Growing Conditions · England
Richmond upon Thames Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Richmond upon Thames — across 5 postcode districts.
Soil
The soil most gardeners wish for: a free-draining, slightly acid loam that warms early in spring and rarely waterlogs. It suits the widest range of planting — vegetables, perennials, shrubs and trees — and asks little beyond an annual mulch to keep its structure. Because it drains freely it can dry in a hot summer, so new plants, pots and lawns benefit from steady watering through July and August. For patios, paths and walls its stability makes for straightforward foundations.
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 Richmond 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW13 | wet, very acid sandy loam | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| SW14 | heavy, base-rich clay loam that sits wet in winter | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| TW11 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| TW12 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H4 | 727mm |
| TW9 | fertile loam with a high water table | RHS H4 | 727mm |
Planning work in Richmond upon Thames?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
