Carlow’s climate significantly influences gardening, featuring comfortable summers but notably long, very cold, wet, and windy winters, often with widespread frost. This means plants must be hardy, or suitable protection is required. The county's generous rainfall contributes to its lush, green landscapes but can also lead to waterlogged conditions in certain soil types, particularly heavy clay.
Soil in Carlow varies; while the lowlands boast deep, fertile soils, areas around the Castlecomer Plateau can have poorly drained or degraded soils, and peat is found at higher elevations near the Blackstairs Mountains. A professional Gardener in Carlow will understand how to amend your soil for optimal plant health, from improving drainage in clay to enriching sandy or peaty grounds. Common pests like slugs, snails, and aphids also thrive in our moist conditions, requiring ongoing vigilance and management.