Gardening by the Coast: What grows well in East Kent?

Gardening in Deal has its quirks and its perks! As someone who gardens both at home and on my allotment here, I’ve learned that our unique coastal climate shapes everything we grow, from veg to wildlife-friendly blooms.

We’re lucky in many ways. Deal’s position on the southeast coast means we enjoy mild winters compared to inland areas and of course, plenty of sunshine (especially by UK standards!) Coupled with this are sea breezes which help reduce frost risk but these can also turn into strong winds blowing in salty air  which can be tough on tender plants.

It’s a place where thoughtful planting really pays off. Here’s what I’ve learned about helping plants thrive in Deal, and which ones do especially well.

Coping with Coastal Conditions

Our biggest challenges here tend to be:

• Wind exposure – which can break stems, dry out soil, and leave plants stressed.

• Free-draining soil – great in winter, but can mean more watering in summer.

• Salt spray – especially nearer the seafront, which can scorch sensitive leaves.

My Top Plant Picks for Deal

Whether you’re gardening near the sea or just a little inland, these plants tend to do brilliantly in our local conditions:

• Hardy herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano thrive in the sun and don’t mind poor soil or sea air.

• Valerian (Centranthus ruber) – This tough, drought-tolerant perennial pops up in walls and gardens all over Deal. Bees love it!

• Lavender – Always a winner. It’s wind-tolerant, great for pollinators, and perfectly suited to Deal’s well-drained soils.

• Grasses – Like Stipa tenuissima or Miscanthus, which sway beautifully in the breeze and cope well with wind and dry soil.

• Sea holly (Eryngium) – A coastal classic with striking spiky flowers that bees adore.

• Sedums (now called Hylotelephium) – These succulents handle dry spells brilliantly and bloom late in the season, providing nectar when other flowers have faded.

• Shrubs like Escallonia, Hebe, and Elaeagnus – These are salt- and wind-tolerant, great for structure and shelter in exposed gardens.

• Mediterranean veg – Tomatoes, courgettes, and peppers love Deal’s sunny spells (just watch out for watering in dry weeks).