Image from USDA
Characteristics of North Dakota’s Planting Region
North Dakota’s climate is classified as continental, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The state’s geographic location in the Upper Midwest results in extreme weather patterns, creating unique growing conditions for gardeners.
As a gardener in North Dakota, you can expect:
- Cold winters: Average January temperatures range from -2°F to 17°F (-18.9°C to -8.3°C), with frequent subzero readings in the northern regions.
- Warm summers: July averages fall between 65°F and 85°F (18.3°C to 29.4°C), with occasional heatwaves.
- Short growing season: The frost-free period typically lasts from late May to mid-September, providing around 100-130 frost-free days depending on location.
- High wind and dry conditions: Strong winds and low humidity levels are common, especially during spring and early summer.
The state’s soil varies significantly, from fertile loams in the Red River Valley to sandy and less productive soils in the western regions. Frost dates and soil type differences influence planting choices and practices across North Dakota.
Challenges of Growing in North Dakota
Weather Extremes
North Dakota’s unpredictable weather can pose significant challenges. Late spring frosts, sudden summer hailstorms, and early autumn freezes are common occurrences that disrupt planting and harvest schedules.
Short Growing Season
With frost-free days being limited, gardeners often struggle to grow crops that require longer maturation times. Timing is crucial, and fast-maturing plant varieties are a must.
Soil Variability
While the Red River Valley boasts some of the richest agricultural soils in the world, other areas have sandy, alkaline, or clay-heavy soils. This diversity requires careful soil amendments and crop selection to ensure success.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in North Dakota
A greenhouse can dramatically improve gardening outcomes in North Dakota by mitigating many of the challenges posed by the state’s harsh climate:
1. Extend Your Growing Season
- Without a Greenhouse: Outdoor planting typically begins in late May and ends by mid-September.
- With a Greenhouse: Gardeners can start planting as early as March and continue well into October, or even grow year-round with supplemental heating. This allows for an extended harvest of cool-season crops like spinach and kale that might otherwise succumb to frost.
Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of North Dakota.
Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in North Dakota
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables
- Without a Greenhouse: Crops such as:
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Tomatoes Peppers Sweet corn Watermelons Peanuts |
Peaches Cucumbers Squash Cantaloupes Lima beans |
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With a Greenhouse:
You can create controlled environments to grow plants that might struggle outdoors, including:
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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 |
