Place and Dates

[rary]

While going through different magazines etc. I note that there are some telling you that you can start sowing various veg. in January, now I know that in some areas this would just be a waste of time, I have also came across area references for planting/hardiness for plants in relation to regions of the USA, I know there are several weeks of difference between Southampton and Ayrshire, but is there a guide to planting/sowing for the different areas of Britain, where the likes of the coastal areas of Scotland England Ireland and Wales are linked to the relevant inland areas

[veggiechicken]

Does this help? Interactive United Kingdom and Ireland Gardening Zones

[rary]

Thanks VC that's what I was looking for, although its not quite accurate enough I can work from it, remind me about this the next time I say something naughty about you

[veggiechicken]

You can enlarge the map if you've mislaid your glasses

[Bigmallly]

When I saw the title, I thought you was gonna tell us where & when you met your Missus.............

[rary]

When I saw the title, I thought you was gonna tell us where & when you met your Missus.............

Your too young to be told anything about that

[Cadalot]

Does this help? Interactive United Kingdom and Ireland Gardening Zones

Nope just what does it mean?

[Penellype]

Nope just what does it mean?

As I understand it, the colours refer to the likely minimum temperature in that region, and therefore you can choose plants that will survive that temperature and be ok over winter.

Probably more helpful from the veg growing perspective is this map on the same website:
United Kingdom Interactive Last Frost Map

Remember that these are averages - in my area the average last frost date is 11-20 April, but last year there was a significant frost (-2C) on the morning of 29 April.

With some veg which are hardy the critical factor will be light, not temperature. There is significantly less daylight in the north than the south of the country in winter, so unless you can provide additional light to start with it may be better to delay sowing for a couple of weeks so that your seedlings don't get too leggy.

[rary]

Interesting attachment penellype, but I note that they have Shrewsbury as having the last frost, as I have a relation in that area I know they are out a bit, but it is good indicator, I wonder if the Vine could create a more accurate guide for gardeners

[Penellype]

I think if you want to be more accurate for your particular location you probably need to look at archives of real data. There is a decent archive on Weather Online UK - current weather and weather forecast worldwide - select the archives tab, United Kingdom (or wherever you are), then cities A-Z and choose the place nearest to you. There is a minimum temperature section and you can choose to view anything from a few days to 200 days. The easiest is to view each year at a time, as if you look at any more than that they don't give you the individual months.

This is my graph for York (Linton On Ouse is the nearest weather station to me) for 2016, showing the rogue low temperature on 29th April. Linton is a rural RAF base, whereas I am in a built up area, so I am 1-2 degrees warmer in general than this.



The data on Linton on Ouse goes back to 1996 - not really long enough, but it will give you a fair idea. Other weather stations may be different.

[jackarmy]

I like this one Rary, plenty of other info there also

Guide to UK, Ireland and France last frost dates for gardeners

[rary]

Thanks jackarmy that is a very good site, and many thanks to every one else for their posts

[BUFFS]

While going through different magazines etc. I note that there are some telling you that you can start sowing various veg. in January, now I know that in some areas this would just be a waste of time, I have also came across area references for planting/hardiness for plants in relation to regions of the USA, I know there are several weeks of difference between Southampton and Ayrshire, but is there a guide to planting/sowing for the different areas of Britain, where the likes of the coastal areas of Scotland England Ireland and Wales are linked to the relevant inland areas

Ayrshire? just pick anything that loves water, and dark, cold summers, then you have it cracked...