One of the first things to consider when choosing a plant for your garden is to determine if it is suitable for your area. Cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and drought tolerance all factor in to successful choices for gardening in your location. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has put together what is called a plant hardiness zone map (use the link at the bottom of the page to view the zone map). The map shows in detail the lowest temperatures that can be expected each year in the United States. The map shows 10 different zones, each of which represents an area of winter hardiness for the plants of agriculture and our natural landscape. It also introduces zone 11 to represent areas that have average annual minimum temperatures above 40 degrees F and that are therefore; essentially frost free. Before purchasing plants find out exactly which zone you live in and purchase plants hardy enough for your zone. Most plants should have a label listing its intended zone. If a plant is not recommended for your zone it’s probably not a good idea to buy it.
Regardless of you projected zone, microclimates vary dramatically within a small area and you may be warmer or colder than the gardener across town or even the gardener down the street.
Before making a plant selection for your garden or patio please remember this word: location. Plants can require different types of soil, light, shade, water, space, and the amount of wind can even play a role. Make sure the location in your garden can provide the proper environment for the plant to flourish.
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Roots are the most import part of the plant. A good root system will support the rest of the plant and help insure gardening success. Healthy roots may vary in color, size and quantity, but are always firm, not mushy.
Avoid plants root bound in their containers. This is usually associated with plants needing to be transplanted into larger containers. The roots end up growing around in circles and often times will not branch out when transplanted.
You may want to grow plants that are not ideal for your area. You can do so successfully with a little extra care and attention. Extra water, protection, and winter protection will often allow you to bring an expanded selection of plants to your garden.
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Tags: choosing a plant, choosing a plant for your garden, cold hardiness, drought tolerance, frost free, gardening in your location, gardening success, heat tolerance, microclimates, natural landscape, plant hardiness zone map, plant selection, proper environment, purchasing plants