How to Choose Plants for Your Zone Part 1

In the United States, two types of zones are most commonly used when determining the right plant for the right area. Up until fairly recently, the Plant Hardiness Zone Map was the most referred to tool for plant selection.

The Plant Hardiness Zones were developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and have been in use since 1960. These zone maps provide information on minimum temperatures across the country in various geographical regions. Basically the zones indicate which plants grow well in which area of the country.

There are eleven zones and their categorization is determined by whether they are ten degrees Fahrenheit warmer or colder that the adjoining zone. If your area has a low Zone number it is a colder climate than those areas with a higher Zone number. These temperatures are determined by measuring climate in an average winter period for each area.

So how does the information from the Hardiness Zone Map help you? Well, when selecting a plant for your garden or yard that you want to survive for a significant period, you will need to investigate what the annual temperatures are for your area. The Zone map can be found on most seed packets so knowing your Hardiness Zone will help determine if the plant you have chosen is suited to where you live and the expected climate of that area.

However, the Hardiness Zone has been found to have some short-comings, especially for states in the west. Growing climates differ significantly in same numbered zones so more information was needed to correctly determine the type of plants that will grow in specific areas, therefore the Heat-Zone map was developed.

Be sure to read the next post that will continue this topic.

Tags: Gardening Tips