Growing Your Own Garden in Latvia

Most gardeners start seeds indoors in March, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date (typically mid-May). This gives seedlings time to grow strong before transplanting outside. Some people start as early as February if they have good light, but it's easy to end up with leggy seedlings if you start too early.

Most vegetables want 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Some, like lettuce and spinach, can tolerate partial shade (4-6 hours). In Latvia, where summers are shorter and sunlight angles are lower, picking the sunniest spot in your garden makes a real difference. Don't underestimate shade from buildings and trees.

Tomatoes, yes — especially determinate varieties and cherry tomatoes. Peppers are harder because they need more heat and a longer season. You'll have better luck with peppers in raised beds or against a south-facing wall that absorbs warmth. Starting indoors early (February) helps a lot. Some gardeners use cloches or row covers to keep plants warm.

A mix of compost, peat or coco coir, and perlite works well. Local Latvian gardeners often use peat since it's available and affordable. The goal is something that drains well but holds moisture — not too heavy, not too light. Most people fill their beds in spring and refresh the top layer with compost each year. You don't need expensive premixed soil blends.