Are you a gardening enthusiast looking to plant some new trees, shrubs, or flowers in your New Jersey garden? If so, it’s important to understand what planting zone you’re in. Knowing your planting zone will help you select the best plants for your garden that are most likely to thrive.
What is a Planting Zone?
A planting zone is a geographic area that is defined by the average minimum temperature in that region. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the United States into 11 planting zones based on these average temperatures.
Each planting zone has a range of temperatures that are suitable for growing certain types of plants. Gardeners can use this information to choose plants that are well-suited to their local climate and growing conditions.
What Planting Zone is New Jersey In?
New Jersey is located in planting zones 6b and 7a. This means that the average minimum temperature in New Jersey ranges from -5°F to 10°F in zone 6b, and from 0°F to 5°F in zone 7a.
While these temperatures might sound cold, they’re actually quite mild compared to other parts of the country. This means that gardeners in New Jersey have a wide range of plants to choose from, including perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs.
What are the Best Plants for New Jersey’s Planting Zone?
Now that you know your planting zone, you can start selecting plants that are well-suited to your local climate. Here are some of the best plants for New Jersey’s planting zone:
Trees:
- Red maple
- Sugar maple
- Cherry
- Red oak
- White oak
- Black walnut
Shrubs:
- Lilac
- Forsythia
- Hydrangea
- Barberry
- Boxwood
- Spirea
Perennials:
- Astilbe
- Black-eyed Susan
- Daylilies
- Hostas
- Peonies
- Sedum
Annuals:
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Pansies
- Impatiens
- Geraniums
- Petunias
How Can I Find My Planting Zone?
If you’re not sure what planting zone you’re in, you can use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out. This map divides the United States into 11 planting zones based on average minimum temperatures.
To use the map, simply enter your zip code or select your state from the dropdown menu. The map will then show you what planting zone you’re in.
Can I Grow Plants Outside of My Planting Zone?
While it’s possible to grow plants outside of your planting zone, it’s not recommended. Plants that are not well-suited to your local climate are more likely to struggle, and may not survive.
Additionally, plants that are not well-suited to your local climate may require more maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, or pest control.
How Can I Protect My Plants in the Winter?
Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners, especially in colder planting zones. Here are some tips for protecting your plants in the winter:
Wrap your plants:
Wrap your plants in burlap or a similar material to protect them from the cold and wind.
Provide extra insulation:
Add extra mulch around the base of your plants to provide insulation and protect the roots from the cold.
Water your plants:
Water your plants thoroughly before the ground freezes to help them survive the winter.
Remove snow and ice:
Remove snow and ice from your plants to prevent damage from the weight.
Conclusion
Knowing your planting zone is essential for selecting plants that are well-suited to your local climate and growing conditions. New Jersey is located in planting zones 6b and 7a, which means that gardeners have a wide range of plants to choose from.
Whether you’re looking to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, or annuals, there are plenty of options available. By selecting plants that are well-suited to your local climate, you can ensure that your garden thrives.
FAQs
1. What is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a map of the United States that divides the country into 11 planting zones based on average minimum temperatures. Gardeners can use this map to determine what planting zone they’re in and select plants that are well-suited to their local climate.
2. What is the difference between a perennial and an annual?
A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years, while an annual is a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
3. Can I grow plants that are not well-suited to my planting zone?
While it’s possible to grow plants that are not well-suited to your planting zone, it’s not recommended. Plants that are not well-suited to your local climate are more likely to struggle and may not survive.
4. What should I do if my plants are damaged by winter weather?
If your plants are damaged by winter weather, you may need to prune them back to remove any dead or damaged branches. You should also provide extra care, such as watering and fertilizing, to help them recover.
5. Can I plant vegetables in New Jersey’s planting zone?
Yes, there are many types of vegetables that can be grown in New Jersey’s planting zone, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans. However, it’s important to choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate and growing conditions.