Get in the Zone

Today, we’re diving deep into world of planting zones. Hardiness zones are crucial for determining which green friends will thrive in your backyard—and they’re based on something scientific: temperatures!These zones are built upon the average coldest temperatures in your area.

Now, if you’re scratching your head and wondering what zone you fall into, don’t worry; a quick Google search will solve that mystery. For instance, I’m situated in the Des Moines (Iowa) area which places me squarely in Zone 5. But here's where it gets juicy: Iowa, and some other states, divides itself into a whopping four planting zones! That's right, I can get my horticultural game even more precise because I’m in Zone 5B. Because why settle for "just Zone 5" when you can have a fancy suffix?

Photo from: https://www.berriesunlimited.com/usda-zone-map/info_6.html

Understanding your hardiness zone is like having a cheat sheet for gardening. It’s especially important when you’re deciding what to plant and when to get those seed starters going. Lucky for us, Iowa has a long enough growing season that most vegetables seem to hit the ground running—or should I say, growing?

On average, our first frost date is mid-October, while the last frost date graces us around early May. Of course, these dates can vary with what the weather gods decide to throw at us, but they serve as a handy guideline.

On the topic of guidelines, seed packets often provide a timeline on when to plant based on your zone. For my planting strategy, I like to live life on the edge and start seeds about a month earlier than the packet suggests. This gives my seedlings a little extra time to bulk up and develop a solid root system before they face the wild outside. After all, you wouldn't send a toddler out into a snowstorm without a winter coat, right?

We have germination!

Now onto the bright and beautiful world of flowers! Starting flowers from seed is a bit different than veggies.Common flowers in Iowa, such as zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers, don't need to be started indoors; you can plant them directly in the ground after the last frost. Trust me, they’ll bloom just fine, and I’ve had some stellar success with my seeds turning into vibrant bouquets. Make sure all risk of frost for the year has passed; planting while temperatures are still too cold can stunt the growth of seedlings.

When it comes to spring bulbs, things get a tad trickier. To give bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and snowdrops the best shot at flourishing, they should ideally be planted by mid-October. Yes, you heard right! These little guys need time to develop their roots and get their act together before winter’s frosty breath sets in. Remember, when you purchase any seeds or bulbs, there’ll be specific instructions on how and when to plant based on your zone.

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll deep-dive into the tools and supplies you need for those seed-starting adventures. From soil to sunlight, I’ll cover everything, so you can go from a gardening newbie to a green-thumbed guru in no time! Happy planting! 🌱