Know Your Planting Zone

If you’re a new gardener, one of your greatest tools is knowing your hardiness zone. Knowing your zone will help you garden efficiently and determine what will thrive in your area – saving you time and money! For example, if you live in zone 9a (downtown Charleston, SC) and pick up a plant whose tag says “Zone 7-10”, you know this plant falls within the recommended growing temperatures and will have the best chance to thrive.

While we dream of planting fluffy pink peonies in our garden, they don’t grow well in our Zone…so we look for alternative flowers that will! 

How do you find your zone?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a handy map to figure out your zone (all you have to do is pop in your zip code!). This map is a compilation of scientific weather data that is based on the average minimum temperature of a geographic area and organized in ten-degree zones and five-degree half zones.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned gardener, we all know there are no guarantees. Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes!


Some things to consider…
• If a plant is on the cusp of your zone, consider using a container instead of planting in the ground. This will allow you to easily move your plants indoors if inclement weather is heading your way. If you’re unable to move inside, protect with frost covers and add an extra layer of mulch to help insulate.

• Think about the placement of your plant – consider planting near hardscape such as brick that will retain heat or a wall that will add protection from wind. And if you’re unable to move inside, protect with frost covers and add an extra layer of mulch to help insulate.