The Department of Agriculture has released a new Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and the Plain Dealer has noted this as the first update since 1990.
So what does that mean for us?
Well, for me, my phone is ringing a bit more with gardeners curious of what all of this means for them. The calls have ranged from “Can I install tropical plant varieties now”? To “How will this change affect my existing plants”?
The latter question caused me to imagine all of my cold loving varieties of plants tugging their roots out of the ground, gathering strength in masses and catching the next flight to Alaska, Se La Vie’. Wouldn’t that be a sight?
I do not foresee any mass migration of our plant material on account of the zone change, but I do see a lot of curiosity mustering in gardeners, I do see a wave of plant experimenters ready to see how hardy some varieties will be. It makes me smile to see this “new” passion sweeping the garden industry, borage of the coolest questions, all stimulated by the zone change. It feels like a re-awakening, this idea that maybe things could be done differently.
Yes, bring that excitement back into your garden, but I caution you to only try the zone 6 plantings if you are aware, they might not make it. I see this as adrenaline gardening, don’t bet the house on it. This is Ohio, need I say more.
If you are more of the tried and true gardener, then stick with what you know. If you plant zone 4 and 5 plants you should be safe as far as the cool temperatures go. You must understand though, a lot more goes into a healthy plant than thinking about the coldest temperature it may be exposed to.
Remember, plants need food and water and most have a period they would like to sleep, or be dormant. You must choose the right plant for the right location as well as understanding if the plant is a high maintenance specimen or a ruffian that can be let alone.
The choice is yours, jump head long into this new zone, or stick back with me, I am going to watch the wave.
