Know Before You Grow
In This Article:
The environment is a crucial factor for successful gardening of certain foods and plants.
In colder climates, certain fruits and vegetables may not be suitable due to specific requirements.
Understanding the USDA Gardening Zone.
How to equip yourself with information to successful grow in your zone.
We often romanticize what we think our ideal garden should look like. An abundance of all our favorite fruits and vegetables spread out over an acre of land, us skipping through the fields with our favorite dog, stopping to smell the roses and watch the bees. Okay, wait, maybe that’s just me. But even if you don’t have as broad of an imagination as I do, I’m sure you’ve thought of a garden beyond what you currently have, or what you’re capable of having. Not only because of lack of time, space or skills but more importantly, a lack of the necessary elements.
When we talk about the most important elements of growing, we often speak of light, temperature, nutrients, and water, and overlook the real fact that the environment is the number one factor when growing your own fruits, herbs, and vegetables. The environment creates a context for your plants to grow; it dictates what can thrive and what might struggle, and it can't be easily changed or controlled.
For example, when we live in colder climates with longer winters, there are certain fruits and vegetables that may not be suitable for your climate. Greenhouses and artificial lighting can only do so much - certain key elements play a larger factor in growing certain foods, like soil chemistry and the broader environment. And even if you manage to get some foods to harvest, they may taste poorly and lack key nutrient value.
It's a harsh truth, but it's an important one to understand. Gardening is not just about planting a seed and waiting for it to grow. It's about understanding the complexities of the environment and using that knowledge to create a thriving garden. It's about adapting to what the environment can offer, rather than trying to force it to conform to our desires.
The USDA's gardening zones provide a valuable tool for gardeners across the country. These zones, defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, offer a guide to the kind of plants that can thrive in different regions based on their climate. The USDA breaks down these gardening zones by region across the United States. These regions include North Central, North East, North West, South Central, South East, and South West. Once you identify your zone, you'll have a better understanding of which plants will thrive in your yard.
The zones are not just a single digit number. They are further divided into subzones for more precise classification. Each hardiness zone differs by 10 degrees and is often split into two subzones, labeled "a" and "b," which differ by 5 degrees. For example, zone 7's freezing range is between 0 and 10 degrees. In Zone 7a, average freezing temperatures hit between 0 to 5 degrees; 7b's range is between 5 and 10 degrees. This division allows for a more specific understanding of the climate conditions, enabling gardeners to make more informed decisions about plant selection.
2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Understanding Your Zone
Knowing your gardening zone is essential for successful planting. Here's a brief overview of the different regions and their associated gardening zones:
The North Central region spans states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and parts of Kansas. This region typically has a colder climate, which means you'll need to select plants that can endure low temperatures and potentially harsh winters.
Encompassing states like Maine, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania, the North East region deals with cold winters as well. The plants you choose for this region should be hardy and able to withstand frost and snow.
The North West region includes states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This region is diverse and consists of both coastal and mountainous areas, which means a variety of plants can thrive here, depending on the specific location.
States like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana fall under the South Central region. This region usually experiences hot summers and mild winters, making it suitable for a wide range of plants that can handle the heat.
The South East region, including states like Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, has a humid subtropical climate. Plants chosen for this region should be capable of handling high temperatures and humidity.
If you're interested in learning how to cultivate your own herbs and vegetables, our YouTube channel "EPM Around the Way Gardners" is the perfect resource for you. Regardless of your available space - be it a bookcase, balcony, or backyard - we provide step-by-step guidance through videos.
The South West region covers states like California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Due to the region's hot desert climate, it's essential to choose plants that are drought-tolerant and can survive under intense sunlight.
Furthermore, gardeners should recognize that many other environmental factors, in addition to hardiness zones, contribute to the success or failure of plants. Wind, soil type, soil moisture, humidity, pollution, snow, and winter sunshine can greatly affect the survival of plants. Warm season heat and moisture balance are particularly important in this regard. The way plants are placed in the landscape, how they are planted, and their size and health can also influence their survival.
The Importance of Personal Observation
With climate change happening fast and becoming more frequent, it’s critical that we observe our own environment season after season. It's good to rely on the information we receive from our state's and country's agricultural and horticultural departments, but personal observation of your current zone is also vital information. These observations should not be limited to just temperature changes, but also changes in sunlight and rainfall patterns.
Start by documenting how many hours of sun your garden gets, how many rainy days you experience, and when the first frost comes and leaves. Monitoring the growing and productivity of your food and plants to see how climate change affects each one can provide you with invaluable data. This level of detail can help you adapt your gardening practices to changes in the environment, ensuring a healthy and productive garden regardless of the weather.
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Knowledge is Key: Equip Yourself with Information
Knowledge truly is key when it comes to successful gardening in a changing climate. There is a wealth of information available in books, magazines, and online articles that can help you understand the best practices for growing healthy fruits and vegetables in your specific environment. There are also many free classes and resources available that can help you increase your knowledge about climate-smart gardening practices.
Embracing the 'Know Before You Grow' principle can make a significant difference in your gardening efforts. Understanding the environment and how it affects the growth of different plants can help you make informed decisions about what to plant and when. This not only increases the chances of a successful harvest but also contributes to the overall health of your garden.
So, before you start planting, take the time to learn about your environment and the specific needs of the plants you wish to grow. Remember, a well-informed gardener is a successful gardener. So, equip yourself with as much knowledge as possible and observe your environment closely. Happy gardening!
Understanding and using Zone Maps maybe a bit confusing. For More Information on USDA Plant Hardiness Zone or to find a Zone Map of your area visit