Quick Tip: Know Your Planting Zone

By Jennifer Poindexter

If you’re new to gardening, you may hear terms but not be confident in their meaning. One common term is planting zone.

What is a planting zone and where do you find it? If these are questions you have, you’re in the right place.

I’m going to share my quick tip which may provide answers to your questions. Here’s what you should know when learning about your planting zone with gardening:

When learning about planting zones, the first place to start is knowing where to find your’s.

This can be found by looking at a plant hardiness zone map, like this one provided by the USDA.

You’ll type in your zip code and either look at the color coded map or the map may tell you which zone you are in and what your minimum temperatures are for the area.

Once you know your planting zone, you’ll have an idea of the lowest minimum temperature for your area, which could vary by ten-degrees either direction.

By understanding your planting zone, you’ll know which plants serve as perennials in your area as they can withstand the minimum temperatures.

It also helps you have a better understanding of which plants you may grow as annuals around your home or garden areas.

While you’re gathering information on your planting zone, research one last item to have a full picture of when and what to plant in your area.

Be sure to know your first and last frost dates. The Almanac provides assistance. If you use the online version, type in your zip code and the information you need appears.

You’ll know your first date of frost, final date of frost, and how long of a growing window you have.

With this information, you should be able to plan your perennial beds, annual gardens, and know when to start seeds or plant outdoors.

Gardening successfully has a great deal to do with information. By ensuring you do your research prior to planting, you’re also making sure your plants are set-up for optimal growing conditions.

When you supply your plants with what they need, they have every reason to thrive. Utilize this quick tip when setting your garden up for success by doing your research prior to planting.