Estonia encompasses a range of hardiness zones, from 5a in the eastern regions to 7a along the Baltic coast. Its unique planting zones influence agriculture and inspire Estonian gardeners to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and celebrate the country's rich plant heritage.
In this article, you will learn:
- Characteristics of Estonia’s Planting Regions
- Challenges of Growing in Estonia
- The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Estonia
- Why Planta Greenhouses?
Estonia experiences a temperate continental climate with strong maritime influences. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures dipping to -25°C in inland areas, while coastal regions enjoy slightly milder conditions.
Summers are generally cool, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C, providing a moderate environment for outdoor gardening during the warmer months.
Image from Plant Maps
Characteristics of Estonia’s Planting Regions
Estonia's climate shapes a diverse agricultural landscape:
- Temperate continental climate with maritime influences along the coast
- Winter temperatures often fall between -20°C and -5°C, with eastern areas experiencing the coldest conditions
- Cool summers, typically ranging from 15°C to 22°C
- Occasional heat waves may push temperatures above 28°C
- Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed, with a slight increase in autumn
The growing season spans from early May to late September, approximately 150-170 days in most areas
These conditions present Estonian gardeners and farmers with both opportunities and obstacles. Early autumn frosts can shorten the growing season, while cool summers may limit the types of crops that thrive outdoors.
Challenges of Growing in Estonia
Frosty Springs and Falls
Estonia's location brings the risk of late spring and early autumn frosts, which can damage tender plants and shorten the already brief growing season.
Limited Warm Weather
With cool summers and a growing season of about 150-170 days in most regions, Estonian gardeners face challenges in cultivating heat-loving plants and must carefully select cold-hardy varieties.
Coastal Challenges
Strong winds and salt spray in coastal areas can stress plants and complicate outdoor cultivation, requiring protective measures for sensitive crops.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Estonia
Greenhouses offer Estonian gardeners a way to overcome climatic limitations and expand their horticultural horizons. Let's explore the benefits of greenhouse gardening in Estonia.
Extend Your Growing Season
- Without a greenhouse:
In Estonia, outdoor cultivation is typically restricted to the period from early May to late September, roughly 150-170 days. This brief window limits the variety and yield of crops that can be grown successfully outdoors.
- With a greenhouse:
In many parts of Estonia, a greenhouse can extend the growing season to 8-9 months. This controlled setting allows many crops to be planted as early as March and harvested well into November, nearly doubling the traditional growing period.
Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables
- Without a greenhouse:
Outdoor gardening in Estonia is best suited to cold-tolerant plants such as:
|
|
- With a Greenhouse:
A greenhouse environment enables Estonian gardeners to successfully grow a much wider array of plants, including:
|
|
|
Why Planta Greenhouses?
- Wind resistant up to 100 km/h (learn more about how our greenhouses hold up in high-altitude climates).
- Withstands a snow load of up to 480kg per square meter.
- Made with a heavy-duty galvanized steel frame.
- Polycarbonate panels provide 100% protection against UV rays.
- The Sungrow greenhouse is bell-shaped - allowing the wind, snow, and hail to slide off the sides.
- Extendable (Sungrow, Sigma, and Farmer models can be extended beyond 30 metres)
- Made in Europe and exclusively imported
- Maintenance-free
