, second earlies, or maincrop, each with different planting and harvesting times. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and require earthing up to protect tubers from light.

Pumpkins are vigorous annual vines grown for their large, colourful autumn fruits. They thrive in warm, sunny conditions and produce long, sprawling stems that can easily run several metres. Pumpkins are frost-tender and need a good, rich soil and consistent watering through summer. With enough warmth and space, they reward you with hard-skinned fruits that store well and are ideal for both cooking and seasonal decoration.

A fast, hardy root crop for UK gardens, best grown in cool weather for crisp roots with a clean peppery bite. Sow little and often in open ground or a deep container, keep the soil evenly moist, and pull roots promptly before they get woody.

A hardy cane fruit for UK gardens, best grown in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Plant bare-root canes while dormant, keep them well watered in the first season, mulch each spring, and tie in new growth so the plants stay productive.

A hardy fruit bush for a sunny or lightly shaded spot in the UK. Plant bare-root bushes while dormant, keep the soil evenly moist, and mulch well each spring to support a reliable summer crop.

A hardy perennial for a permanent UK bed. Plant crowns in rich, well-drained soil and leave them to establish before taking a light crop from year two.

Fast-growing leafy salad rocket for the UK garden. Sow little and often from spring to early autumn for a steady supply of peppery leaves, and keep the soil evenly moist in warm spells to slow bolting.

Hardy shrub grown for flowers in beds, borders, and larger containers. Plant bare-root roses while dormant, in free-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, and keep the graft union just at or slightly below soil level. Water well after planting, mulch annually, and watch for blackspot and aphids through the season.

A woody, evergreen herb for a warm, sunny spot in free-draining soil or a pot. It grows well in most UK gardens if the roots stay on the dry side and winter wet is kept off the plant.

Hardy border perennial grown for bold yellow and orange daisy flowers. In the UK it flowers well in a sunny, free-draining spot and makes a good cut flower if you keep deadheading through the season.

A tender climbing bean for a warm, sheltered spot in the UK. Sow indoors from mid spring or direct sow once the soil has warmed, then plant out after frost with sturdy supports and keep well watered for a long picking period.

A hardy, woody herb for a sunny, free-draining spot. In the UK it grows well in the ground or a pot, and benefits from regular tip pruning to keep it compact and leafy.

Half-hardy salvias grow best in a warm, sunny spot with free-draining soil. In the UK, plant young plants out only after frost has passed and give them shelter from cold winds and winter wet. Most are grown as tender perennials or bedding plants, and they flower for a long stretch if you keep deadheading and avoid heavy feeding.

A reliable half-hardy cottage-garden flower for UK borders and cutting. Sow under cover in spring or plant out young plants after the risk of frost, then keep them deadheaded for a long flowering season.

Shallots are a hardy allium for the UK garden, usually grown from sets planted in late winter or early spring. Give them a free-draining bed, keep weeds down, and lift the bulbs once the tops yellow and fall over.

A half-hardy bedding flower for a bright, long-running display in a sheltered UK border or container. Start seeds under cover, then plant out after frost risk has passed and keep deadheading for a long flowering season.

A small hardy bulb for shady spots and woodland-style planting. In the UK it is best planted 'in the green' just after flowering, in moist but free-draining soil, and left to settle in for naturalising over time.

A hardy leafy perennial grown for its sharp, lemony leaves. In the UK it does best in moist, fertile soil in sun or light shade, and regular picking keeps fresh growth coming through the season.

Spinach is a fast-growing leafy crop for cool UK weather. Sow in short runs through spring and late summer, keep the soil moist, and pick leaves regularly before plants run to seed in warm spells.

Spring onions are fast-growing, mild-flavoured onions grown for their green stems and small bulbs. They are easy to grow and can be sown in succession for a continuous harvest. Hardy varieties can even be sown in late autumn to overwinter for an early spring crop. Spring onions don't take much space and grow well in containers or between slower-growing vegetables.

A hardy brassica grown for side shoots and early spring spears in the UK. Sow in spring, transplant once the soil has warmed a little, then net well and keep plants watered and fed so they stand through winter for a spring crop.

Squash come in summer and winter types, offering versatile fruits from tender courgette-like harvests to hard-skinned varieties that store through winter. They're vigorous plants that love sun and rich soil, producing colourful, flavourful crops perfect for roasting, soups, or stuffing. With trailing or compact options, there's a squash for every garden size.

A hardy perennial fruit that does well in most UK gardens. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil or compost, and keep it watered while the roots settle and the fruit swells.

A half-hardy annual grown for long-lasting papery flowers. In the UK it does best started under cover, then planted out after frost risk has passed and grown on in a sunny, free-draining spot.

Fast-growing half-hardy annual grown for bold summer flowers and edible seeds. Sow under cover or direct outside once the risk of frost has passed, then give plants a sunny, sheltered spot and steady watering while they establish.

A hardy root crop for the UK, swedes do best in firm, fertile soil that has been well dug and cleared of stones. Sow outdoors in late spring to early summer, thin carefully, and keep the plants covered with fine mesh to reduce cabbage root fly damage. Lift roots from autumn onwards, and leave some in the ground where the soil drains well for harvests through winter.

Sweet peppers are tender annuals that produce crisp, colourful fruits with a mild flavour. Native to Central and South America, they thrive in warm, sunny positions and are commonly grown under glass in the UK to ensure reliable cropping, though they can succeed outdoors in sheltered spots during particularly warm summers.

A tender, warm-growing crop for UK gardens, grown from slips rather than true seed. It needs a long, frost-free season, light soil, and plenty of warmth to bulk up properly.

Sweetcorn is a tall annual plant grown for its sweet, juicy cobs. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and must be planted after the last frost. Plants are wind-pollinated, so for best results grow them in blocks rather than single rows, ensuring well-filled cobs. With good care and warm weather, sweetcorn will reward you with delicious fresh corn-on-the-cob in late summer.

Swiss chard is a hardy leaf crop that grows well in most UK gardens from spring through to the colder months. Sow in small batches for a long picking season, and harvest the outer leaves regularly to keep plants productive.

A vigorous hybrid bramble that grows well in a sunny, sheltered UK garden. Plant bare-root canes in dormancy, train them on wires or a stout fence, and expect the main crop on second-year canes.

A low, woody Mediterranean herb that grows best in a sunny, free-draining spot in the UK. It dislikes wet winter soil, so keep it in raised beds, gritty borders or a pot if your ground stays damp.

A tender, bushy crop that needs a long, warm season in the UK. Start seed indoors, plant out only after frost risk has passed, and give plants a sunny, sheltered spot with support for the spreading stems. Tomatillos crop best with at least two plants for good pollination and steady moisture.

Tomatoes are popular annual plants that produce juicy, colourful fruits and thrive in warm conditions. They are native to South America and come in two main types, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants are bushy and self-supporting and indeterminate are tall plants that require staking and pruning.

Tulips are hardy spring bulbs for a sunny, free-draining spot in the UK. Plant them late in autumn to reduce tulip fire, then enjoy the flowers in spring and leave the foliage to die back naturally.

A quick-growing hardy root crop for the UK veg patch. Sow direct into fine, stone-free soil and keep the bed evenly moist for a clean, sweet root and useful leaves.

Watercress is a hardy perennial leafy crop that grows best in shallow running water or very wet soil. In the UK it’s usually grown outdoors in a pond basket, streamside bed, or container kept constantly wet, and it gives the best leaves in cool weather.

Half-hardy annual grown for bright summer flowers. In the UK, start it under cover or sow outside after frost risk has passed, then plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil.