Are you a gardening enthusiast living in Pennsylvania? Do you want to know what zone is Pennsylvania for planting? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the planting zones in Pennsylvania.
Understanding Planting Zones
Before we dive into the specific planting zones in Pennsylvania, let us first understand what planting zones are. Planting zones are geographic areas that are defined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) based on the average minimum winter temperature in the area. These zones help gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive in their area based on the temperature range.
Pennsylvania Planting Zones
Pennsylvania has a diverse climate, ranging from the humid subtropical climate in the southeast to the humid continental climate in the north and west. The state is divided into six planting zones, ranging from zone 5a to zone 7b. Zone 5a has an average minimum temperature range of -20°F to -15°F, while zone 7b has an average minimum temperature range of 5°F to 10°F.
Zone 5a
Zone 5a covers the northern part of Pennsylvania, including cities like Erie and Bradford. This zone has a short growing season, with an average frost date of October 1 and a last frost date of May 11. The recommended plants for this zone include vegetables like beets, carrots, and lettuce, as well as flowers like tulips and daffodils.
Zone 5b
Zone 5b covers the central part of Pennsylvania, including cities like State College and Altoona. This zone has a slightly longer growing season than zone 5a, with an average frost date of October 1 and a last frost date of May 21. The recommended plants for this zone include vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes, as well as flowers like peonies and irises.
Zone 6a
Zone 6a covers the southern part of Pennsylvania, including cities like Harrisburg and Lancaster. This zone has a longer growing season than zone 5, with an average frost date of October 11 and a last frost date of April 21. The recommended plants for this zone include vegetables like beans, corn, and peppers, as well as flowers like roses and zinnias.
Zone 6b
Zone 6b covers the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, including cities like Philadelphia and Allentown. This zone has an even longer growing season than zone 6a, with an average frost date of October 21 and a last frost date of April 11. The recommended plants for this zone include vegetables like cucumbers, eggplants, and squash, as well as flowers like hydrangeas and lilacs.
Zone 7a
Zone 7a covers a small part of southeastern Pennsylvania, including cities like Chester and West Chester. This zone has a very long growing season, with an average frost date of November 11 and a last frost date of March 21. The recommended plants for this zone include vegetables like okra, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, as well as flowers like camellias and magnolias.
Zone 7b
Zone 7b covers a very small part of southeastern Pennsylvania, including the city of Philadelphia. This zone has the longest growing season in Pennsylvania, with an average frost date of November 21 and a last frost date of March 11. The recommended plants for this zone include vegetables like melons, sweet corn, and tomatoes, as well as flowers like begonias and impatiens.
Conclusion
Knowing the planting zone of your area can help you choose the right plants for your garden, ensuring that they thrive in the climate. Pennsylvania has six planting zones, ranging from zone 5a to zone 7b, with each zone having a different average minimum temperature range. We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the planting zones in Pennsylvania.