May 19, 2022
As gardeners stroll through nurseries and garden centers, getting caught up in all the varieties may be easy. In the United States alone, there are 15,500 estimated plant species. Each one requires special care and attention to ensure they grow well. Thanks to a 2020 report, we know temperature differences as minor as 33°F (1°C) can result in crop yield loss of 6-10%.
Before you decide what kind of vegetables to grow in your garden, it is critical to assess your local climate. As a first-time gardener, you can quickly determine the climate of your location by using an online hardiness zone calculator.
What Does Plant Hardiness Mean?
Plant hardiness refers to a plant’s ability to withstand harsh growing conditions. Tough weather events like extreme cold, heat, drought, flooding, or wind are commonly used as a test of hardiness. Therefore, plants thrive in areas where their hardiness matches the surrounding geographic climate. These are referred to as native plants.
What Are Plant Hardiness Zones?
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has recorded temperature data for decades. Using the average annual minimum winter temperature, they compile this data and divide sections of the U.S. (Puerto Rico and Alaska included) into ten-degree Fahrenheit zones. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), developed alongside Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group, is the industry standard for determining which plants to grow in which climates.
Since 1990, when the USDA published the first-ever hardiness zone map, gardeners have been able to make wiser decisions regarding the plants they grow.
Why Should I Care?
The climate in your region will primarily affect what vegetables you choose to plant for them to thrive and produce a high yield. No one wants to put in the hard work of prepping the garden, buying expensive tools, and starting new seeds or bulbs to have them wither away at first frost.
By taking this extra step to research your zone, you can grow plants confidently, knowing they are best suited for your climate.
What is your Hardiness Zone?
Quickly discover your hardiness zone using the Plant Hardiness Zone Calculator. Just enter your zip code in the search bar and use the legend on the right to identify which zone you are located in. In addition, you can bookmark multiple locations to quickly check back at any time.
The USDA publishes and maintains information regarding plant hardiness so gardeners may stay up to date.
Best Plants to Grow in Each Zone:
Below are five plants you can grow in each hardiness zone. Please note that results may vary, particularly when choosing plant varieties that “stretch” the limitations of their region. Remember to think about the climate and be prepared for weather changes, as they are unpredictable.
Zone
When to Grow
What to Plant
Zone 1
(-60°F to -50°F)
Summer
Delphinium, beans, Goldenrod, Lettuce, arugula
Zone 2
(-50°F to -40°F)
Summer
Carrots, Lily of the Valley, kohlrabi, Iceland poppy, onions
Zone 3
(-40°F to -30°F)
Late spring and summer
Cucumbers, strawberries, garlic, kale, celery
Zone 4
(-30°F to -20°F)
Late spring and summer
Pumpkin, pole beans, potatoes, broccoli, eggplant
Zone 5
(-20°F to -10°F)
Late spring, summer, and early fall
Spinach, radishes, ferns, melons, lavender
Zone 6
(-10°F to 0°F)
Mid spring, summer, and early fall
Oregano, daisy, collard greens, tomatoes, cucumbers
Zone 7
(0°F to 10°F)
Mid spring, summer, and early fall
Turnips, arugula, caladiums, snapdragons, squash
Zone 8
(10°F to 20°F)
Early spring, summer, and early fall
Okra, sage, broccoli, artichokes, rhubarb
Zone 9
(20°F to 30°F)
Late winter, summer, and early fall
Broccoli, oranges, parsley, bananas, sweet peas
Zone 10
(30°F to 40°F)
Late winter, spring, summer, and fall
Ginger, agave, jasmine, okra, verbena
Zone 11
(40°F to 50°F)
Year-round
Chives, beets, mango, mint, bamboo
Zone 12
(50°F to 60°F)
Winter, spring, and early fall
Hot pepper, summer squash, aloe vera, passionfruit, papaya
Zone 13
(60°F to 70°F)
Winter, early spring, and fall
Bush beans, rosemary, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale
If this article inspires you to grow plants of your own, our handy garden planting calendar will help you keep track. Download for free!
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