Newfoundland and Labrador Planting Zones

The island of Newfoundland and the mainland portion of Labrador together form the easterly province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Rugged coastlines, forests, lakes, rivers, rolling hills, and low mountains make up the landscape. Additionally, the region is home to seven different planting zones (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6).

In this article, you will learn:


It's worth noting that, unlike the USDA-designated planting zones, which are based exclusively on yearly average minimum temperatures, the Canadian zones are based on a broader range of climatic factors such as frost-free periods, rainfall, snowfall, and other variables.

Image from Natural Resources Canada

Characteristics of Newfoundland and Labrador Planting Region

The climate of Newfoundland and Labrador varies across the province. Northern Labrador is considered a polar tundra climate; southern Labrador experiences a subarctic climate, while the island of Newfoundland is classified as humid continental. Despite the variations in the climate, most areas of this province can expect cold winters and mild summers. 

In addition, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its severe and unpredictable weather, such as:

  • Flooding
  • Severe storms
  • High, damaging winds
  • Blizzards
  • Dense fog
  • Cold snaps

The growing season can vary dramatically across the province, but it’s typically short and mild throughout the region. In any case, it’s always best to check the specific frost dates for your area to plan accordingly.


Arial view of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Challenges of Growing in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Extreme and unpredictable weather

Newfoundland and Labrador regularly experience extreme weather conditions ranging from flooding to blizzards. Unfortunately, these weather events tend to be unpredictable, leaving gardeners with very little time to prepare and protect their crops. Therefore, greenhouse growing is recommended to avoid unexpected damage from the temperamental weather in this region.

2. Cool climate

The relatively cool climate presents another set of challenges for gardeners hoping to experiment with a wider variety of vegetables. Generally, heat-loving crops such as tomatoes and bell peppers won’t be able to grow solely outdoors in this province. Indoor growing or greenhouse growing is necessary to create the ideal environment for more warm-season crops.

3. Short growing season

​​Gardeners in this area face a variety of challenges due to the limited planting season. Without some type of indoor cultivation, many plants will likely struggle to mature in time, forcing gardeners to opt for more cool-hardy crops in an effort to avoid damage from early or late frosts.


Winter in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Newfoundland and Labrador

A greenhouse is an effective tool to lengthen your growing season in Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, it will help protect your garden from severe weather and allow you to maintain the ideal climate for your crops. Gardeners will also be able to experiment with a wide range of vegetables, flowers, and more, that typically struggle to grow outdoors in this region.


1. Extend your Growing Season

  • Without a Greenhouse:
    In Newfoundland and Labrador, the typical outdoor growing season can last anywhere from 21 to 120 days, depending on where you live in the province. Furthermore, for outdoor gardeners, the brief planting season and cool climatic conditions present several challenges. To mature in time for the season’s first frost, most plants will require some aspect of indoor growing.

  • With a Greenhouse:
    Greenhouse gardeners can expect to extend their growing season to 3-7 months or even year-round in warmer parts of the province. Gardeners in this area will also be able to grow more long-season and heat-loving crops without worrying about the threat of late frosts or unpredictable weather. So if you're searching for a reliable greenhouse kit in Newfoundland & Landrador, then don't hesitate to get in touch with the experts at Planta Greenhouses.

    Learn more about specific growing dates for your area and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Newfoundland and Labrador.

       

    Customer images from Hillview, Newfoundland and Labrador

    2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables 

    • Without a Greenhouse:
      Because of the province's short growing season and unpredictable weather extremes, many outdoor gardeners will need to choose cool-hardy and short-season plants. The following are some of the veggies that are suggested for the Newfoundland and Labrador climate:
    • Potatoes
    • Cabbage
    • Turnips
    • Carrots
    • Kale
    • Swiss Chard

     

    • With a Greenhouse:
      Gardeners will be able to expand their growing options and experiment with a far greater range of plants with the assistance of a Planta Greenhouse. The following are some of the vegetables that have been known to grow well in a greenhouse in this area:
    • Tomatoes
    • Spinach
    • Rhubarb
    • Asparagus
    • Fennel
    • Cucumbers
    • Bell Peppers
    • Onions
    • Chives
    • Oregano
    • Parsley
    • Artichoke
    • Leeks
    • Beets
    • Broccoli
    • Cauliflower
    • Zucchini
    • Lettuce
    • Squash
    • Pumpkin
    • Basil

    Bell Peppers growing in a greenhouse

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    Customer Stories From Newfoundland and Labrador

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