The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides the country up into 11 growing zones. These are determined by weather patterns, like the coldest winter temperatures. This zone system helps gardeners identify plants that grow well in their region. If you are planting a garden in zone 7, you’ll be able to choose among a wide variety of veggies and flowers. Read on for garden tips for zone 7.
Gardening in Zone 7
When you are gardening in zone 7, you live in an area with a moderately long growing season. The typical growing season generally lasts about eight months in zone 7 and the annual low temperature is about 5 degrees F. (-15 C.).
With the first frost around November 15th and the last one about April 15th, planting a garden in zone 7 is a snap. Many crops and ornamentals will grow well in this zone.
Zone 7 Plants
Here are some tips and plants for zone 7 gardening.
Vegetables
When you are planting a garden in zone 7, remember that you can begin seedlings indoors before the first frost. This extends the growing season a little and permits you to plant vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, once in spring and again in late summer.
Using this “start seeds indoors” technique, zone 7 plants for the vegetable garden include most vegetables. Specifically, those gardening in zone 7 can plant:
Begin broccoli, cauliflower, and peas indoors in February. Many of the other vegetables should be started indoors in March.
Flowers
Both annuals and perennials can be zone 7 plants if you keep your eye on the last frost date, April 15th. Once you don’t have to worry about frost, it’s time to dive into flower planting.
April is the time to sow annual seeds in prepared garden beds. You can also set out any flower seedlings you started indoors. Sequential planting prolongs the blooming season. If you need additional garden tips for zone 7, here are a few that pertain to flowers.
Wait until after April 15th to plant new roses. That’s the best time to plant caladiums and snapdragons as well. Start planting summer flowering bulbs in April, like gladioli and dahlias, in groups every few weeks. This translates into a longer blooming season.