Growing Conditions · England
Chichester Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Chichester — across 13 postcode districts.
Soil
A free-draining but strongly acid sandy loam, low in nutrients and prone to drought. It is heathland soil — perfect for heathers, conifers, rhododendrons and blueberries — but needs generous feeding, mulching and watering for vegetables, and lime to broaden what will grow. Stable and easy to work for paths and patios.
Winter hardiness
A mild area rated RHS H3 — winters usually bottom out around -5°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 (802mm a year) — enough for most gardens without heavy irrigation, though pots and new plantings need watering in summer. A long growing season (~344 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 Chichester
The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.
Timings are guided by this area's ~344 frost-free days and RHS H3 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| GU27 | very acid, free-draining sandy loam | RHS H3 | 806mm |
| GU28 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 806mm |
| GU29 | very acid, free-draining sandy loam | RHS H3 | 806mm |
| GU30 | light, fast-draining sandy soil | RHS H3 | 806mm |
| GU31 | light, fast-draining sandy soil | RHS H3 | 817mm |
| GU33 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 817mm |
| GU6 | fertile loam with a high water table | RHS H4 | 755mm |
| GU8 | very acid, free-draining sandy loam | RHS H4 | 755mm |
| PO10 | fertile loam with a high water table | RHS H3 | 817mm |
| PO19 | fertile floodplain soil with a high water table | RHS H3 | 806mm |
| PO9 | heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter | RHS H3 | 817mm |
| RH14 | heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter | RHS H3 | 806mm |
| RH20 | light, fast-draining sandy soil | RHS H3 | 806mm |
Planning work in Chichester?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
