You’ve probably heard of gardening zones, but what is the difference between them and your zone? This will help you decide what kind of plants to grow in your area. Zones are no longer simply bands that cross the country; they’re based on several factors, including the state flower, climate, and the nearest metro area.
Choosing plants suited to a given zone will ensure a healthy garden. Listed below are the benefits of each gardening zone.
Gardening Zones vs. Your Zone
In Zone 4, cold temperatures are mild, and the average minimum winter temperature is about ten degrees Fahrenheit. However, these figures may not be completely accurate.
The actual minimum temperatures can vary widely in different regions, and the zones may not be helpful for comparing climates.
Zone 5 includes parts of the New England and Southern coastal areas of the US. In Zone 5, minimum temperatures may be as low as -20 degrees F. In Zone 5, plants may have a longer growing season because of the moderately cold winters.
There are 13 hardiness zones in the U.S., each with sub-zones. The USDA map is useful as a guide to plant selection, but the range is not completely precise. West coast climates are much more varied due to mountains and deserts. In fact, Tucson and Seattle fall into Zone 8 in terms of temperature, but their climates are distinctly different.
So, it’s important to be aware of the local climate and know when to plant what, when, and where to grow them.
Hardiness Zone Maps: A Guide to Appropriate Plants for Your Area
Hardiness zone maps are helpful in determining what plants are appropriate for the climate of your area. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map lists the minimum winter temperature for different regions. The map also includes static images of the maps for those who don’t have broadband internet.
In addition to the USDA hardiness zones map, most gardening suppliers display the USDA hardiness zones on their products. And if you’re looking for the right plant for your area, they will recommend it based on the hardiness zone in your area.
You can also check the gardening zone by keying in your zip code. For example, if your zip code is 95501, then you’re in Zone 9b. The same is true if your city has a local gardening center, which will be able to tell you exactly which gardening zone you’re in. You may also be able to find out what kind of gardening zones you’re in just by pointing your smartphone at the map.
In addition to the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, you should consider your local weather patterns and gardening season. Many growers have noticed a shift in the growing seasons in the past two decades. While they aren’t responsible for climate change, they can adapt to different growing conditions.
A good guide for this is the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live in an area where the growing season is shorter than in other parts of the world, you’ll be able to grow vegetables in two summers instead of one.
If you’re planting in the early spring or late fall, be aware that you may need to cover them. The USDA has an interactive tool that allows you to check your zones by ZIP code.
You can also use the Old Farmer’s Almanac to find out average first and last frost dates in your area. And, as always, make sure to check your hardiness zone. It’s easy to make a mistake when it comes to gardening.