Planning Your Garden in Gardening Zone 6

If you’re looking to expand your gardening horizons, you may want to consider planting in gardening zone 6. Despite its cool winters, this region has a long growing season. Cool weather is great for winter-blooming bulbs, while warm summers promote vigorous growth for many plants. While planting in gardening zone 6 requires extra effort, you can expect to enjoy the fruits of your labors year-round. Here are some ideas for your next garden:

First of all, consider the zone. Zones are based on average annual temperatures. While this information is helpful, it isn’t necessarily accurate. You may need to plan for several nights of cold temperatures per year. Besides knowing when to plant in gardening zone 6, you should also consider the soil type of your area. The right soil type can make all the difference in how your plants grow. Depending on your climate, you may need to choose specific types of plants for your garden.

Likewise, planting strawberries in planting zone 6 is a good idea. Strawberries, for example, are quick to grow, are great for eating, and are high in antioxidants. You can also grow some vegetables, such as broccoli, in this zone. Moreover, broccoli is among the best vegetables for planting in gardening zone 6. Growing organic broccoli is very beneficial for your health and is a great addition to any garden. However, keep in mind that weather fluctuations in Zone 6 can influence the growth of broccoli, so make sure to choose the right variety.

Another vegetable that grows well in cooler temperatures is spinach. This vegetable is excellent for planting in a greenhouse or cold frame. Spinach is high in vitamins and tastes great in salads, and it can even be dried and stored. As you plan your garden in gardening zone six, remember to include harvesting and preserving it. And, don’t forget to plan for the future by signing up for the monthly newsletters of MetroParks in your area.

Hardiness zones are designed to be general guidelines. However, your specific garden may not be within the USDA Zone 6 or seven. In addition to plants that grow in a certain region, consider the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This handy tool shows the average temperature and frost dates in regions throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. You can use this guide to find the right plants for your yard. So, make sure you check the gardening zone map before making a purchase. This can save you time and money.

In addition to choosing the proper plant for zone six, remember that the growing season in this region is relatively mild. Most vegetables will mature before the first frost date. This means that the season in Zone six is moderate and can last from May to late November. However, if you’re planning on growing a cool-weather crop, you should start your plants earlier in the spring. If possible, plant them a couple weeks before the first frost, which is typically mid-October. Leafy greens and other cold-hardy plants can be overwintered with protective frost covers. Unless they’re rooted in the ground, they’re unlikely to grow until spring.