Image from USDA
Characteristics of Pennsylvania’s Planting Region
Pennsylvania’s climate is considered humid continental, which means:
- Cold winters, especially in northern and mountainous areas
- Warm, humid summers, with temperatures averaging 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Precipitation year-round, averaging 40–45 inches (1016–1143 mm) annually
- First frost typically hits by mid-October, with the last frost ending around late April or early May, depending on the region
- Shorter growing season than southern states — about 130 to 180 frost-free days per year
Whether you're in Zone 5a in Erie or Zone 7b near Philadelphia, proper planning is key. Knowing your zone can help you decide when to plant, what to grow, and how to protect your crops.
Challenges of Growing in Pennsylvania
1. Shorter Growing Season
With frosts beginning as early as October and lingering until May in some parts, timing is everything. Many warm-season vegetables may not have enough time to fully mature outdoors without some protection.
2. Soil Differences
Soil quality varies from rich loams in the southeast to rockier, thinner soils in the Alleghenies. It’s important to test your soil’s pH and nutrients, especially if you're planting in new ground.
3. Pests and Wildlife
Deer, groundhogs, and rabbits are frequent garden raiders in rural and suburban areas. Common pests like cabbage worms and Japanese beetles can be damaging as well. Consider fencing and natural deterrents.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Pennsylvania
While outdoor gardening is viable for part of the year, a greenhouse can extend your season, protect sensitive crops, and maximize yield — especially in Pennsylvania’s unpredictable climate.
1. Extend Your Growing Season
- Without a Greenhouse: You're limited to planting cold-hardy crops in early spring and warm-season crops after the last frost.
- With a Greenhouse: Start seeds in February or March, and keep plants growing into late fall or early winter. Protect sensitive plants from sudden frosts or summer hail.
Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Pennsylvania.
Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Pennsylvania
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables Without a Greenhouse:
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Without a Greenhouse
Focus on cold- and warm-season crops with short maturity dates, like:
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Lettuce, Peas, Eggplant, |
Tomatoes, Beans, Zucchini |
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With a Greenhouse
You can try longer-maturing or temperature-sensitive varieties like:
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Cucumbers Spinach Kale Arugula Swiss chard Broccoli Cauliflower Peas |
Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Radishes Beets Turnips Celery Lettuce |
Bell peppers Eggplant Figs Green beans Asparagus Artichokes Kohlrabi Melons |
