Are you ready to start you’re a gardening journey, but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe all the plants you’ve tried struggle to survive. Have you considered which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you live in? If not, it may be part of the answer to your gardening struggles.
Know Your Zone
If you’re scratching your head, wondering what exactly the USDA Hardiness Zone is, let’s break it down. It is a map created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that categorizes regions based on the average lowest winter temperatures over a 30-year period. Essentially, it tells you how cold your area gets on average. These zones range from the chilly Zone 1 to the balmy Zone 13. In sunny Florida, we’ve have Zones 8 through 11. But why should you care about your hardiness zone when planning your garden? Every plant has a set of optimal growing conditions, including heat and cold sensitivity. The map is a tool to select the right plants. Knowing your zone helps you choose plants that can withstand local temperature extremes, ensuring a more sustainable garden that requires less replanting year after year. To see the new USDA Hardiness Zone Map, visit: planthardiness.ars.usda.gov
Smart Gardening
With the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, you can cultivate a garden that not only provides healthy produce but also promotes self-sufficiency and reduces grocery expenses. It also provides guidance on the types of landscape plants you should select for beautiful, long-lived plants. It’s all about making informed choices and creating a garden or landscape that flourishes year-round. Remember that Florida’s climate can impact plants, even if they’re in the right zone. So, use best management practices (BMPs) to keep your garden happy and healthy. Read more about BMPs here. And if you’re looking for further landscaping guidance, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design is a fantastic resource to explore your hardiness zone and discover plants that thrive in your area. For specifics on veggie gardening, go here. For specifics on pest management, read this blog.
Have a question?
If you have any questions about gardening in Central Florida, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County at 352-518-0156. For more information on UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Community Gardens, and how you can join one, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/. Supervising Agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore.
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More resources
- UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
- Dr. Whitney Elmore’s Podcast: Rooted in Florida
- Extension Connection: Florida Friendly Landscaping
More from UF
- Best Management Practices
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
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