What if you are on the line between zones?

dansamy 5/16/2010, 10:16 am

I think I am far enough north of Mobile that I am really close to the zone lines between 8a and 8b. So, how would I tell? So far the maps that let me plug in my zip code don't subdivide. They just tell me "8".

Wyldflower 5/16/2010, 10:26 am

I don't know of a website that will have that precise a line between zones. There are all sorts of factors that create microclimates that will affect things even from one part of your yard to another. So I wouldn't worry too much about which of the two zones - especially in the warmer regions your frost dates won't be too different from one to the other. Use your instinct to decide what to plant where and when, within the range of the two zones.

Retired Member 1 5/16/2010, 11:21 am

dansamy wrote:I think I am far enough north of Mobile that I am really close to the zone lines between 8a and 8b. So, how would I tell? So far the maps that let me plug in my zip code don't subdivide. They just tell me "8".

Hmmm. The National Gardeners Assoc. gives me 8a, so it subdivides at least in some areas. Perhaps it is confused also? What if you are on the line between zones? Icon_biggrin

http://www.garden.org/zipzone/

Lavender Debs 5/16/2010, 11:58 am

Wyldflower wrote:snip .....There are all sorts of factors that create microclimates .... Use your instinct to decide what to plant where and when, within the range of the two zones.

That and a good minimum/maximum thermometer as well as a notebook.

I am that way with zone 7. I bank on the cooler of the two and gamble when I can afford it. For instance, I have not put in pumpkins yet. They are a long season, one time planting. If I gamble on planting early and they are stunted by cold, damp nights, then I’ll be buying pumpkins in the fall. But with bush beans I can afford to gamble with an early planting (which I did, WAY early) If they fail, I have the time and the space to re plant. Does that make sense?

Deborah ....who had to replant early beans

dansamy 5/16/2010, 2:35 pm

belfrybat wrote:
dansamy wrote:I think I am far enough north of Mobile that I am really close to the zone lines between 8a and 8b. So, how would I tell? So far the maps that let me plug in my zip code don't subdivide. They just tell me "8".

Hmmm. The National Gardeners Assoc. gives me 8a, so it subdivides at least in some areas. Perhaps it is confused also?

[url=http://www.garden.org/zipzone/

http://www.garden.org/zipzone/[/quote[/url]]

Oooh! Thank you! Hadn't found that one yet. (I don't think. I've looked at so many!) It calls me 8a.

Retired Member 1 5/16/2010, 3:19 pm

Good. I've found it to be pretty accurate as I'm also on a dividing line between 8A and 7B. It seems to take microclimates into consideration. I'm in 8A whereas the nearest town west is in zone 7b. Makes sense as I live at the south base of a "mountain", and that would protect me.

Megan 5/16/2010, 3:31 pm

I am technically in 7a, but given the way my direct-sown plants are coming up, and the temps, I think I'm actually much further "north"! We are going to the low 50's, high 40's, at night this coming week from the forecast.

I have tried to start some seeds indoors, but the way things are going, I am letting my direct-sown plants run the show and write the calendar. My beans and cukes are only just starting to sprout.

Chopper 5/16/2010, 4:14 pm

The zones are just a guideline so 8a or 8b doesn't matter so much. Plus each year is different. I remember last year in New England was like the year with no summer. I was dressed in June the same way I dressed in March (visited both months). And so far in So Cal the spring has been slightly cooler than normal and I am regretting not throwing some lettuce in in March. So, don't get TOO hung up on it.

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