Growing Conditions · England

Arun Growing Conditions

Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Arun — across 9 postcode districts.

RHS H3 free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' 806mm rain

Soil

The soil most gardeners wish for: a free-draining, slightly acid loam that warms early in spring and rarely waterlogs. It suits the widest range of planting — vegetables, perennials, shrubs and trees — and asks little beyond an annual mulch to keep its structure. Because it drains freely it can dry in a hot summer, so new plants, pots and lawns benefit from steady watering through July and August. For patios, paths and walls its stability makes for straightforward foundations.

Winter hardiness

A mild area rated RHS H3 — winters usually bottom out around -4°C. Most hardy plants are safe, and you can grow half-hardy exotics that fail further north, but the occasional hard frost means tender plants still want a sheltered wall or winter fleece.

Rain & growing season

Moderate rainfall (806mm a year) — enough for most gardens without heavy irrigation, though pots and new plantings need watering in summer. A long growing season (~349 frost-free days) — you can sow earlier and harvest later than most of the country, and squeeze in a second late sowing.

Planting Calendar for Arun

Sow indoors
January–February
Plant out
early May
Harvest
June–November

The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.

Timings are guided by this area's ~349 frost-free days and RHS H3 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.

Conditions by Postcode

PostcodeSoil HardinessRainfall
BN12 free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam RHS H3 806mm
BN13 free-draining alkaline loam RHS H3 806mm
BN16 fertile loam with a high water table RHS H3 806mm
BN17 free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' RHS H3 806mm
BN18 free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' RHS H3 806mm
PO18 free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' RHS H3 806mm
PO20 fertile loam with a high water table RHS H3 806mm
PO21 free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' RHS H3 806mm
PO22 free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' RHS H3 806mm

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