What determines the growing season for a specific location?

The growing season for a specific location is significantly influenced by latitude. Latitude determines the angle of sunlight that a location receives throughout the year, which directly impacts temperature and day length. Regions closer to the equator typically experience more consistent temperatures and longer growing seasons due to higher solar radiation. Conversely, areas at higher latitudes, such as near the poles, receive less sunlight and can have shorter growing seasons characterized by colder temperatures and more extreme seasonal changes.

While climate, geography, and altitude are important factors that can affect crop growth, they are often linked back to the latitude of a location. For example, altitude can create microclimates that may extend or shorten a growing season, and specific geographical features like mountains can influence local weather patterns. However, latitude fundamentally shapes the overall seasonal patterns of temperature and light that establish the growing potential for crops. This is why latitude is the most crucial determinant of the growing season in a specific area.