Missouri Planting Zones

Missouri’s diverse landscape, ranging from the rolling Ozark Mountains to the fertile plains of the Mississippi River, provides a rich environment for gardening and farming across its 69,715 square miles. 

The state’s varied geography spans five USDA planting zones: 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b. This range offers ample opportunities for cultivating various plants, from cold-hardy perennials in the north to warm-season crops in the south.
In this article, you will learn: 

Whether growing tomatoes in St. Louis or tending a vineyard in the Ozarks, understanding Missouri’s unique climate is key to gardening success. 

The state’s agricultural heritage, highlighted by its famous soybeans and corn, showcases its productive growing conditions.

Missouri

Image from USDA

Characteristics of Missouri’s Planting Region

Missouri’s climate is primarily humid continental, with some southern regions transitioning into a humid subtropical zone. The state’s location in the central U.S. creates a mix of weather patterns, including significant seasonal temperature variations.

As a gardener in the Show-Me State, you can expect:

  • Hot, humid summers, with July temperatures averaging between 75°F and 90°F (23.9°C to 32.2°C).
  • Cold winters, especially in northern areas, where January averages range from 15°F to 35°F (-9.4°C to 1.7°C).
  • A moderate growing season, generally spanning April to October.
  • Severe weather risks, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and occasional flooding.

Missouri’s diverse soils, from the loamy plains to the rocky Ozarks, create distinct microclimates that affect plant growth. Most regions experience frost-free days from mid-April through mid-October, providing a suitable window for cultivating various crops.

Challenges of Growing in Missouri 

Weather Extremes

Missouri’s unpredictable weather patterns, including late frosts and sudden heatwaves, can disrupt planting schedules and damage crops. Tornadoes and severe storms are also a concern during the growing season.

Soil Diversity

The state’s soil types range from fertile loams in river valleys to rocky and acidic soils in the Ozarks. This variability requires gardeners to adapt practices, such as amending soils or selecting appropriate plants for their region.

Pests and Diseases

Hot, humid summers create favorable conditions for pests like Japanese beetles and fungal diseases, which can harm both ornamental and edible plants.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Missouri 

While Missouri’s climate offers plenty of opportunities for gardening, a greenhouse can significantly enhance your growing potential:

1. Extend Your Growing Season 

  • Without a Greenhouse: Outdoor planting typically starts in mid-April and ends by mid-October in most parts of Missouri. 

  • With a Greenhouse: Gardeners can start planting as early as February and continue harvesting well into November, or even grow year-round in some cases. This extended season is ideal for cool-weather crops like lettuce and spinach that thrive outside Missouri’s summer heat.

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

Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Missouri

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

  • Without a Greenhouse:  Missouri’s outdoor conditions are well-suited for traditional crops like:

  • Tomatoes

  • Peppers

  • Sweet corn

  • Watermelons

  • Peanuts

  • Peaches

  • Cucumbers

  • Squash

  • Cantaloupes

  • Lima beans

  • With a Greenhouse: 

You can create controlled environments to grow plants that might struggle outdoors, including:

  • Arugula,

  • Spinach, 

  • Broccoli,

  • Cauliflower, 

  • Brussels sprouts, 

  • Tomatoes, 

  • Peppers,

  • Eggplant, Cucumbers, environment)

  • melons, 

  • Zucchini, 

  • Carrots, 

  • Beets, 

  • Radishes)

  • Kale, 

  • Swiss chard,

  • Collard greens)

  • Basil, 

  • Cilantro

  • Parsley,

  • Rosemary,

  • Thyme, 

  • Green beans, Green onions,

  • Leeks)

  • Lemons,

  • Limes,

  • Kumquats,

  • Figs

 

Why Planta Greenhouses?

For Missouri, we recommend the following greenhouses:

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