Long Growing Seasons, Balanced Climate
USDA Zone 7 is an exceptional climate for greenhouse gardening. Featuring moderate winters, long natural growing seasons, and hot summers, it offers the perfect environment to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and tropicals with minimal seasonal adjustments.
Zone 7 includes parts of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. Greenhouse growers in Zone 7 can easily maintain continuous production year-round with proper planning and light winter heating.
Zone 7 Climate Overview
Average Winter Temperatures
Zone 7 winter lows typically drop down between 0°F and 10°F.
Growing Season Length
Gardeners here enjoy long, vibrant growing seasons, giving them early spring planting windows and exceptionally long autumn harvest options.
Frost Dates
- Average last frost occurs from March to April
- Average first frost occurs from October to November
Zone 7 Greenhouse Growing Calendar
January–February
- Start peppers and onions
- Begin early tomato seedlings
- Maintain steady greenhouse heating
March–April
- Seed cucumbers and squash
- Move cool-season crops outside
- Increase greenhouse ventilation
May–June
- Peak growing season begins
- Open exhaust shutters
- Transition to daily watering
July–August
- Start fall vegetable varieties
- Monitor greenhouse temperatures carefully
September–October
- Plant cool-season greens
- Extend tomato harvests
November–December
- Protect tender plants from freezing temperatures
- Keep cold-hardy lettuce and spinach varieties going strong indoors
Heating a Greenhouse in Zone 7
Zone 7 winters are moderate compared to northern states, but seasonal greenhouse heating is still required during freezing winter nights to protect warm-season crops or sensitive perennials.
Popular Heating Options
Vented gas, propane, and electric heaters are all popular choices for keeping winter temperatures stable. Here at ACF Greenhouses, our recommended choices include:
Ventilation Tips for Zone 7 Greenhouses
Zone 7 summers can quickly become intensely hot and humid. To prevent severe heat stress, damping-off, and fungal diseases, every Zone 7 greenhouse must be equipped with a reliable ventilation setup. Important ventilation equipment includes: (More detailed information is available in our Greenhouse Supplies Guide)
- Exhaust Fan Systems automatically pull hot, humid air out of the greenhouse
- Circulation Fans run constantly to mimic natural breezes and reduce condensation
- Shade Cloth keep a greenhouse from heating up as quickly and provide shade to plants that don't grow well in full sun
Final Thoughts on Zone 7 Greenhouse Gardening
Zone 7 is one of the most versatile greenhouse growing regions in the United States. With moderate winters and long growing seasons, greenhouse gardeners can successfully grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and tropical plants for most of the year.