Growing Zones

A question comes up generally around this time of year with regards to, "when should I start planting outdoors?" It's a good question and the answer is relative to where you live. The USDA puts out a map that show the various growing zones throughout North America, as well as, when the zone will have its last expected frost. So ultimately the time you plant is after the last frost. That way you won't have killed off or overly stressed your plant.

Have a look at the map below to find your zone and note the date, listed below the map, for the last expected frost in your area.

Last Expected Frost Dates by Zone

    Zone 1: June1 - June 30
    Zone 2: May 1 - May 31
    Zone 3: May 1 - May31
    Zone 4: May 1 - May31
    Zone 5: March 30 - April30
    Zone 6: March 30 - April30
    Zone 7: March 30 - April30
    Zone 8: February 28 - March 30
    Zone 9: January 30 - February 28
    Zone 10: January 1 - January 31
    Zone 11 Frost Free Year Round

Here is a link to a downloadable .pdf file of the USDA map.

ADJUSTING pH

Once you’ve determined that you pH is either too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic), you’ll need to make adjustments in order to preserve the health and vigor of your plants. Remember:  pH directly influences the development and feeding of the plant. Too low and nutrients will be bound at the roots. Too high, you’ll get a build-up of salts (which are toxic to the plant) and this will prevent the roots from taking up nutrients as well as water.

Two of the more common adjusting agents are potassium hydroxide (to raise pH) and phosphoric acid (to lower pH). You can by these in concentrated form, but solutions are generally on-hand at gardening retailers that are ready to use and properly diluted for easy and safe use. If you need to adjust the pH, you should do so in small increments. Recheck your readings and continue to adjust accordingly until you have reached the pH level you’re wanting.

Also you will want to watch the pH of any solutions (feeding, etc.) you are adding to your plants’ environment. Pay attention to the nutrient solutions you are adding and adjust the pH accordingly, prior to feeding/watering. You can tweak the pH of your solution to allow more nitrogen in the growth phases and then readjust during the bloom phase for more phosphorous uptake. Most importantly, adjust the pH based on what plants you're growing.

And as in most things, “Just keep doing it”. You find your pH will change over time and so it’s a balancing act. But if you stay on top of it, your plants’ will LOVE you for it. And LOVE always brings MORE and BETTER.

Next week’s Tip: “Pest Control Issues”

Previous "Weekly Tips" (please feel free to download the .pdfs)

CO2 and Your Garden

What's pH