Right plant, right place
The single most important principle in gardening. In Kent and Sussex, where soil types change dramatically within a few miles, matching your plants to your conditions is the foundation of everything.
Know your soil before you buy a single plant
Most gardening failures come from ignoring soil type. A plant that thrives on the chalk soils of the South Downs will struggle on Wealden clay — and vice versa. Before you spend money on plants, spend an afternoon understanding what you're working with.
A simple soil test kit (available from any garden centre for a few pounds) will tell you your pH — the single most useful piece of information you can have. Combine that with observing how quickly your soil drains after rain, and you'll have everything you need to make good planting decisions.
For local inspiration, the gardens at Great Dixter in East Sussex and Sissinghurst in Kent are both masterclasses in right plant, right place — and both are open to visitors. Both gardens are built on an intimate understanding of their specific soil conditions.
South-east soil types at a glance
Chalk and downland soils
South Downs, North Downs, downland villages of East Sussex · pH 7.5–8+
Thin, alkaline, free-draining. Warms up fast in spring but dries quickly in summer.
Loves
Lavender, clematis, rosemary, Mediterranean herbs, bearded iris, scabious, knapweed
Avoid
Acid-loving plants: rhododendrons, camellias, pieris, blueberries
Wealden clay
Low Weald of Kent and Sussex, between the two Downs · pH 6.5–7
Heavy, moisture-retentive, fertile. Waterlogged in winter, bakes hard in drought.
Loves
Roses, dahlias, fruit trees, hostas, astilbes, ligularia
Avoid
Mediterranean plants needing sharp drainage: lavender, rosemary, cistus
Sandy coastal soils
Coastal Sussex and Kent, Romney Marsh fringes · pH 5.5–6.5
Light, free-draining, low fertility. Salt winds add an extra challenge.
Loves
Sea holly, agapanthus, ornamental grasses, tamarisk, escallonia, sea buckthorn
Avoid
Heavy feeders and moisture-lovers: hostas, astilbes, most vegetables without amendment
Tips on this topic
Right plant, right place: the one rule that changes everything in a Kent or Sussex garden
From chalk downland to heavy Wealden clay, our region has some of the most varied soils in England. Match your plants to your conditions and you'll spend far less time watering, feeding, and replacing failures.
Read tipPlant now for the best spring display: autumn bulbs and perennials for Kent and Sussex gardens
Autumn is the most important planting season in the south-east. Get these in the ground before the first frosts and your garden will reward you from February through to May.
Read tip