Climate
The climate of Lithuania is transitional between maritime and continental. Weather conditions seem to be unstable, with frequent thaws in winter, and cloudy sky, damp and cool weather in summer. The average annual temperature
is about +6 °C. The average temperature of January is -4.8 °C, and that of July is +17.2 °C. The average annual precipitation level is 626 mm, which is higher on the sea-coast and lower in the eastern part. The climate in Lithuania is suited for horticulture. However, some problems occur with unstable conditions of overwintering and a short vegetation period.

Geography
Lithuania occupies the western fringe of the East European Plain. Lowlands, which are prevailing on the area, are separated by hilly uplands (the highest point 292 m), forming several meridian-orientated stretches. There are numerous lakes, rivers and rivulets in Lithuania.
The most productive soddy calcerous soils, predominantly loams, and drained soddy clays are found in Central Lithuania. The western part is mostly covered by more humid acid soils, whereas sandy hills and woodlands prevail in Eastern Lithuania.

Horticulture
Fruit growing, vegetable production in the open and under glass is important in Lithuania.

Distribution of Horticulture
Fruit, mainly apple, is grown predominantly in north-east and middle of Lithuania. Strawberry growing is concentrated on the sandy soils in the east. Vegetable growing is practiced in all regions.

Research Thrusts
The major research trusts are the Government, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Education and Science.

Nature of Institutes
Horticultural research is directed to increase production and quality of horticulture crops, to introduce sustainable and cost-effective growing systems and is primarily conducted by the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture and by universities (Lithuanian University of Agriculture, Vytautas Magnus University, and Vilnius University).

Organisations / Institutes:
Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture
Institute of Botany, Vilnius
Vilnius University
Vytautas Magnus University

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