Isla del Príncipe Eduardo Planting Zones

The province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) is known for its rolling hills, red sandstone cliffs, fertile farmland, and stunning coastal views. Though Canada’s smallest province in both area and population, PEI is rich in agricultural heritage and natural beauty. It falls mainly within planting zones 5 and 6, with a climate heavily influenced by the surrounding waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait.

In this article, you will learn:

As with all Canadian provinces, it is essential to note that the plant hardiness zones in Canada differ from those used in the United States by the USDA system. Canadian classifications consider factors such as minimum temperatures, frost-free days, and precipitation patterns, and should not be directly compared to U.S. planting zones.
 

Image from Natural Resources Canada

Characteristics of Prince Edward Island Planting Region

Prince Edward Island has a temperate maritime climate, with moderate summers and cold but not extreme winters. Thanks to the surrounding ocean, the province experiences less variation in temperature compared to inland regions. The proximity to water also helps extend the frost-free period in coastal areas.

PEI is famously fertile, with rich red soil that’s high in iron oxide—ideal for agriculture. The island’s growing season typically runs from late May to early October, offering gardeners and farmers about 120 to 140 frost-free days per year.

Despite its small size, PEI’s growing conditions can vary slightly between coastal and inland areas, so it's always a good idea to consult local resources for precise planting dates.

Challenges of Growing in Prince Edward Island

1. Unpredictable Weather Patterns

PEI’s maritime climate can bring sudden weather changes. Coastal winds, unexpected frosts, and heavy rains can disrupt planting and harvesting schedules.

2. High Humidity and Pests

The island's humidity can make crops more susceptible to fungal diseases and increase the presence of pests such as slugs, aphids, and wireworms.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Prince Edward Island

While PEI’s outdoor growing season is relatively generous by Canadian standards, using a greenhouse can help stabilize your growing environment, allowing for more consistent harvests and an expanded range of crops.

1. Extend your Growing Season

  • Without a Greenhouse:
    Most outdoor crops are limited to a 4–5-month window due to the risk of frost.
  • With a Greenhouse:
    You can add an extra 2–4 months to your season, especially helpful for heat-loving plants and early starts.

PEI’s long daylight hours in summer and relatively mild springs and falls make it ideal for greenhouse growing.

Greenhouse from a customer in Prince Edward Island

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

These hardy crops typically do well outdoors on the Island:

Turnips

Swiss Chard

Spinach

Radishes

Lettuce

Kale

Beets

Peas

 

With a Greenhouse:
A protected space opens the door to more delicate or heat-loving vegetables, such as:

Recommended vegetables for greenhouse growing include:

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Cucumbers

Onions

Leeks

Bell Peppers

Pumpkins

Gourds

Squash

Zucchini

Tomatoes

Watermelon

Cantaloupe

Herbs

Sweet Corn

Eggplant

Potatoes

Carrots

  • Invernaderos Sungrow
    Los invernaderos Sungrow tienen un diseño único, moderno y resistente. Diseñados para la agricultura doméstica en climas severos, los invernaderos Sungrow resisten la nieve y el viento como ningún otro.
    View Invernaderos Sungrow
  • Invernaderos Sigma
    Los invernaderos Sigma tienen un aspecto tradicional con un diseño moderno, robusto y sorprendente. La nieve, el viento y el frío del invierno no son un problema para el invernadero Sigma. Acero galvanizado y policarbonato de la más alta calidad.
    View Invernaderos Sigma
Back to Zonas de plantación