Growing Conditions · England
South Hams Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for South Hams — across 13 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
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 (1204mm 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 South Hams
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL20 | shallow, free-draining acid loam over rock | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| PL21 | fertile loam with a high water table | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| PL8 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ10 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ11 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ12 | free-draining floodplain loam | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ13 | wet, very acid upland soil with a peaty top | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ3 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ5 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ6 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ7 | free-draining acid loam — the classic 'good garden soil' | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ8 | free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
| TQ9 | free-draining, fertile near-neutral loam | RHS H3 | 1204mm |
Planning work in South Hams?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
