Latvia encompasses 3 hardiness zones, ranging from 5a in the eastern regions to 7a along the Baltic coast.
Latvia's unique zones don't just influence agriculture – they inspire gardeners to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and celebrate the country's rich plant heritage.
In this article, you will learn:
- Characteristics of Latvia’s Planting Regions
- Challenges of Growing in Latvia
- The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Latvia
- Why Planta Greenhouses?
Latvia experiences a temperate climate with significant maritime influence. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures plummeting to -25°C in inland areas, while coastal regions enjoy slightly milder conditions.
Summers are generally cool, with average temperatures hovering between 15°C and 19°C, providing a moderate environment for outdoor gardening during the warmer months.
Image from Plant Maps
Characteristics of Latvia’s Planting Regions
Latvia's climate shapes a unique agricultural landscape:
- Temperate climate with strong maritime effects on the coast
- Winter temperatures often dip between -20°C and -5°C, with eastern areas experiencing the coldest conditions
- Cool summers, typically ranging from 15°C to 19°C
- Rare heat waves might push temperatures above 28°C
- Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed, with a slight increase in autumn
- The growing season typically spans from early May to late September, approximately 150 days in most areas
These conditions present Latvian 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 Latvia
Frosty Springs and Falls
Latvia'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 days in most regions, Latvian 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 Latvia
Greenhouses offer Latvian gardeners a way to overcome climatic limitations and expand their horticultural horizons. Let's explore the benefits of greenhouse gardening in Latvia.
Extend Your Growing Season
- Without a greenhouse:
In Latvia, outdoor cultivation is typically restricted to the period from early May to late September, roughly 150 days. This brief window limits the variety and yield of crops that can be grown successfully outdoors.
- With a greenhouse:
In many parts of Latvia, 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 Latvia is best suited to cold-tolerant plants such as:
- Potatoes
- Rye
- Barley
- Carrots
- Beets
- Kale
- With a Greenhouse:
A greenhouse environment enables Latvian gardeners to successfully grow a much wider array of plants, 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