How to Find Your Own Garden Growing Zone
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USDA zone map
There are a number of maps that can show you the gardening need zones for different areas of the country. The most frequently used is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map. The Sunset Publishing Corporation puts out excellent maps that are more detailed for the West in Sunset's Western Garden Book and other Sunset publications. The National Garden Book takes the maps from the west to the eastern part of the country. On the internet the most frequently used map is from National Gardening while the American Horticultural Society also has an excellent map. Most of these maps are based on temperature ranges. The more detailed the map, the more helpful it will be. - 2
Buy plant that do well in your own garden zone.
Check around your neighborhood and visit your local nurseries and garden centers. What grows well in your area will also be effected by your rainfall, soil type and wind conditions. The local gardens and shops will show you first-hand what plants grow the best in your area. - 3
Subscribe to gardening magazines that cover your area. Many will give you in-depth information. You can also get a lot of value by following the garden columnists in your local paper. If there is a town or city garden, check it out and see what's growing well that you'd like to use in your own garden. And if you are really into gardening, look for the gardening club in your local area. There's usually one close by and you'll find all your local enthusiasts there: most of them are usually more than happy to regale you with their experiences. - 4). For a copy of the USDA garden zone map please see the link under Additional Resources below.