What is Planting Zone? Planting zones or growing zones are illustrated on a map known as the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The US Department of Agriculture divided out the map of the US in areas which range from planting zone 1A to planting zone 13B. These are areas which range in minimum temperatures from -60 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This system was designed for the gardening and agricultural industry. It was a way for companies to demonstrate which plants would work best in which areas, based on climate. It is important information for professional landscapers, as well as farmers. However, it carried over to backyard gardeners and made it much easier for everyone to figure out which plants work best in each’s garden. The idea is to match up plants and the climates where they originated from, with other similar environments around the USDA map. By understanding what zone you’re located...

By Marty Ross When it comes to winter lawn care, there are a few things you can do to ensure your lawn will be beautiful and lush once spring arrives. Preparing your lawn for winter will keep it healthy so it’s ready for spring. The tasks to focus on depend on where you live and what kind of grass you grow. Whether cool-season or warm-season grass, knowing the climate and conditions will help make sure you’re taking the best care of your lawn. Fertilizing Your Lawn During Winter Healthy lawns need three major nutrients: Nitrogen (N), for dense green top growth, phosphorus (P) for root growth, and potassium (K) for general health. Lawns also need micronutrients (iron, zinc, and others) and fertilizers can help supply these nutrients. When buying lawn fertilizer, you will see three numbers showing the N-P-K values (such as 21-7-14 or 15-5-10). The numbers represent the percentage...