Growing Conditions · England
East Devon Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for East Devon — across 13 postcode districts.
Soil
A workable loam-to-clay that drains slowly, so water can pond after heavy rain and roots sit cold in winter. Most shrubs and perennials do well once established; add grit and compost for vegetables, and choose damp-tolerant plants for low spots. Landscaping projects should plan for falls, French drains or soakaways so paving and lawns shed water.
Winter hardiness
Rated RHS H4 — the UK mainstream, with winter lows near -6°C. The vast majority of garden plants, perennials, shrubs and trees come through a normal winter unprotected; only genuinely tender exotics need a warm corner or cover.
Rain & growing season
A wet climate (1048mm a year): plants rarely go thirsty, but lean on good drainage, disease-resistant varieties and falls that shed water off paving and lawns. A long growing season (~350 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 East Devon
The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.
Timings are guided by this area's ~350 frost-free days and RHS H4 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| EX1 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 1157mm |
| EX10 | acid clay loam, seasonally wet | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| EX11 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| EX12 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| EX14 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| EX15 | fertile loam with a high water table | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| EX2 | light, fast-draining sandy soil | RHS H4 | 1157mm |
| EX24 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| EX4 | free-draining floodplain loam | RHS H4 | 1157mm |
| EX5 | light, fast-draining sandy soil | RHS H4 | 1157mm |
| EX8 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 1157mm |
| EX9 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 980mm |
| TA3 | thin, alkaline soil over chalk | RHS H4 | 980mm |
Planning work in East Devon?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
