USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for Vermont Gardens
Introduction
Hey there, Vermont gardeners! Have you ever wondered why some plants thrive in your neighbor’s yard but mysteriously die in yours? It could be because you’re not planting the right plants for your climate. That’s where the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map comes in.
What is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a tool that divides the United States into different zones based on their average winter low temperatures. Vermont is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, and 6a.
Why is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Important?
Knowing your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is essential for choosing plants that will survive the winter in your area. If you plant a plant that is not suited for your zone, it will likely die or become damaged during the cold winter months.
How to Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
To find your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, simply type in your zip code on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map website. You can also find the map at your local nursery or garden center.
Best Plants for Vermont’s USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
Here are some of the best plants for Vermont’s USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 4a: Siberian iris, daylilies, hostas, ferns
- Zone 4b: Lilac, peonies, roses, crabapple trees
- Zone 5a: Maple trees, oak trees, birch trees, rhododendrons
- Zone 5b: Apple trees, pear trees, cherry trees, hydrangeas
- Zone 6a: Viburnum, forsythia, weigela, butterfly bush
Winter Gardening in Vermont
Even though Vermont has cold winters, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy gardening year-round. Here are a few tips for winter gardening in Vermont:
- Choose plants that are hardy to your zone. This means choosing plants that can withstand the average winter low temperatures in your area.
- Plant in a sheltered location. Choose a spot that is protected from the wind and cold.
- Mulch your plants. Mulch helps to insulate the soil and protect the roots of your plants from the cold.
- Water your plants regularly. Even though it’s winter, your plants still need water. Water them deeply and infrequently.
Additional Resources
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
- Vermont Plant Hardiness Zone Map: https://vtanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=406294706cc142618e7411d953a7e903
- Best Plants for Vermont Gardens: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agriculture/best-plants-vermont-gardens
- Winter Gardening in Vermont: https://www.vermontnursery.com/blog/winter-gardening-in-vermont/
