Finland encompasses five hardiness zones (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7), showcasing a varied climate across the country.
From the frigid Zone 3 in the north to the comparatively milder Zone 7 in the southwestern coastal areas, Finland presents both opportunities and challenges for gardeners and farmers.
In this article, you will learn:
- Characteristics of Finland’s Planting Regions
- Challenges of Growing in Finland
- The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Finland
- Why Planta Greenhouses?
Finland's climate diversity spans several growing zones, with average annual minimum temperatures ranging from a bitter -40°C in the northernmost regions (Zone 3) to a more moderate -17°C in the southwestern coastal areas (Zone 7).
Understanding these zones is crucial for successful gardening in Finland. It aids in maximizing your growing season and selecting suitable plants for your specific area, ensuring a thriving garden regardless of location.
Characteristics of Finland’s Planting Region
Finland's climate exhibits a variety of weather patterns across its diverse landscape, including:
- Long, dark winters in the north
- Mild, bright summers nationwide
- Frequent rainfall in the southern and central regions
- Extended periods of snow cover in Lapland
- Occasional heatwaves in the south
- Sudden temperature fluctuations in spring and autumn
The country's unique geography, including its numerous lakes and forests, also influences local microclimates and presents distinct gardening challenges.
The main growing season in most of Finland typically runs from late May to early September. During this period, temperatures are generally mild, and daylight hours are long, sometimes extending to nearly 24 hours in the north.
However, the growing season can be significantly shorter in northern regions due to prolonged winters and early frosts.
Challenges of Growing in Finland
Short Growing Seasons and Long Winters
Overcoming the challenges of brief frost-free periods, especially in northern regions, requires careful plant selection and meticulous timing of planting and harvesting.
Extreme Temperature Variations
Finland's climate can shift dramatically between seasons and even within short periods, needing adaptable gardening techniques and hardy plant varieties.
Limited Sunlight in Winter
The scarcity of daylight during winter, particularly in northern areas, poses challenges for year-round cultivation and necessitates supplemental lighting solutions.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Finland
Employing greenhouses in Finland offers substantial benefits, particularly given the country's short growing season, harsh winters, and limited sunlight during colder months.
Greenhouses provide crucial protection against Finland's challenging climate, significantly extending the growing period and enabling year-round cultivation of a diverse range of crops.
1. Extend your growing season
- Without a greenhouse:
The outdoor growing season in Finland typically lasts 3 to 4 months, from June through August or early September. Many vegetables require a longer maturation, making outdoor cultivation challenging without protection.
- With a greenhouse:
Greenhouses in Finland can extend the growing season substantially, often allowing cultivation from April through October or even year-round with proper heating and lighting. This controlled environment shields plants from harsh conditions, enabling growth and productivity beyond the standard outdoor season.
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables
- Without a Greenhouse:
Given Finland's short growing season and cool climate, outdoor gardens are typically limited to cold-hardy vegetables. Some suitable options include:
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- With a Greenhouse:
A greenhouse in Finland dramatically expands your vegetable growing options, allowing you to cultivate warmth-loving crops. Here are some examples of vegetables you can grow in a greenhouse in Finland:
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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
