Growing Conditions · Northern Ireland

Derry City and Strabane Growing Conditions

Soil, hardiness and a planting calendar for Derry City and Strabane — across 5 postcode districts.

RHS H3 1264mm rain

Winter hardiness

A mild area rated RHS H3 — winters usually bottom out around -3°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 (1264mm 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 (~352 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 Derry City and Strabane

Sow indoors
January–February
Plant out
early May
Harvest
June–November

The long season allows a second sowing of quick crops in July.

Timings are guided by this area's ~352 frost-free days and RHS H3 hardiness; adjust for a cold or sheltered garden.

Conditions by Postcode

PostcodeSoil HardinessRainfall
BT48 RHS H3 1290mm
BT78 RHS H3 1224mm
BT79 RHS H3 1224mm
BT81 RHS H3 1290mm
BT82 RHS H3 1290mm

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