Growing Conditions · England
Dover Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Dover — across 6 postcode districts.
Soil
A free-draining, lime-rich loam — fertile and easy to work, but alkaline, so iron-hungry acid-lovers (rhododendrons, camellias, blueberries) struggle without ericaceous raised beds. It suits most vegetables, herbs and chalk-tolerant ornamentals. Free-draining and firm underfoot, it makes straightforward foundations.
Winter hardiness
A mild area rated RHS H3 — winters usually bottom out around -2°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
One of the drier parts of the country (739mm a year), so established beds still need summer watering and drought-tolerant planting pays off. A long growing season (~364 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 Dover
The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.
Timings are guided by this area's ~364 frost-free days and RHS H3 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT13 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 722mm |
| CT14 | coastal flat soil, high water table, some salt | RHS H3 | 722mm |
| CT15 | free-draining alkaline loam | RHS H3 | 722mm |
| CT16 | free-draining alkaline loam | RHS H3 | 722mm |
| CT17 | free-draining alkaline loam | RHS H3 | 722mm |
| CT18 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H3 | 825mm |
Planning work in Dover?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
