Have you been trying to grow vegetables, flowers, and other plants in and around your property without any success? If so, don’t throw in the towel and get rid of your landscaping tools just yet — this blog can help.
Determining which planting zone you are in can help. Deciphering what that means for your particular needs is key to choosing what will work well in your area. Below, this lawn care company in Lakeland, Florida is going to discuss how a planting zone map can be used to help you figure out which plants are most likely to grow in your landscape.
What Is Your Planting Zone?
As any reputable Lakeland lawn care company will tell you, identifying a plant’s hardiness zones is the best way to determine where it can grow. North America is separated into 11 hardiness zones — Zone 1 describes subarctic climates in Northern Canada and Alaska, whereas Zone 11 describes tropical regions in Southern Mexico. In general, the further north your home, the lower your plant hardiness zone number.
The 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone Map by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the most accurate way to determine your planting zone. The map is divided into 10°F zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature.
Benefits and Limitations of the USDA Map
Understanding the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you live in can spell the difference between gardening success and failure. This map can help you determine which plants are more likely to thrive on your lawn. This information will ensure that your lawn remains healthy every year.
Although the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can be beneficial, it does have some shortcomings. Even if a plant is well known to grow in the Lakeland, Florida area, environmental factors such as soil pH and moisture levels, height above mean sea level, ground slope, and exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can all have an impact on the plant’s ability to thrive.
In other words, even if the temperature in your area is optimum for a certain plant to grow, environmental factors can override this and make its survival challenging.
What are Microclimates?
When looking at the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, it is critical to consider microclimates. Chicago, for example, is in Zone 6, as is Albuquerque — yet the same plants will not necessarily thrive in both areas.
You might assume that if a plant grows well in Chicago, it should also grow well in Albuquerque because they are in the same plant hardiness zone. However, it does not always work that way. Two different areas in the same zone may have comparable weather temperatures (which is also not true in this example), but other environmental factors can impact plant blooming success. It’s important to keep this in mind as you assess your climate and determine what to plant. If you need help determining which types of plants are well-suited for your landscape, your local lawn care company in Lakeland, Florida will be happy to assist you.
Are You Looking for a Professional Lawn Care Company in Lakeland, Florida?
Hardiness zone maps can provide direction and a place to start when determining what plants to buy for your area. But considering all the factors discussed above, your best chance of choosing what will work well is to consult with a reputable lawn care company in Lakeland, Florida. Creative Edge Landscaping & Lawn Care LLC can provide expert advice and help you create a landscape design that you can enjoy. To learn more, contact us today at (863) 880-1355 or fill out the contact form on our website.