A dry and unusually warm start to spring can be a double-edged trowel for UK gardeners, especially when it comes to vegetables grown from seed. March 2025 was the driest on record for 60 years; and now, one week into April, we're continuing with above-average temperatures and low rainfall — all of which points to an increasingly unpredictable growing season. While some crops might thrive in these early warm spells, others could struggle, particularly when it comes to germination and moisture-sensitive growth. And while it might be lovely to potter about in the sunshine and get the washing dry on the line, this dry, warm spell is a mixed blessing for those of us sowing seeds and tending veg plots (or trying to keep a lid on the compost pile that’s suddenly dried out overnight).

When we see weather like this early in the season, our first instinct is to seize the moment — get those seeds in, crack on with planting. And to be fair, heat-loving crops like tomatoes, courgettes, and squash may well get off to a strong start this year. Beans, sweetcorn, and cucumbers are also likely to enjoy the early warmth once the soil’s reliably above 10°C. But — and it’s a big but — if you’re direct sowing, be aware that dry topsoil and low overnight moisture levels can seriously slow down germination, particularly for carrots, beetroot, spinach, and salad leaves. You’ll need to water consistently, or hold off until we get some proper rain (there's a storm due to hit most of the country next week, but it’s looking like a short one).

Heavy clay soils, like mine, are cracking already — so if yours is similar, it’s worth watering deeply before sowing or opting for pre-soaked seed beds. And if you’re sowing in modules indoors or under cover, you're dodging the risk entirely — just keep on top of the watering, as high greenhouse temperatures will dry things out faster than you'd expect.

Direct Sowing and Germination Woes

Direct-sown seeds need consistent moisture to germinate well. In dry soil, especially light or sandy types, seeds may fail to swell and sprout. Even in heavier soils like clay, the lack of rain can create a tough surface crust, making it harder for delicate seedlings to break through. Germination rates for carrots, parsnips, beetroot, and spinach may be lower or more uneven than usual. If you're sowing direct, it’s more important than ever to water thoroughly before and after sowing, and cover rows with fleece or damp cardboard to retain moisture during germination.

Warm-Loving Crops Might Benefit

On the flip side, the extra warmth means you might get a head start with heat-lovers like French beans, courgettes, sweetcorn and pumpkins — but only if you’re sowing them indoors or under cover. Soil temperatures for outdoor sowing are still a bit on the cool side for these crops, despite the warm air. Keep a close eye on overnight temperatures and don’t rush to plant out too soon, even if the days feel like early summer.

Winners and Losers This Spring

Likely to Thrive:

• Tomatoes and chillies sown indoors are likely to get a strong start with the added warmth, especially if grow lights are used to support leggy seedlings.
• Salad crops in containers or raised beds that can be easily watered and protected may do well, particularly fast growers like rocket, mizuna, and lettuce.

Likely to Struggle:

• Root crops (carrots, parsnips, beetroot) could suffer patchy germination without steady moisture.
• Peas and broad beans might bolt early or fail to thrive if the dry spell continues and temperatures remain unusually high.

But...

If historical trends are anything to go by, a dry spring often leads to a wetter summer in the UK as weather systems shift. But planning for dry spells now — by mulching, prioritising water-wise crops, and sowing in modules instead of direct — is the smart move. Start collecting rainwater where you can, and if you’re able to sow in stages, stagger your sowings to spread the risk.

When we’ve had a dry, warm spring in the past, it’s often been followed by a cooler, wetter summer. That’s what happened in 2007 and 2012 (2020 was an anomaly in weather trends, with a hot spring followed by a summer marked by heatwaves and storms) — both remembered for their soggy growing seasons. If that pattern repeats this year — and it’s looking increasingly likely — here’s what you need to prepare for:

• Leafy greens and brassicas may thrive, especially if the summer stays mild. Crops like lettuce, kale, and chard are less likely to bolt and will enjoy the extra moisture — just watch out for slugs.
• Root crops like carrots, parsnips, and beetroot could benefit too, as long as the soil doesn’t become waterlogged. Raised beds or well-drained rows will help.
• Tomatoes and potatoes, though, are at risk of blight, particularly if it’s warm and damp. Choose blight-resistant varieties, increase airflow, and consider growing under cover.
• Courgettes, pumpkins, and climbing beans may struggle with mildew, stem rot, or flower drop in overly wet conditions, so plan your supports and spacing carefully — and don’t forget regular checks.

And Let’s Not Forget Our Flowers

They’re facing the same challenges. While the warmth is tempting for early sowings, annuals like cosmos, cornflowers, and calendula can struggle to germinate in dry, patchy soil — especially when the top layer bakes in the sun but stays cold underneath. Direct sowing hardy annuals now could be hit or miss unless you're able to keep moisture levels consistent. Nigella, larkspur, and poppies may give better results when autumn-sown or started undercover instead. On the flip side, sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds — all lovers of heat — might just have their best year yet if the dry conditions continue into summer. Get them going in modules, and don’t be in too much of a rush to transplant.

A wetter summer could be brilliant for sweet peas, nasturtiums, snapdragons, and ammi — all of which prefer cooler temperatures and won’t sulk in the rain like some of their heat-loving cousins. But cosmos and zinnias, if they get going early and hit a wall of wet weather later, might be prone to rot or stunted growth unless given excellent drainage and space to breathe.

In short, we’re off to a fast, dry start — but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Spring might be sunny now, but if the rains come in July, your garden needs to be ready for that too. Keep sowing steadily, mix in resilient crops and flowers, and whatever happens, keep your planner close to hand. This is the kind of year that rewards flexible gardeners — those who can pivot and adapt as the weather swings. And let’s face it, in the UK, that’s most of us by now.