GardenCalcs.uk
Frost Date Planner — Planting Calendar by Frost Dates
Plan your planting calendar based on your local last and first frost dates.
Month of your last spring frost (1-12). S England ~Apr, N England/Scotland ~May
Day of the month (1-31); extra days are clamped to the month length
Month of your first autumn frost (1-12). Typically Oct-Nov in most of the UK
Day of the month (1-31); extra days are clamped to the month length
Pick a crop to see its sow, transplant and harvest dates
Extra weeks after frost for tender crops (default 2)
Shift last frost later (+) or earlier (-)
How We Calculate This
This calculator works backwards from your last frost date to determine when to start seeds indoors, and forwards to plan direct sowing, transplanting, and expected harvests.
Key timings
- Indoor sow: Weeks before last frost (varies by crop)
- Direct sow: Weeks after last frost for outdoor sowing
- Transplant: Weeks after last frost to move seedlings out
- Harvest: Days from transplant to first harvest
Heat-loving crops get an extra buffer period after the last frost to ensure warm enough conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last frost dates vary across the UK. Southern England: mid-April. Midlands and Wales: late April to early May. Northern England and Scotland: mid to late May. Sheltered urban gardens may be 1-2 weeks earlier than surrounding countryside.
Check Met Office historical data for your nearest weather station, or ask local allotment holders. As a rough guide: mild coastal areas see last frosts in late March, while upland areas may see frost into June.
Tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, aubergines, and beans are heat-loving crops that are damaged by frost. These should not be planted out until all risk of frost has passed, and benefit from an extra 2-week buffer of warm weather to establish.
Yes. Use cloches, fleece, cold frames, or polytunnels to start earlier and finish later. These can effectively move your frost dates by 2-4 weeks. Starting seeds indoors also gives crops a head start.
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Last updated: March 2026
All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.