Growing Conditions · England
Plymouth Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Plymouth — across 8 postcode districts.
Soil
A shallow, free-draining acid loam over hard rock. It warms fast and rarely waterlogs, but dries quickly and offers limited rooting depth — ideal for drought-tolerant and acid-loving planting, with mulch to conserve moisture. Rock near the surface can complicate deep footings and tree planting.
Winter hardiness
A mild area rated RHS H3 — winters usually bottom out around -4°C. Most hardy plants are safe, and you can grow half-hardy exotics that fail further north, but the occasional hard frost means tender plants still want a sheltered wall or winter fleece.
Rain & growing season
A wet climate (1241mm 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 (~363 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 Plymouth
The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.
Timings are guided by this area's ~363 frost-free days and RHS H3 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL1 | shallow, free-draining acid loam over rock | RHS H3 | 1263mm |
| PL2 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1263mm |
| PL3 | shallow, free-draining acid loam over rock | RHS H3 | 1263mm |
| PL4 | free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam | RHS H3 | 1263mm |
| PL5 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1263mm |
| PL6 | shallow, free-draining acid loam over rock | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| PL7 | shallow, free-draining acid loam over rock | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| PL9 | shallow, free-draining acid loam over rock | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
Planning work in Plymouth?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
