Transplanting into the Ground

North America is divided into 11 different climate zones, also called “hardiness” zones. “Hardiness” refers to the plants that will survive in the area climate. A hardiest plants survive in the coldest climates. Less hardy plants require more warmth.

The lower the number of the zone, the colder the general climate and the later the last Spring frost. The higher the number, the warmer the general climate. Spring comes earlier in higher number zones.

Not only must gardeners plan what plants will survive in their climate, they must also plan when it is safe to put seeds or young plants directly into the ground. Most plants will not survive an overnight frost unless precautions are taken to keep the plants warm.

Yolo County, California rests warm and comfortable in Gardening Zone 9. This means that the latest frost in the area is in early March, and gardeners may happily sew seeds into the ground in the beginning of April. Yolo County is an agricultural area in which a plethora of different crops do well.

Addison County, Vermont is in Zone 5. The many gardeners who live in this rural area must deal with frost dates as late as early May. Seeds sewn in the ground in April will most likely die due to cold and frost.

Once a hobby gardener knows her zone, she can plan the most successful flower or vegetable garden. She will be able to pick plants that will do well in her area, and know when to put them in the ground.

The National Gardening Association has a Hardiness Zone Finder.