My Calendar of vegetable sowing dates, half od which are from June onwards. Now half price and well worth buying for all the dates still to come.
Each week of the growing season has Charles’ favourite sowing dates for each vegetable, at their best times of year. Every date isbased on decades of fine tuning, with his expert observations and learning.
- Use these dates to help you enjoy a regular supply of fresh produce through all four seasons.
As well as sowing dates, Charles has added a brief vegetable growing summary for every month, to help you keep on track.. Plus there are pages about the benefits of no dig, where to buy seeds, and which varieties to sow.
The calendar sowing dates are for a Zone 8b climate in southern UK. You can use this calendar in different climates, with a little adjustment to the dates. If your climate is cooler, sow later by 1-4 weeks in spring, then sow a week or two earlier in summer and autumn, from the solstice onwards.
Climate plus natural growth cycles
Charles’ sowing dates are based on season, climate, and the natural growth cycle of each vegetable. For example your peas will succeed much better when sow in spring rather than summer. That’s because peas grow most healthily and abundantly during months when the days are getting longer. Sow at the best time of year for each different vegetable.
Dates are based secondarily on moon phases. Within the best seasonal times, the moon cycles sometimes give even better times!
Solar and lunar
Charles combines two aspects of moon movements for calculating top sowing dates.
- One is the phases of root-flower-leaf-fruit, based on whether the moon is passing through an astrological sign with earth-air-water-fire qualities.
- The other is waxing and waning. Where possible, sow on a waxing moon for faster emergence and stronger growth, especially just before full moon.
Sun and moon give a framework of action, rather than a rigid rulebook. Many dates have sowing possibilities, there are few dates when all of the good aspects are present.
The calendar is A4 opening to A3, with gorgeous and informative photos from Charles’ garden. Enjoy the seasonal beauty of Homeacres vegetable garden, all year round.
32 pages printed on 200gsm Premium Gloss Paper, with 350gsm cover.
Hole-punched, for hanging on a wall.
Adrian Eyre –
how do i get to the Gardening Calendar 2022 (DIGITAL VERSION) i have paid by PayPal? your website is unclear as to where to find it.
Charles –
Sorry to hear this and best email [email protected]
Sahra (verified owner) –
Lovely calendar with lots of interesting photos. So much advice and information throughout the months
I brought one for myself and one for my parents. Thank you
Anne Desson (verified owner) –
A marvellous calendar. So much distilled knowledge. Am a very experienced gardener but need to be more rigorous with my sowing times. This is perfect!
Can you explain the significance of the upward arrow and sun signs please? Can’t get my head around them. Thanks Charles.
Charles –
Thankyou Anne.
Yes the icons! ^ means under cover! Sun sign means ok to plant outdoors at that time. Sorry not obvious.
Steve Lang –
Great calendar for the veg grower . No other comes close. On my Xmas present list for next year all ready.
claudia –
An absolutely beautiful Calendar with tonnes of useful information inside. Highly recommended.
Leigh France –
Hi
I recieved the calendar for the first time this Christmas and it looks amazing, I can’t wait to follow the recommendations and will hopefully have a better time sowing.
I was just wondering if you sow the seeds on everyday stated?
I only ask as I see onions, in Feb, are sown on 19th, 23rd/24th and also 27th/28th
Charles –
Thanks Leigh, and sorry for confusion there, I see that I need to make it clearer next year!
The extra dates are to give you options, they are all good and I know that everybody has different lives, and few of us can manage the very best days because of other commitments.
I wish you a successful 2022!
Catherine Parker-Johns –
Hello big fan here, started my allotment last year and my sowing was all over the place. So this year I treated my self to your calender I can’t wait to get started however on plotting out my plans I noticed a slight error with the days which made triple check my diary haha I thought I was going crazy! I would like to point out it has a lot of useful information in though thankyou and a bit of good old gadhion tippex dies the job well 🤣 x thank you for your videos your motivation and inspiration! Keep it up
Charles –
Hello Catherine and I’m happy to read your comments.
Yes we made template mistakes, January and October. I was so busy checking the actual sowing dates and moon dates that I did not notice the overall mistakes! Same for the proofreader. Thanks for being so understanding and I wish you a productive year on the allotment.
Jac –
I was given a CD calendar last year and it was fine, the 2022 one I was given this year has no January 31 and the dates and days for October are completely wrong and again no October 31…
Charles –
Yes it’s a pity Jac, the designers made a template mistake and we did not spot it. Others have flagged this up and so have we and we destroyed 3000 calendars in October and re-printed, and sent out for free a whole load and let me know if you want a free one. The horticultural/sowing dates are all correct in case you’re wondering
David Pearson (verified owner) –
I have two defective calendars- the weekend moves randomly to the right or left, correct dates I think but confusing.
David Pearson
Charles –
Well it’s the last year we shall do this but it is deliberate, because it means I can give more advice above the template. In some months we can lose a whole row of space, with just one day in a top row and two in the bottom one.
So we move the weekend from one side to the other, sorry for the confusion but it was with good intention.
Pauline Byrne (verified owner) –
After a few days of ordering i received my signed copy of Charles 2022 and like the man himself i am very impressed with the quality. I am just going to go through the calendar and make a list of seeds to order. I retire this year and cant wait to spend more time on my third year on my allotment. Which would have been the last thing i would have wanted, UNTIL i help out my brother on his allotment, but as we now share it and i spend 90% more time there, i call it mine, but he pays for it so it a win win for me. My nephew introduced me to Charles no dig and how ive learned so much from him and his books. A big thank you Charles x
Charles –
Thanks for your feedback Pauline and it’s so pleasing to read a good news story! x
Linn –
Nice calendar with beautiful pictures and I really like the quality of the paper! I really like the extra information and tips in the calendar.
I don’t know if i just have missunderstood the symbols. Are the dates just for when to sow the seeds and not plant them out? On the first page it says when no symbol you should plant outside, but then later in the calendar it says “Sowing are “sun” unless marked “^”. Do yout mean to plant the seedlings outside or sow outside?
When should i plant the seedlings out in the garden, do you have a rule of thumb? I am missing like a little explaination/information with guidelines of how long i should for example germinate the seedling inside before i put them out in the greenhouse and then how long i should wait before i plant them out in the garden.
Do you sow seedlings on every marked out date in the calendar?
Charles –
Hello Linn
I must apologise that I am confusing you. I’ve been checking through all the calendars since they came out four years ago, and in that first calendar the word planting does not appear alongside sowing dates. It has crept into page 2 because of two factors: one that generally we plant garlic and seed potatoes, and two that in the USA, ‘sowing’ is often described as ‘planting’ seeds.
All of the dates in my calendar are for sowing seeds or putting seeds into contact with moist conditions to make them germinate. Sometimes that is called planting seeds. It’s not about transplanting plants, and I should make that clearer, and next year for sure I will make it really clear in big bold letters, because I can see the confusion. I do put that point on my Sowing Timeline page.
I’m really sorry for the confusion it’s causing you.
There is no space in the calendar to have details like how long each seed takes to germinate, because that varies so much according to each vegetable and also according to the temperatures you propagate in. For that extra information you need a book such as my new Skills book.
Braulio Flores –
Sorry Charles. Just got home and realized that the problem with October is a different one, Starts on a Tuesday instead that on Saturday. Regards, Braulio
Braulio Flores, MD –
Hi Charles, my calendars has those 2 days missing too; no worries here; you got the other 363 days right 🙂
Thank you for all your amazing videos that had made me discovered a passion that I will continue for ever. I am half Peruvian and half Argentinian and now have 6 raised beds, and growing through the winter with some row covers and plastic as well. I will complain to you the day you stop smiling!
(and a member or your YouTube channel too)
Cheers
Braulio
Charles –
Hi Braulio
Nice to hear and I like the sound of your motivation, and thanks also for reminding me about smiling 😀
Yes the calendar for October is actually November! We can send you a free copy if you wish, of the reprinted version. All the gardening dates are correct at least.
Shirley Mound –
This is the third year that I have bought and used the calendar. It is so useful and has helped me, along with Charles’s No Dig system to produce wonderful crops.
Blue Boy (verified owner) –
Disappointing layout – not enough space for my notes and, sorry Charles, but I would prefer pictures of the vegetables or fuit not you ! Its a good idea but a silly design.
Gary Buckingham –
Hi Charles bought a calendar when on a day course on Sept 8th this year
What information is needed for Jan 31st and October 31st
Charles –
Hi Gary.
None!
You are missing nothing in the sense of sowing and gardening and if that had been the case, I would’ve spotted this flippin’ template mistake!
If the lack of those dates bother you, we can send you another Calendar.
Leana Pooley –
Dear Charles, your 2021 calendar has been absolutely brilliant – not just for the wonderful gardening information it contains – but because I bought the Spanish version. Once a month I would translate that month’s written instructions for my Spanish teacher so that I now know the Spanish words for worms, slugs, lettuces, broccoli and so on. Of course, I’m desperate to continue with this useful learning so my question is: will you be producing another Spanish version for 2022? Also, this morning when I was translating the information for December my teacher who lives on the Costa del Sol (we communicate by Skype) asked me if there is a lot of no-dig gardening in Spain?
Charles –
Dear Leana
How lovely you found such a great alternative use for the Spanish Calendar.
Sadly we sold very few, had to recycle 90% unsold, and I do not want that waste again!
So we are not offering it in Spanish this year, sorry.
I hope you are keeping well and eating great no dig vegetables 🥦
There is some no dig in Spain, but personally a significant no dig Spanish-speaking audience is S. America, especially Patagonia.
Ewa –
This calendar is the best purchase for gardeners 🙂 I had it this year and I am going to buy the 2022 issue as well.
Greetings from Poland.
Stephen –
Ive just noticed the mistakes but it really doesn’t make much difference. Its a really nice production with good quality pictures of the cheery fellow (and his garden!). It has lots of useful info to follow along with, or in my case, add a couple of weeks on to each date. It’s still worth the full price, and its a bargain at half price. Thanks again Charles, you have inspired me in so many ways, but more importantly, youve made growing food popular and accessible again.
Charles –
Ah thankyou Stephen, you cheer me up!
sn (verified owner) –
Even with the misprints (whch are easy to hand-add) its superb and very useful BUT I prefer with pictures without Mr Dowding please !
Maria ( Ireland ) –
Fantastic calendar, cheekily asked the kids for one this xmas again 🙂 the advice on sowing times helped me to get a move on and equally hold back at times & even though ive been growing veg for 18 years, the last 3 I have moved over to the no dig way more and more & the amount of veg is amazing. Our polytunnel 100% no dig now too & over 60 pound of tomatoes this yr & can’t fit another pepper in the freezer, still picking chilli peppers too! Thanks for the great advice Charles 😀
Charles –
Lovely to hear this Clare, and it’s so reassuring to have that abundance.
Paul (verified owner) –
I left an honest review earlier today which has not been posted.
It seems therefore that you are being selective in which reviews you post.
I received not so much as a reply for yourselves. This is not only ignorant,but probably in violation of trading standards.
As there is no email address to contact this is the only means available to me in order to voice my disapproval of your attitude towards a customer.
I don’t expect that this will be posted,and it’s not intended as a review in any case.
I regularly watch the YouTube videos,which I know generate revenue to your organisation…..NO MORE.!
The reviews are misleading as only the positive ones are posted. AWFUL.!!!
Charles –
I was gardening 🙂
All comments are moderated (by me) to check for spam, hence the timelag.
We are not so awful, really 😀
Paul (verified owner) –
Purchased 2 of these recently,to give as Christmas gifts.
Rather disappointed that there are dates missing on some months.
I paid full price for them,and now see that you’re selling at half price or giving them away ‘free’.
I’m a massive fan and proponent of your no till methods. Just feel a bit let down by the lack of ‘proofing’ of an otherwise excellent item.
Charles –
Sorry Paul, mistakes we only recently noticed and everybody who bought one before 26th will be sent new printing, current underway,
We are selling the old ones half price, a bargain as all the garden advice is correct and on correct templates.
The designers somehow used wrong template October and January.
Ronja –
I’m buying one for my mum (and have it on my wishlist as well!), we’re very curious to begin planting with the moon in mind! You’ve made such a difference and been a very kind, calming inspiration to us these last two years, both in spirit and in the garden – thank you!
Carol Rose –
Hi, I could help Kim by buying two calendars and would send her one? You can give her my email.
Charles –
Nice of you, I sent a mail
Derek Walker (verified owner) –
Hi Charles apart from the mix up on the October page your calendar is as classy and glossy as ever. The photo’s are fabulous especially the ariel shots. It’s packed with useful information and plenty of room to write reminders. Brilliant!.
Tristan –
Could you point me in the right direction for information/calender about doing no dig in gambia, west africa sub tropical weather. Been following you for a while love your work.
Thanks
Charles –
Hi Tristan
Thanks, happy to help but I don’t know where you could find that specific information. Maybe check out Send a Cow.
kim Allard –
I’m rather sad that i am unable to order a calendar for 2022 with out paying through
paypal (which i do not like and will not use)
I opted to be a guest, yet it will not let me check out unless I agree to start a Paypal account. very unhappy about this.
I love the ‘you tube site videos’ & the lesson’s I have learned from Charles. As a new allotment owner and gardener in my semi retirement I am loving growing my own veg etc from my home and allotment garden. Please help me as I would find the calendar so useful.
Charles thank you for all you do for people like me who are learning specifically the art of No Dig gardening for food. You truly are a great inspiration to us all 🙂
kindest regards
Mrs Kim Allard [Member]
Essex Gardeners – Essex – Cambs Border –
Big Shout out From North West Essex in the Uk.
Received our stocking filler Gift Calendars as We say! Fast completed received transaction. Next day Wow!
That’s four members of the family sorted and just need to sort our own one soon for the plots.
Beautiful content, Amazing Value and so much information Charles as all you do. Thank you.
yvonneblackburn (verified owner) –
Hello.I am a huge fan of yours and watch you on you tube regularly. I have bought your 2022 calender but dont understand thé meaning of thé signe that look like à tent and sun.Does this mean sow inside or outside.? We also live in Btrittany so I am guessing we have à similar cllimate to you. Thank you so much you have made life so much easier fo us.Yvonne Blackburn
.
Charles –
Nice to hear Yvonne, yes same dates.
The tent does mean sow under cover, sun outside if you wish. They are explained in inside front cover.
Hope things grow well for you.
Jackie Cooke –
I love everything you do and I have learned such a lot. I am an active 83 years and have grown vegies all my life. am in Melbourne Australia. Do you have an adapted callender for my part of the world? That would be great. Australia has many different climate zones and it is often said that Melbourne can experience 4 climates in a day. Regards Jackie
Charles –
Nice to hear, impressive Jackie!
We made a Southern Hemisphere Sowing Guide https://charlesdowding.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Southern-Hemisphere-Sowing-Guide-.pdf
L4 –
This Calendar took me through the growing season from starting garlic in October to now getting the mustards and rocket ready.
I would recommend this 100% for anyone who wants more consistency in their gardening, rest assured with Charles’ timings and advise in this calendar you can’t go much wrong! Never had so many veg 😀
Thanks!!
Courtney Thomas –
Hi Charles!
Do you have options for buying in the US without paying big shipping charges? I’ve looked on Amazon and don’t see this year available.
Thank you!
Charles –
Sorry we don’t, but I think it will be available on Amazon soon
Binh Le –
Hi Charles, do you have digital book to go with digital calendar like your doublepack? Shipping to Holland is too expensive.
And do you grow Asian veggies like Kangkong, Tongho etc? Those are quite easy and profitable imho.
Charles –
Hello Binh, the digital Calendar will be available in one month approx.
I grow pak choi and struggle to sell it!
MARIE oNEILL –
what a man. gifted
António –
Hi.
I just love your method.
Can I use the calendar for Portugal?
God bless you.
Thank you,
António
Charles –
Thankyou Antonio, and yes, people do.
Best sow maybe two weeks earlier in spring, and two weeks later from July.
Kathryn Weber –
I love my printed 2021 calendar, but it took some time and expense to cross the channel… I just saw that there is a digital version. Are you likely to release a digital version of the 2022 calendar (before January)?
Charles –
Hello Kathryn and yes we shall, possibly as late as December this year.
Suella Postles –
I’ve bought No-Dig calendars for a few years now and really appreciate all the extra vegetable information as well as the seasonal and solar/lunar sowing dates. These often co-incide with the best Biodynamic sowing times as well. I’ll now buy some calendars for Christmas presents for my gardening friends.
Rose Burness –
Such a great help, even when the weather went screwy early this year. Many thanks, well worth it.
Charles –
Cool (literally!) and thanks for sharing Rose