Growing Conditions · England
Kingston upon Thames Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Kingston upon Thames — across 7 postcode districts.
Soil
A naturally wet, strongly acid sandy loam — boggy heathland soil that stays damp much of the year. It grows heathers, acid-loving shrubs and moisture-lovers well, but most vegetables and lawns need raised beds and drainage. Any hardscaping must be laid to drain, on a base that copes with a high water table.
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 Kingston upon Thames
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
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT1 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| KT2 | wet, very acid sandy loam | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| KT3 | fertile loam with a high water table | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| KT5 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| SW15 | wet, very acid sandy loam | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| SW20 | wet, very acid sandy loam | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| TW10 | fertile floodplain soil with a high water table | RHS H4 | 727mm |
Planning work in Kingston upon Thames?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
