Growing Conditions · England
East Hertfordshire Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for East Hertfordshire — across 13 postcode districts.
Soil
A fertile, lime-rich clay loam that drains slowly and holds winter wet. It grows strong summer crops and chalk-tolerant planting, but acid-lovers need ericaceous beds, and vegetables want grit and organic matter. Plan drainage and falls for paving and lawns, as water lingers after heavy rain.
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
One of the drier parts of the country (703mm a year), so established beds still need summer watering and drought-tolerant planting pays off. A typical UK growing season (~329 frost-free days), with the last frosts clearing through spring and first frosts returning in autumn.
Planting Calendar for East Hertfordshire
Timings are guided by this area's ~329 frost-free days and RHS H4 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL6 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| AL9 | acid clay loam, seasonally wet | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| CM19 | free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| CM20 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| CM21 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| CM22 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| CM23 | free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| SG11 | thin, alkaline soil over chalk | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| SG12 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| SG14 | free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| SG2 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| SG3 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
| SG9 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 703mm |
Planning work in East Hertfordshire?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
