Everything You Need to Know About Gardening Zones

If you’re new to gardening, there are so many important things to consider. It’s easy to get lost in all of the tips and information out there, which is why we suggest learning these simple gardening tips for beginners. One of the first things you should do is find out your gardening zone. Thankfully, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about gardening zones, including how to find yours.

The Basics of Gardening Zones

Gardening zones help gardeners know when to plant their plants, as well as which plants grow best in their region. Gardening zones are the first step to take in learning about your soil and your garden. It can be very frustrating to plant the wrong plants and end up without a harvest. Your zone will lead you to make smart choices from the get-go, and it’s pretty easy to learn.

How to Find Your Gardening Zone

There is a free tool available that allows growers to find their zone. Find your gardening zone at this site. Simple look for your location and use the color coded chart to determine your zone. Alternatively, you can type in your zipcode and the site will tell you your zone.

Gardening Zones Explained

Zone 1a, 1b

Zone 1 is known to be an intensely frigid zone. The first annual frost date is July 31st, and the last annual frost date is June 15th. Because of this, you’ll plant your garden in the late summer and focus on hearty vegetables, like broccoli, brussel sprouts, and beets.

Zone 2a, 2b

Zone 2 is known to be a frigid zone as well. The first annual frost date is around September 15th, and the last annual frost date is around May 30th. Zone 2 mostly affects folks in Alaska with its short growing season, making it a great zone to get into hydroponic gardening.

Zone 3a, 3b

This chilly zone is across the northern part of the midwest with an average first annual frost date of September 30th and an average last annual frost date of May 15th. Some popular plants to grow in this region are carrots, spinach, radishes, and swiss chard.

Zone 4a, 4b

With cold temperatures for much the year, zone 4 is prime for hearty crops. If you live in the northern part of the U.S., perennials like peonies and yarrow are your best friend. The first average annual frost date is October 15th and the last average annual frost date is April 30th.

Zone 5a, 5b

With similar temperatures to zone 4, the first average annual frost date is October 15th while the last average annual frost date is April 30th. Zone 5 is a great zone for growing frost-tolerant crops like potatoes, yams, and asparagus.

Zone 6a, 6b

This central zone is an awesome region for gardening, affecting lots of the central United States. The first average annual frost is around October 15th and the last average annual frost date is around April 15th, with some variation. Remember: you should always keep an eye on the weather when deciding your planting dates.

Zone 7a, 7b

This zone is very fair with lots of great options for growing. It spans across states from Connecticut all the way to eastern California. It’s mild temperatures make it a forgiving and fruitful zone. The first average annual frost date is November 15th and the last average annual frost date is March 31st.

Zone 8a

This gardening zone has an earlier plant date and a longer garden season. Popular in southern states, you’ll need to keep an eye out for heat tolerant crops, as temperatures in the summer can get very warm. The first annual average frost date is November 30th and the last average annual frost date is March 15th.

Zone 8b

Spread across the southern region of the U.S., this warm zone will give you a long and happy garden season. Just make sure to give your garden lots of water, as temperatures will get very hot. The first average annual frost date is November 30th and the last average annual frost date is February 20th.

Zone 9a-9b

This gardening zone reaches southern Texas and California, with very little to know freezing temperatures each year, you can bet on a long and sunny growing season. The first average annual frost date is December 15th and the last average annual frost date is February 15th. You can grow a huge variety of plants in this region, but vegetables that do particularly well are peppers and tomatoes.

Zone 10a, 10b

The first average annual frost date is December 30th, and the last average annual frost date is January 15th in this warm zone. You won’t have to worry much about freezing, and can count on planting heat tolerant plants for the long summer season.

Zones 11–13

Welcome to gardening paradise! This zone doesn’t freeze, meaning you have access to a year-round growing season.

Answers to Your Questions About Gardening Zones

What do zones mean in gardening?

Zones define different regions in the U.S. with similar temperatures and climates. There are about 13 zones and each one can guide you to make informed decisions and what you grow and when you plant it.

Where is Zone 8 in the United States?

Zone 8 in the United States is in the South East– parts of Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

What does Zone 6 mean in gardening?

Zone 6 is a fair garden zone that affects over thirty states in the country, spanning across the central region.