If you are planning on planting a garden or adding to your existing landscape, it is important to know the climate zone in which you live. Understanding your climate zone will help you choose plants that will thrive in your area and prevent wasting time and money on plants that are not suited for your climate. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into 13 different zones based on average winter temperatures. In this guide, we will take a closer look at each zone and provide tips on what to plant in each zone.
Zone 1 Artic climate
Zone 1 is the coldest zone in North America and includes areas with an average minimum temperature of -60 to -50°F. This zone is found in the northernmost parts of Alaska and Canada. Gardeners in this zone must choose plants that can survive in extremely cold temperatures. Some popular plants for Zone 1 include Siberian Iris, Arctic Willow, and Tundra Rose.
Zone 2 Sub artic climate
Zone 2 has an average minimum temperature of -50 to -40°F and is found in northern Alaska, Canada, and some parts of the upper Midwest in the United States. Gardeners in this zone can choose from a variety of plants that can survive in extremely cold temperatures, including Blue Spruce, Harebell, and Ice Plant.
Zone 3 cold temperature climate
Zone 3 has an average minimum temperature of -40 to -30°F and includes areas in northern Canada and the upper Midwest in the United States. This zone can be challenging for gardeners due to its harsh winters, but there are still many plants that can survive in this climate. Some popular plants for Zone 3 include Lilacs, Caragana, and Russian Sage.
Zone 4 warm temperature climate
Zone 4 has an average minimum temperature of -30 to -20°F and includes areas in the northern United States and southern Canada. This zone has cold winters but milder summers compared to Zones 1 to 3. Some popular plants for Zone 4 include Coneflower, Daylily, and Black-Eyed Susan.
Zone 5 mediterranean climate
Zone 5 has an average minimum temperature of -20 to -10°F and includes areas in the northern and northeastern parts of the United States. This zone has a longer growing season than Zones 1 to 4 and gardeners can choose from a variety of plants, including Hosta, Phlox, and Hydrangea.
Zone 6 arid climate
Zone 6 has an average minimum temperature of -10 to 0°F and includes areas in the eastern and central parts of the United States. This zone has a longer growing season than Zones 1 to 5 and gardeners can choose from a wide range of plants, including Azalea, Rhododendron, and Forsythia.
Zone 7 semi-ard climate
Zone 7 has an average minimum temperature of 0 to 10°F and includes areas in the southern and eastern parts of the United States. This zone has a long growing season and mild winters, making it ideal for a wide range of plants, including Dogwood, Magnolia, and Crape Myrtle.
Zone 8 humid subtropical
Zone 8 has an average minimum temperature of 10 to 20°F and includes areas in the southern and western parts of the United States. This zone has a long growing season and mild winters, making it ideal for a variety of plants, including Lemon Tree, Avocado Tree, and Bougainvillea.
Zone 9: Subtropical Climate
Zone 9 has a long growing season that ranges from eight to ten months. The summers are hot, and the winters are mild. The average winter temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The frost-free period lasts from 200 to 300 days, which makes it perfect for growing subtropical fruits like citrus, avocado, and figs. It is also suitable for growing warm-weather vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
Zone 10: Tropical Climate
Zone 10 is characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The winters are mild, and the summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The frost-free period lasts for more than 365 days. Zone 10 is perfect for growing tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and papayas. It is also suitable for growing vegetables like sweet potatoes, okra, and beans.
Zone 11: Equatorial Climate
Zone 11 has a hot and humid climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The frost-free period lasts for more than 365 days. Zone 11 is perfect for growing exotic fruits like pineapples, passionfruit, and guava. It is also suitable for growing vegetables like cassava, taro, and yam.
Zone 12: Arid Climate
Zone 12 is characterized by hot and dry summers and mild winters. The average winter temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the frost-free period lasts for more than 365 days. Zone 12 is perfect for growing desert plants like cactus and succulents. It is also suitable for growing fruits like pomegranates, apricots, and peaches.
Zone 13: Desert Climate
Zone 13 is characterized by extreme temperatures and dry conditions. The summers are scorching hot, and the winters are mild. The average winter temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the frost-free period lasts for more than 365 days. Zone 13 is perfect for growing cactus and succulents, as well as drought-tolerant plants like agave and aloe vera.
Conclusion
In conclusion, planting by climate zone is an important factor to consider when starting a garden. By selecting the right plants for your zone, you can ensure that your garden thrives and yields a bountiful harvest. Remember to always check the hardiness zone map before planting and choose plants that are suited to your particular climate zone. With a little research and planning, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that will flourish for years to come.