Romania's geography, ranging from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea coast, creates diverse growing conditions across the country.
Romania spans 6 hardiness zones, from 5a in the mountainous areas to 8a along the coast. This diversity offers Romanian farmers and gardeners numerous options. However, it also presents unique challenges, requiring adaptability and creativity in their farming practices.
In this article, you will learn:
- Characteristics of Romania’s Planting Regions
- Challenges of Growing in Romania
- The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Romania
- Why Planta Greenhouses?
Romania's weather varies significantly depending on the region. Winters can be very cold, especially in the mountains where temperatures can drop to -25°C. Summers are generally warm across most of the country, with average temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
This range of temperatures allows farmers to grow many different types of crops. However, it also means they must be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Image from Plant Maps
Characteristics of Romania’s Planting Region
Different weather patterns shape Romania's farming areas:
- The climate is mostly continental, with some Mediterranean influence in the southwest
- Winter temperatures usually range from -3°C to 3°C, but can be much colder in the mountains
- Summer temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C, and can be higher in the southern plains
- Sometimes, there are heat waves where temperatures go above 35°C, especially in cities and southern areas
- Rainfall varies across the country, with more in the mountains and less in the southeast lowlands
These weather patterns create some difficulties for farmers. For example, there's a risk of late frosts in spring (sometimes as late as mid-May) and early frosts in fall (occasionally as early as late September). These frosts can damage crops and affect what farmers can grow.
In most parts of Romania, the growing season usually lasts from mid-April to late October. However, this season is shorter in mountainous areas as frost can happen later in spring and fall. The Black Sea coast has a slightly longer growing season, often from early April to early November.
Challenges of Growing in Romania
Unpredictable Temperature Changes
Romania's continental climate can cause sudden temperature shifts, which are especially harmful during spring and fall. Late spring frosts or early fall cold snaps can damage sensitive crops and young plants.
Different Soil Types and Quality
Romania has many different soil types, from fertile southern plains to more challenging mountain soil. Farmers must adjust their methods and choose different crops based on their local soil.
Effects of Climate Change
Romania is experiencing climate change, causing more frequent summer droughts and milder but often wetter winters. These changes force Romanian farmers to rethink their traditional growing methods and try new crop varieties.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Romania
Despite the weather challenges, Romanian farmers work hard to provide fresh produce all year round. Many growers use greenhouses to protect their crops from unexpected frosts and to grow for more months of the year. Here are some benefits of using greenhouses in Romania:
1. Extend your growing season
- Without a greenhouse:
In Romania, outdoor growing usually lasts only 6-7 months, typically from mid-April to late October. This limits what crops can be grown and leaves farmers vulnerable to early or late frosts.
- With a greenhouse:
Greenhouse growing in Romania can extend the season to 9-10 months in many areas. This controlled environment allows for almost year-round production of crops like tomatoes and peppers. Planting can start as early as late February, and harvests can continue into November.
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables
- Without a greenhouse:
Romanian outdoor gardeners often focus on tough vegetables that can handle changing weather, such as:
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- With a Greenhouse:
Greenhouse growing in Romania allows for a wider variety of crops, including:
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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
