Growing Conditions · Northern Ireland
Ards and North Down Growing Conditions
Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Ards and North Down — across 9 postcode districts.
Winter hardiness
A mild area rated RHS H3 — winters usually bottom out around -1°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 (1109mm 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 (~365 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 Ards and North Down
The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.
Timings are guided by this area's ~365 frost-free days and RHS H3 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.
Conditions by Postcode
| Postcode | Soil | Hardiness | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT16 | — | RHS H3 | 1096mm |
| BT18 | — | RHS H3 | 1125mm |
| BT19 | — | RHS H3 | 1125mm |
| BT20 | — | RHS H3 | 1125mm |
| BT21 | — | RHS H3 | 1125mm |
| BT22 | — | RHS H3 | 1096mm |
| BT23 | — | RHS H3 | 1096mm |
| BT24 | — | RHS H3 | 1096mm |
| BT30 | — | RHS H3 | 1096mm |
Planning work in Ards and North Down?
Browse Companies House-registered landscaping businesses in the area.
