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Post by OregonRed on Mar 21, 2015 14:11:34 GMT -5
yes, it's fascinating that Maryland and PA are the same as NM??? what the heck - no differention for elevations?? just making conversation.
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Post by OregonRed on Mar 21, 2015 14:15:34 GMT -5
yes, and the weather is not exactly the same every year. This year, the almanac says last frost is may 1 - I wonder, as mother nature is saying otherwise by way of trees leafing out etc... I'm not an exact scientist type, I just roll with it
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Post by brownrexx on Mar 21, 2015 14:21:03 GMT -5
except for winter crops usda zone is basically useless since is not helpful with vegetables since all zone tells you is the coldest winter temps on average.
But it's a good way for us to be able to compare our areas to each other's areas. It's just a guideline and I like it for that reason.
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Post by lisaann on Mar 21, 2015 14:24:29 GMT -5
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Post by claude on Mar 21, 2015 14:48:02 GMT -5
I find it interesting that all the variations across the U.S. change so..that DW is 6. So is Octive, Brown and I. It is helpful when planting as well...since some Things can't survive a deep frost and others need a deep frost to flower.
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Post by brownrexx on Mar 21, 2015 14:50:53 GMT -5
Claude - you got an avatar! And it's a nice one too. I remember you talking about that trellis. Now just add your location........
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Post by wheelgarden1 on Mar 21, 2015 15:42:38 GMT -5
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Post by kimmsr🕊 on Mar 22, 2015 6:59:54 GMT -5
Aside from what plants would survive a normal winter in a "zone" what information of value does the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone impart?
What does that "zone" tell you about the soil in an area?
What does that "zone" tell about the climate in that area?
What does that "zone" tell about rainfall in that area?
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Post by brownrexx on Mar 22, 2015 7:05:49 GMT -5
It tells you roughly how cold it gets and how hot it gets in a certain area.
I may not know how cold or hot it gets in another part of the country but if a poster tells me their zone I have a general idea. I like it for that reason.
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Post by lilolpeapicker on Mar 22, 2015 8:32:39 GMT -5
Kimm, it is simply a guide....it doesn't have to tell you everything about what you want to know.
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Post by claude on Mar 22, 2015 8:35:16 GMT -5
We have you Kimm, if someone asks about soil. But if you have never as a new gardener planted something that you Loved that died because it cannot survive in your area than you know its value.
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Post by lisaann on Mar 22, 2015 9:11:43 GMT -5
Claude,
Yep, like:
What if I wanted a lemon tree............Stick it out there. Dang, thought it would live? hmmmmm
Oh, they only live in zone 9 and higher.
No, I never planted one out in the ground, but I was tired of the one I had in a pot that I dragged in and out. Left it out! Bye Bye! hahhahaha
Some things are perennials In Georgia (zone 8), THEY ARE ANNUALS HERE. (ZONE 6)
That's what I like about the zone stuff.
I am sure I didn't say any of that right! But ya know what I mean.
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Mar 22, 2015 9:16:12 GMT -5
I think our zone dropped a few notches this year with the extended sub-zero temperatures. Even still, it's not really safe for certain until May. The last storm I recall as we bridge the frigid and temperate season was a violent ice storm which knocked out power in mid April - I'll always remember because it was filing week.
I've been wondering if the zones will be adjusted to reflect global warming.
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Post by lisaann on Mar 22, 2015 9:46:03 GMT -5
They already were once. See my above link. Use the map adjustor and admire.
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Post by kimmsr🕊 on Mar 23, 2015 6:44:04 GMT -5
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zones only tell you about average minimum winter temperatures, there is nothing about summer temperatures in those charts.
So, someone has a question about the soil and the first thing many people want to know is what zone are they in which has nothing to do with soil. If the zone information is used as it is meant to be, what plants will survive a normal winter in a given area, and nothing more I have no problem with using them. But when used inappropriately, trying to deduce something about seasonal growing conditions, I do.
NOAA, the agency that collects the data the USDA uses to chart these PHZ's, has cut the number of reporting stations so the information about your area of the world may not be as accurate as it has been in the past. For example, in my area of the world we are supposed to have moved up one zone, from 5 to 6, but my records for the last 10 years tell me that is not true, I am still in zone 5a/4b.
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