New USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
First and Last Frost Dates
If you haven’t had a chance to see it, the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map has been published and there are a few surprises. If you live along the Gulf Coast, some of the changes might interest you. First, people living in Zone 8b now find themselves living in Zone 9a, which means that climate change and weather pattern technology has given us more information about frost dates. To see what zone you now live in, go to this site: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
| Zone | First Frost Date | Last Frost Date |
|---|---|---|
|
1a |
July 15 - July 31 |
June 1 - June 15 |
|
1b |
July 15 - July 31 |
June 1 - June 31 |
|
2a |
September 1 - September 15 |
May 1 - May 15 |
|
2b |
September 1 - September 15 |
May 1 - May 15 |
|
3a - 3b |
September 15 - September 20 |
April 15 - April 30 |
|
4a - 4b |
October 1 - October 15 |
April 15 - April 30 |
|
5a - 7a |
October 15 - October 31 |
April 1 - April 15 |
|
7b |
November 1 - November 15 |
March 15 - March 31 |
|
8a |
November 15 - November 30 |
March 1 - March 31 |
|
8b |
November 15 - November 30 |
February 15 - February 28 |
|
9a |
December 1 - December 15 |
February 1 - February 15 |
|
9b |
December 1 - December 15 |
January 15 - January 31 |
|
1a - 10b |
December 15 - December 31 |
January 1 - January 15 |
|
11a - 13 |
Frost-free year-round |
|
Cover Tender Vegetation
I have a bougainvillea in my backyard that I intend to cover, as well as my Meyer lemon, if a hard freeze is predicted. We had an incredibly deep freeze a few years back an, although I covered both of them, I was sure they hadn’t survived. But they did. For the very tender plants, we bring in pothos, queen of the night, angel wing begonia from the patio. The three plumerias go into the garage to wait until spring.
Vegetables to Plant in January
- Asparagus – Although experts say that asparagus does not do well in our zones, I’ve seen asparagus growing quite well, with nice harvests. Remember that asparagus takes 2-3 years to harvest. If you plant crowns, which you should, you may be able to harvest earlier. Plant the crowns about 15 inhes apart. Use well-composted soil. It likes well-drained, fertile soil, and slow-release organic fertilizer. Plant first week in January.
- Brassicas – Also known as cruciferous vegetables, or “cole” crops. The most popular are cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, kale, kohlrabi, napa cabbage, arugula, mustard, radish, wasabi, winter cress and turnips, among others. All of these plants need regular watering and are heavy feeders. Use a good organic, slow release fertilizer about every two weeks. If grown from seed, start in pots using potting mix. I suggest a grow light to start them. The seeds should germinate in about a week. Seedlings should be about two to three inches high and have two true leaves when you actually plant them in the garden. Plant third week in January.
- Lettuce – It’s a cool season crop. Simply spread the seeds on well prepared soil. Walk over the seeds, or stamp them in with the back of a hoe or some other implement. You do not need to cover the seeds. They need sunlight to germinate. Some people choose start them under grow lights and then transplant them into the garden, but I’ve had just as much luck simply scattering them on the soil and patting them planting them.
- Onion Bulbs – Onions can be planted from the third week of January through the third week of February. Onions are also heavy feeders, but you should use a slow release, organic fertilizer. Make sure you don’t let the fertilizer touch the onion bulbs. Dig a small two inch deep trench alongside of your onion plants and apply fertilizer there and water it in well.
