Sowing calendar: understanding the different periods and choosing the right time
Reading a sowing calendar isn’t just about spotting the coloured month opposite a vegetable. You need to understand the method described, the duration of the recommended window and what happens after germination. Here’s how to turn a table of sowing periods into a sowing decision that’s right for your garden.
Identify exactly what the announced operation entails
Start with the key. A box may refer to sowing under cover, sowing in the open ground or planting. These actions are not interchangeable. Sowing means starting from seed; planting involves establishing a plant that is already grown. If you have bought seedlings, a sowing period is therefore not sufficient to determine when to plant them.
The term ‘under cover’ also needs clarifying. A suitable indoor room, an unheated greenhouse and a cold frame do not offer the same conditions. Make a note of the location you will actually be using. This will prevent you from copying a growing method intended for an environment that you do not have.
Understanding why the period spans several weeks
A sowing window indicates a possibility, not an obligation to sow on the very first day. It allows you to choose a more favourable time or to spread the sowing over several batches. Before deciding on a date, check the instructions on the packet: variety, method, depth and spacing. A general table does not cover all the variations within a species.
When sowing in situ, also check the condition of the soil. If the soil is difficult to work or if you are unable to monitor moisture levels, it may be more sensible to postpone sowing until the appropriate time rather than sticking to a date that is too early. Make a note of this delay: it will later help you understand the difference between your plan and reality.
Three scenarios to help you learn how to read the table
| Location | What you should look for | Decision to be prepared |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want to sow carrots directly in the garden? | The sowing period for this crop and the variety-specific guidelines | A helpline and collection tracking |
| You’re growing tomato seedlings | Starting out in containers, followed by a separate planting period | A space for young plants and a final plot |
| You’re buying lettuce seedlings | The best time to plant the chosen plants | The number of plants that can fit in the available space |
These examples illustrate how to interpret the operations, without specifying a date that applies everywhere. To clarify your requirements, please refer to vegetable fact sheets and the information on your packets or from your plants.
Preparing for the period after sowing
Successful sowing doesn’t end with planting the seeds. Make sure you have labels ready, check for germination and carry out any necessary follow-up tasks. Some crops require thinning; seedlings started in containers will need to remain in suitable conditions until they are ready for transplanting.
Write this entry on the same line as the sowing. A note such as ‘Series A, sown on the 12th, for Plot B’ helps you trace the origin of the seedlings. If you simply write ‘sowing completed’, you’ll quickly lose track of the link between the calendar, the pots and the garden.
Distinguishing between the planned, the achieved and the observed
The planned date is used to organise a session. The actual date indicates what you did. The comment explains the result: smooth lift-off, difficult start, excessive quantity or missed follow-up. These three pieces of information answer different questions and should be kept separate.
To keep track of things easily, assign a number to each batch. Use the same reference on the labels and in your notes. This will allow you to compare two batches of the same variety without having to rely on your memory or mix up the results.
Customise how your calendar is displayed
In the Permapotes crop calendar, select the vegetables you’re interested in and set your climate zone. Then read the sections on the recommended method and the information specific to your variety. The calendar narrows down the list of tasks to consider; it’s your specific circumstances that will help you decide which ones to prepare for.
Before sowing, formulate a complete sentence: ‘I am growing this variety, in this way, in this spot, using this amount.’ If any of these elements are missing, complete the plan. This check prevents you from sowing simply because a box in the table has been coloured in.
The steps involved in Permapotes
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