One of the very first things I learned when I began my Master Gardening class was how important it is to pick a variety of plants that works for your AND your grow region. For those of you who are unsure of what a “grow region” is, it is essentially a map of the country that provides a “standard” of growth based on your region. Here’s what you should grow in yours!
Before sowing your garden, it’s important to determine which grow region you reside in. The map below gives a colored representation of the different grow regions throughout the country. If you are stumped, you can use this article from Bonnie Plants. It will help even the most novice of gardeners figure out their grow space!
For those of you residing in the midwest, you are often dealing with hot summers, and extremely cold winters! Plant “prairie” wildflowers such as Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, and Blazing Star. These flowers are native to the midwestern grow region, and all of them do extremely well!
If you live in the south, hot and humid summers can create an issue for you and your garden! Pick plants like Yarrow, Muhlygrass, and American dogwood. Winters are mild in this region, and winterizing your garden will be a serious piece of cake!
Those who are residing in the Northeast (think New York and Maine) you likely deal with pretty mild summers! Plants like the Red Oak, Eastern Bluestar, and the Massachusetts Bearberry all do extremely well in this region!
The Desert Southwest (Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico) deal with dry, hot weather patterns throughout most of the year. Plant flowers such as Chocolate Daisy, Buffalo Grass, and Ocotillo. These require little water, and they are pretty resistant to any drought issues!
When gardening in the Mountain West (this is where I live!) you are prone to experience mild, dry summers with very chilly winters. Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Columbine, and Penstenom do wonderful in these areas.
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