Norway spans six hardiness zones (3 to 8), reflecting its expansive latitude range and varied topography. The country stretches from temperate southern coasts to arctic northern regions, creating a spectrum of growing conditions.
Gardeners and farmers encounter diverse challenges, from the harsh Zone 3 in northern inland areas to the milder Zone 8 along the southwestern coast.
In this article, you will learn:
- Characteristics of Norway’s Planting Regions
- Challenges of Growing in Norway
- The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Norway
- Why Planta Greenhouses?
Norway's climate varies dramatically from south to north, with average winter lows fluctuating significantly across its zones.
The coldest Zone 3 areas in the northern interior can experience below -40°C, while the mildest Zone 8 areas along the southern coast may only drop to -12°C.
Understanding these zones is crucial for successful plant cultivation in Norway, whether you're managing a berry farm in the fjords or tending to a vegetable garden in the Oslo region.
Image from Plant Maps
Characteristics of Norway’s Planting Region
Norway's climate presents a complex array of weather patterns across its elongated geography, including:
- Midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter in northern regions
- Gulf Stream influence moderating coastal temperatures
- Frequent precipitation along the western coast
- Cold, dry winters in eastern inland areas
- Cool summers in most of the country, with occasional heat waves
- Extended daylight hours during the growing season, even in southern areas
The primary growing season in southern Norway typically lasts about five months, from mid-May to mid-October. During this period, temperatures are generally suitable for plant growth, and most regions receive adequate rainfall.
Due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, coastal areas in southwestern Norway often enjoy a longer frost-free period, extending up to six months from April to October.
In contrast, northern and high-altitude areas may have an extremely brief growing season of just 2-3 months in summer, with frost possible even in July.
Challenges of Growing in Norway
Arctic Conditions and Limited Sunlight
Gardening in northern regions involves managing extreme cold and 24-hour darkness in winter. This requires selecting ultra-hardy plant varieties, using artificial lighting, and carefully planning crop cycles to maximize the short growing season.
Coastal Winds and Salt Exposure
Norway's extensive coastline exposes many gardens to strong, salt-laden winds. Gardeners must implement windbreaks, choose salt-tolerant plants, and use protective structures to shield sensitive crops from wind damage and salt spray.
Varied Soil Conditions
Norway's geology results in various soil types, from acidic peat in some areas to thin, rocky soils in others. Cultivators need to conduct soil tests, amend soil as necessary, and select plants suited to local soil conditions to ensure successful growth.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Norway
Employing greenhouses in Norway offers significant benefits, especially given its long, dark winters, short growing seasons, and challenging weather conditions.
Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that mitigates the difficulties of Norway's harsh climate, enabling extended cultivation periods across the country's varied landscape.
1. Extend your growing season
- Without a greenhouse:
In northern Norway, the outdoor growing season can be extremely brief, often lasting only 2-3 months in summer. Many crops struggle with the cold temperatures, limited sunlight, and unpredictable weather typical of subarctic environments.
- With a greenhouse:
Greenhouses in northern areas of Norway can dramatically extend the growing season, potentially allowing cultivation for 5-6 months, from April through September, even at high altitudes.
They protect from harsh weather, supplement natural light, and create a more favorable environment for various plants.
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables
- Without a Greenhouse:
Given Norway's challenging climate, outdoor cultivation often requires selecting highly hardy plants. Here are some typical crops for outdoor growing in different parts of Norway:
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- With a Greenhouse:
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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
