Growing Conditions · England
Milton Keynes Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Milton Keynes — across 16 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 (726mm a year), so established beds still need summer watering and drought-tolerant planting pays off. A typical UK growing season (~327 frost-free days), with the last frosts clearing through spring and first frosts returning in autumn.
Planting Calendar for Milton Keynes
Timings are guided by this area's ~327 frost-free days and RHS H4 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 | — | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK10 | heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK11 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK12 | free-draining alkaline loam | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK13 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK14 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK15 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK16 | fertile floodplain soil with a high water table | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK4 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK46 | free-draining alkaline loam | RHS H4 | 728mm |
| MK5 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK6 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK7 | loamy-clay with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK8 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| MK9 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 723mm |
| NN7 | alkaline clay loam with impeded drainage | RHS H4 | 763mm |
Planning work in Milton Keynes?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
