Louisiana Planting Zones

Louisiana's rich alluvial soils and subtropical climate create one of North America's most distinctive growing environments where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico. 

From the humid bayous of the south to the gently rolling hills of the north, Louisiana encompasses four USDA hardiness zones—8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b—making it a year-round paradise for gardeners and farmers alike. 

The state's unique combination of heat, humidity, and lengthy growing season supports everything from traditional Creole tomatoes to exotic subtropical fruits.

In this article, you will learn: 

Centuries of agricultural tradition, influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures, have shaped Louisiana's gardening practices, creating a rich tapestry of cultivation methods and crop varieties uniquely adapted to the region's conditions.
 

Louisiana

Image from USDA

Characteristics of Louisiana’s Planting Region

Louisiana's climate is classified as humid subtropical, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. 

The state's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico significantly influences its weather patterns, creating ideal conditions for many heat-loving crops.

As a Louisiana gardener, you can expect:

  • Hot, humid summers with July temperatures averaging 81°F to 92°F (27.2°C to 33.3°C)
  • Mild winters, particularly in the south, with January averages ranging from 45°F to 55°F (7.2°C to 12.8°C)
  • Annual rainfall averaging 60-65 inches, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms
  • High humidity levels year-round
  • Potential hurricane impacts from June through November

The Louisiana growing season is remarkably long, ranging from 260 days in the north to nearly 350 days in coastal regions. This allows for multiple plantings of many crops throughout the year.

Challenges of Growing in Louisiana 

Extreme Heat and Humidity

Summer temperatures and humidity can stress even heat-loving plants, creating perfect conditions for the proliferation of fungal diseases and pests.

Heavy Rainfall

Frequent heavy rains can lead to soil saturation, root rot, and nutrient leaching. During severe weather events, some areas may experience flooding.

Pest Pressure 

The warm, humid climate supports year-round pest activity, from mosquitoes and fire ants to crop-specific pests like tomato hornworms and squash vine borers.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Louisiana 

While Louisiana offers one of the longest natural growing seasons in the continental United States, a greenhouse can transform your gardening possibilities in surprising ways.

1. Protect from Excessive Rainfall 

  • Without a Greenhouse: Heavy rains during the wet season can damage delicate plants and flowers and promote fungal growth. 
  • With a Greenhouse: Unlike northern states where greenhouses primarily extend the growing season, in Louisiana, they serve a different purpose: creating protected environments for crops that struggle with our intense heat, humidity, and rainfall.

Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Louisiana.

 

Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Louisiana

2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables Without a Greenhouse: 

  • Without a Greenhouse:  

Traditional Louisiana outdoor crops thrive from February through December, including:

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Sweet corn
  • Watermelons
  • Peanuts
  • Peaches
  • Cucumbers
  • Squash
  • Cantaloupes
  • Lima beans
  • With a Greenhouse: 

Expanding your growing options, you can create microclimates for plants that prefer slightly cooler or drier conditions. Try cultivating:

  • Spinach, 
  • Broccoli,
  • Cauliflower, 
  • Brussels sprouts, 
  • Tomatoes, 
  • Peppers,
  • Eggplant, 
  • Cucumbers
  • melons, 
  • Zucchini, 
  • Carrots, 
  • Beets, 
  • Radishes)
  • Collard greens)
  • Basil, 
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley,
  • Leaf lettuce varieties
  • Spinach
  • Arugula
  • Swiss chard
  • Kale
  • Microgreens

Why Planta Greenhouses?

For Louisiana, we recommend the following greenhouses:

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