Edinburgh Growing Guide
Monthly advice tailored for Edinburgh's unique growing conditions
Our climate in Edinburgh and South East Scotland presents unique challenges and opportunities for gardeners. These monthly tips are designed specifically for our cooler, windier conditions and shorter growing season.
April Tips for Edinburgh
April is a busy month in Edinburgh gardens as the soil warms, but always be ready for late frosts.
Key Gardening Tasks
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts for late frosts and protect tender plants if needed
- Earth up early potatoes as they grow
- Set up supports for peas and beans
- Apply organic slug control methods as pests become active
- Install water butts to collect rainwater
- Ventilate greenhouses on warm days but close them in the evening
What to Sow
- Main crop potatoes
- Carrots, beetroot, and parsnips
- Peas and beans
- Spring onions
- Lettuce and salad crops
- Brassicas (cabbage, kale, broccoli)
- Start courgettes and squashes indoors
What to Harvest
- Spring cabbage
- Sprouting broccoli
- Spring onions
- Early rhubarb
- Overwintered spinach
Edinburgh Specific Advice
- In Edinburgh, our growing season starts later - don't be tempted to sow too early
- Consider raised beds which warm up faster in our cooler climate
Follow Marco's Gardening & Recipe Journey
For more inspiration on allotment growing, food recipes and tips & tricks check out our plotholder Marco's blog: