Image from USDA
Characteristics of Virginia’s Planting Region
Virginia’s climate varies from humid subtropical in the east to humid continental in the west. This wide range creates multiple microclimates that influence planting timelines, greenhouse setup, and crop choices.
As a Virginia gardener, you can anticipate:
- Warm, humid summers with average highs from 85°F to 89°F (29°C to 32°C)
- Cold winters, particularly in the mountains, with lows from 10°F to 25°F (-12°C to -4°C)
- Annual precipitation of 40–50 inches, fairly consistent year-round
- Snowfall ranges from 5 inches (coastal) to over 35 inches (Appalachians)
- A growing season of 150 to 200 days, frost-free from mid-April to late October or early November
In general, gardeners in southern and eastern Virginia can expect earlier springs and longer harvest windows, while those in the Appalachian highlands work with shorter but equally fruitful seasons.
Challenges of Growing in Virginia
While the state's climate is friendly to gardeners, it presents a few obstacles that greenhouse owners can overcome:
- Unpredictable Temperature Swings: Virginia gardeners often face unexpected temperature shifts, especially in early spring or late fall. A sudden frost can stunt or kill young seedlings, while rapid heat fluctuations can stress mature plants. Here’s how to convert your greenhouse from winter to spring to better manage these shifts and protect your plants.
- High Humidity and Disease Pressure: Virginia’s humidity increases the risk of fungal infections, mildew, and root rot, especially for tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Check out our in-depth guide on soil improvement strategies to harvest healthier plants.
- Storms and Wind: Coastal and inland areas are susceptible to strong winds and storms. Hence, it is essential to protect your greenhouse in extreme weather conditions.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Virginia
Adding a greenhouse to your garden in Virginia can revolutionize your growing season and crop yield. Here are the interesting benefits of growing in a Greenhouse:
1. Extended Growing Season
- With a Greenhouse: Start planting in March and continue into November or beyond.
- Without a Greenhouse: Limited to spring and summer, with frost risks in early spring and late fall.
2. Climate and Pest Protection
- With a Greenhouse: Maintain stable temperatures and control humidity to reduce pest and disease pressure.
- Without a Greenhouse: Crops remain vulnerable to extreme heat, cold snaps, and excess rainfall.
3. Grow a Wider Range of Crops
Using a greenhouse dramatically expands the variety of crops you can grow in Virginia. Here's how your growing options compare.
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With a Greenhouse
Enjoy the flexibility to grow warm-season vegetables, tropical plants, and sensitive ornamentals year-round. With controlled temperatures and humidity, your greenhouse becomes a four-season growing haven.
| Crop Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Warm-season Vegetables | Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Okra |
| Leafy Greens | Lettuce, Kale, Arugula, Swiss Chard |
| Root Vegetables | Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Turnips |
| Herbs | Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Oregano, Mint |
| Citrus & Tropicals | Meyer Lemons, Limes, Bananas (potted), Pineapples (indoors), Figs |
| Flowers | Orchids, Hibiscus, Geraniums, Nasturtiums, Begonias |
Table of Contents: Crops You Can Grow in Virginia With a Greenhouse
Want to grow fresh peppers? Don’t miss our pepper-growing greenhouse guide.
- Without a Greenhouse
Your choices are more limited and seasonal. Outdoor planting relies on Virginia’s regional frost dates and exposes your crops to unpredictable weather.
| Crop Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cool-season Vegetables | Lettuce, Kale, Peas, Spinach, Cabbage |
| Root Vegetables | Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Turnips |
| Hardy Herbs | Thyme, Chives, Parsley, Sage |
| Flowers (Cold-tolerant) | Pansies, Coneflowers, Snapdragons, Calendula |
| Short-Season Crops | Bush Beans, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes (planted late spring) |
Table of Contents: Crops You Can Grow in Virginia Without a Greenhouse
Why Choose Planta Greenhouses for Virginia?
Planta Greenhouses are engineered to perform in all of Virginia’s climates—from snow-prone Appalachians to hurricane-exposed coastal regions.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Snow-load certified and wind-resistant designs.
- Efficient Insulation: Polycarbonate panels retain heat in winter and diffuse light in summer.
- Year-Round Gardening: Start seedlings early and grow food even in January.
- Custom Accessories: Add solar fans, shelving, and shade cloths for summer heat control.