Growing Conditions · England

Havering Growing Conditions

Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Havering — across 6 postcode districts.

RHS H4 heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter 727mm rain

Soil

A heavier, clay-rich soil that holds water through winter and can stay cold and wet into spring. It is fertile and moisture-retentive — good for hungry, thirsty plants and strong summer growth — but rewards raised beds, grit and plenty of organic matter to open it up, and planting is best held back until it dries out. Its winter wetness makes drainage and grading the first question on any lawn, patio or retaining-wall project here.

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 (727mm a year), so established beds still need summer watering and drought-tolerant planting pays off. A typical UK growing season (~330 frost-free days), with the last frosts clearing through spring and first frosts returning in autumn.

Planting Calendar for Havering

Sow indoors
February–March
Plant out
mid-May
Harvest
June–October

Timings are guided by this area's ~330 frost-free days and RHS H4 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.

Conditions by Postcode

PostcodeSoil HardinessRainfall
RM1 heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter RHS H4 727mm
RM11 heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter RHS H4 727mm
RM12 heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter RHS H4 727mm
RM13 fertile loam with a high water table RHS H4 727mm
RM15 fertile loam with a high water table RHS H4 727mm
RM3 heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter RHS H4 727mm

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