Whether you are a novice or a seasoned gardener, knowing your gardening zone can make a big difference to your success. It can help you decide on what you should plant and what you should leave out. It also helps you know when to plant and harvest. If you want to know when to plant and harvest vegetables, you should check the USDA map for your region.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) divides the country into 11 hardiness zones. The zones are based on the average minimum temperatures for each region. For example, the coldest area of the country is in zone 1. In some parts of the country, there is a warmer zone, in zone 11. You can also find information about your gardening zone from the plant tags on your seed packet. The tags include important growing information, such as how much water and sunlight your plants require.
In addition to knowing your gardening zone, it is important to know your last frost date. The last frost date is important because you need to know when to plant and harvest crops. For example, if your last frost date is in April, then you should plant and harvest cool-weather vegetables in February. However, you also need to protect your garden from frost. For example, you can protect your garden by planting in raised beds, or by using thick mulch.
Choosing a gardening zone can be difficult. There are a lot of factors to consider, including weather, soil, and drought. If you live in zone 7, you will need to consider all of these factors in order to make the best gardening decisions.
A great resource for determining your gardening zone is the Agricultural Research Service, which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture. It provides a map of the country’s 11 gardening zones.
The map has been updated since the 1990 map. It shows a 5 deg F increase, which could be due to warming throughout the country. If you live in zone 7, you will be able to enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables for years to come. It is important to remember that this information will not account for unusual weather patterns or drought.
The first frost date for zone 7 is around November 15th. In some parts of the country, the last frost date is much later. It is important to note that you need to follow the directions on your seed packet when it comes to your planting and harvest schedules. A good gardener knows when to plant and harvest crops, and will keep their garden well-watered throughout the growing season.
The first frost date for zone 8 is two to three weeks later. It is important to follow the same planting schedule as zone 7, and to protect your garden from frost. If you have a greenhouse, you can extend the growing season, which can be a big help when planting cool-weather vegetables.