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Plant Nurseries
Meadow Grange Nursery
Whitstable, Kent
01227 471205 View
A small number of plant nurseries are listed for Kent, spread across the county rather than gathered in one place. Canterbury has a couple, and there are others near Swanley in the north west, Ashford in the middle of the county, Tunbridge Wells on the Sussex side and Whitstable on the north coast.
Names include Stone Farm Nursery and Preston Nursery, both listed in Canterbury, Victoriana Nursery in Ashford and Plantbase in Tunbridge Wells. Nurseries tend to be more specialist than general garden centres, so it makes sense to look at what each one grows before making a special journey, especially if there is a particular plant on the shopping list. Some may open seasonally or on set days, and some sell mainly by mail order, so checking each nursery's own website or calling ahead is a good idea. The postcodes in the listings show which is nearest.
Where they are: Canterbury (2), Ashford (1), Swanley (1), Tunbridge Wells (1), Whitstable (1).
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Plant Nurseries
Plantbase
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
No phone on file View
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Plant Nurseries
Preston Nursery
Canterbury, Kent
No phone on file View
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Plant Nurseries
Stone Farm Nursery
Canterbury, Kent
No phone on file View
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Plant Nurseries
Victoriana Nursery
Ashford, Kent
01233 740529 View
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Plant Nurseries
Wood Street Nursery
Swanley, Kent
No phone on file View
Gardening in Kent
Kent's soils change sharply across the county. The North Downs are chalk, much of the Weald is heavy clay, and the High Weald around Tunbridge Wells has sandstone with acid soils in parts, which suits rhododendrons and camellias. East Kent and the north coast are among the drier and sunnier parts of England, while the Weald can hold frost in its valleys. Fruit has long been grown here, and many gardens can support apples, pears and plums. Before buying from a nursery, know your soil type and whether the garden is exposed, so you can pick plants that will settle rather than struggle.
How to choose a plant nursery in Kent
The main advantage of a nursery over a garden centre is that plants are often grown on site, or at least bought young and grown on. Ask how much of the stock is their own and whether it has been raised outdoors in Kent, since that tends to give tougher, better adapted plants. A specialist nursery should be happy to explain growing needs in detail and suggest varieties for chalk, clay or acid sand. Look for clear labels with full botanical names. For fruit trees, ask about rootstocks and pollination. Mail order nurseries should explain how plants are packed and what happens if they arrive damaged.
Plant Nurseries in Kent: your questions answered
How many plant nurseries are listed in Kent?
Garden UK lists 6 plant nurseries in Kent, spread across 5 towns and villages including Canterbury, Ashford, Swanley. Each listing shows the address and contact details on file, and owners can claim their listing to add opening hours and photos.
What is the difference between a plant nursery and a garden centre?
A nursery mainly grows and sells plants, often raising them on site, while a garden centre sells a wider range of products such as tools, compost and furniture. Nurseries usually offer more specialist varieties and detailed growing advice.
What fruit trees grow well in Kent?
Apples, pears, plums, cherries and cobnuts have all been grown in Kent for centuries. Choose a rootstock to suit the space and check pollination partners, as many apples need another variety flowering nearby to set fruit.
Is Tunbridge Wells soil acid?
Parts of the High Weald around Tunbridge Wells have acid, sandy soils over sandstone, which suit rhododendrons, camellias and heathers. Soils change quickly in Kent, so a soil test is the safest way to confirm before planting.
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