Re: Not so (dumb) Question
>This may be a dumb question but I bet there are other people who
>wonder the same thing:
>
>If a plant is rated to zone 7, does that mean it does best in zones
>higher than zone 7 or lower than zone 7? Can someone explain how
>the hardiness ratings work? I've been a gardener a long long time
>and I've yet to get a clear answer to how this all works.
>
>Thanks
>--
>**********
>'''''''''''''''''''''''
>Nan Sterman
>San Diego County California
>Sunset zone 24, USDA hardiness zone 10b or 11
It's generally the former, Nan, though I would add that it would mean
Zone 7 and higher (warmer), unless it were something that
specifically didn't do well in warmer climates (i.e.tulips).
The USDA hardiness zones depend upon the average minimum winter temps
(e.g. in Zone 5 we are allowed to be as cold as -20F. The only
problem is that this alone doesn't tell the whole story as to
hardiness. Such things as snow cover can make a great difference in
addition to what goes on during the summer (Heat Zones, see:
http://www.suite101.com/userfiles/79/hz1024.jpg )
The Sunset Zones are something else again and while I, personally, am
not too knowledgeable about them, I believe they begin to take into
consideration some of the many microclimates (due to altitude, etc.)
that you folks in California (and other places) have.
--
Don Martinson
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Milwaukee suburb)
USDA Zone 5 (-10 to -20F)
AHS Heat Zone #4, Map at:
( http://www.suite101.com/userfiles/79/hz1024.jpg )
l*@execpc.com
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