From the scorching plains of Andalusia to the cool, wet valleys of Galicia, Spain presents one of Europe's most diverse and challenging gardening environments.
The country spans hardiness zones 7a to 11a, making it home to some of the continent's most extreme temperature variations. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, Spanish gardeners face unique challenges that require innovative solutions.
In this article, you will learn:
- Characteristics of Spain Planting Regions
- Challenges of Growing in Spain
- The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Spain
- Why Planta Greenhouses?
In recent years, Spain has been battling unprecedented heat waves, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in some regions, while parts of the north still contend with frost risks.
This climatic diversity makes Spanish gardening both fascinating and demanding.
Image from Plant Maps
Characteristics of Spain’s Planting Region
Spain's weather patterns significantly influence horticultural practices:
- Mediterranean climate in coastal areas, continental in the interior
- Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in many regions
- Mild winters along the coast, cold winters in central and northern areas
- Limited and irregular rainfall patterns
- Frequent heat waves, especially from June to September
- Strong regional winds like the Levante and Poniente
- Risk of late frosts in elevated areas
These weather patterns create challenges such as water stress, heat damage to plants, and the need for drought-resistant varieties. The primary growing season varies by region, from year-round cultivation possible in the south to a shorter 6-7 month season in the north.
Challenges of Growing in Spain
Extreme Heat
The most significant challenge for Spanish gardeners is managing summer temperatures that regularly exceed 40°C, which can damage or kill many plant varieties.
Water Scarcity
Irregular rainfall and frequent droughts require careful water management and irrigation systems, particularly in central and southern regions.
Strong Winds
Strong winds can damage plants and increase water evaporation in coastal and mountain areas, making protected growing spaces essential.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Spain
Utilizing a greenhouse in Spain offers gardeners crucial protection against extreme weather conditions while creating opportunities for year-round cultivation.
1. Extend your growing season
- Without a greenhouse:
The outdoor growing season varies significantly by region, with southern areas enjoying longer seasons but struggling with extreme heat, while northern regions face shorter growing periods due to cooler temperatures.
- With a greenhouse:
When properly managed, greenhouses in Spain can provide year-round growing conditions, with cooling systems for summer heat and protection from winter chill in northern regions.
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Plants
- Without a Greenhouse:
Spanish gardeners typically focus on heat-tolerant vegetables such as:
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- With a Greenhouse
A greenhouse in Spain allows for cultivation of temperature-sensitive crops throughout the year, 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
