When it comes to gardening in the US, understanding the different zones is crucial for determining which plants will thrive in your specific region. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into different plant hardiness zones based on average low temperatures.
Zone 1
In Zone 1, with average low temperatures ranging from -60 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, gardening can be extremely challenging. This zone covers the northernmost parts of Alaska, where only a few hardy plants can survive the harsh cold.
Zone 2
Moving slightly southward to Zone 2, where temperatures range from -50 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, gardeners face similarly harsh conditions. This zone includes parts of Alaska, as well as some high-altitude areas in the Rocky Mountains.
Zone 3
Zone 3 experiences average low temperatures between -40 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone covers regions such as northern Minnesota and North Dakota, where winter temperatures can plummet, posing challenges for gardeners.
Zone 4
In Zone 4, with low temperatures ranging from -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, gardening becomes slightly more viable. This zone includes areas like Montana and Maine, where gardeners can cultivate a variety of cold-hardy plants.
Zone 5
Zone 5, with average low temperatures between -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, covers regions including parts of Illinois and Colorado. While cold winters are still a factor, gardeners in this zone have more flexibility in plant selection.
Zone 6
With temperatures ranging from -10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, Zone 6 includes areas such as Missouri and Virginia. Here, gardeners can grow a wider range of plants compared to colder zones, though winter protection may still be necessary.
Zone 7
Zone 7 experiences average low temperatures between 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone covers regions like Tennessee and Maryland, where gardeners can enjoy a relatively longer growing season and more plant diversity.
Zone 8
Moving further south into Zone 8, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, gardeners in areas such as Texas and Georgia have even more options for plant cultivation. The milder winters allow for a wider variety of species to thrive.
Zone 9
In Zone 9, where low temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, areas like Florida and Arizona enjoy a subtropical climate conducive to growing a plethora of plants not viable in colder regions.
Zone 10
Zone 10, with average low temperatures between 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, encompasses parts of Hawaii and southern Florida. Gardeners in these regions can cultivate tropical plants and fruits due to the warm climate.
Zone 11
Finally, in Zone 11, with low temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, gardening in places like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands offers a year-round growing season and a wide array of exotic plants.
