In the UK, gardeners are eager to get their hands in the soil as winter begins to loosen and the days lengthen. We at Yorkshire Seeds are aware of the enthusiasm that this season offers. Now that the last frost has passed—or almost passed—it's time to start planting seriously.
But in this post-frost window, which seeds are the best and safest to plant? To get a head start on a fruitful and vibrant season, let's examine the best flowers and veggies to plant now.
Why Timing Matters: Understanding the Last Frost
The "last frost date" refers to the final expected frost in your region, typically between late March and early May depending on your location in the UK. This date signals when it’s safe to sow seeds that are sensitive to cold—either directly into the ground or under cover.
While some cold-hardy seeds can be sown before the frost lifts, this guide focuses on spring stars that love warming soil and longer daylight hours.
🪴 Top Vegetables to Plant After the Last Frost
These crops germinate quickly and thrive in the mild, moist conditions of spring:
🥕 1. Carrots
Direct sow into well-tilled soil.
Keep soil moist during germination (can take 2–3 weeks).
Great varieties: Early Nantes, Amsterdam Forcing.
🥬 2. Lettuce & Salad Mixes
Perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
Sow little and often every 2–3 weeks for a continuous crop.
Try: Mixed Leaf, Little Gem, Rocket.
🌱 3. Spinach
Cool temperatures help spinach thrive without bolting.
Prefers partial shade in warmer regions.
🌰 4. Beetroot
Sow thinly, and thin seedlings later for healthy roots.
Bonus: beet greens are also edible!
🧅 5. Spring Onions
Onion seeds can be planted now for summer harvest.
White Lisbon spring onions are fast and flavourful.
🌿 6. Coriander, Dill & Parsley
These herbs love cooler spring temperatures and can be sown outside once frost-free.
🌼 Flowers That Love Spring Sowing
Want to add beauty and pollinators to your plot? These hardy annuals do wonderfully when sown after the last frost:
🌸 1. Calendula
Bright orange blooms with edible petals.
Perfect for borders, beds, and pollinator gardens.
🌺 2. Cornflowers
Classic blue flowers that bees adore.
Ideal for wildflower patches or cottage garden themes.
🌼 3. Nasturtiums
Fast-growing, edible flowers and leaves.
Great for pots or companion planting with vegetables.
🌷 4. Poppies (Annual Varieties)
Scatter directly for soft, wild beauty.
Symbolic, low-maintenance, and ideal for remembrance gardening.
🌞 Spring Sowing Tips for Success
Prepare Your Soil
Rake, weed, and enrich with compost before sowing.
Check drainage—especially in heavy or clay soils.
Label Your Rows
Use markers or biodegradable labels to track what you’ve sown and where.
Water Gently & Consistently
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination.
Use a rose head watering can for seedlings.
Protect Against Late Cold Snaps
Keep fleece or cloches handy just in case of an unexpected frost.
Stagger Your Sowing
Sow small amounts every couple of weeks to spread out your harvest.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a time of promise and potential. By planting smart now—right after the last frost—you set the foundation for a bountiful and beautiful season. From crisp salads and sweet carrots to a garden bursting with blooms, the rewards come quickly.
So, grab your trowel, shake out your seed packets, and spring into action—your garden is ready!