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Why you can't rely on USDA zones...


jfrye01@live.com

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I'm sure most already know this, but in marginal zones (6-8), I've found you can't truly rely on your zone for palm growing guidance. For example, I'm pretty close to the zone 6b/7a border. Albuquerque is also on the 6b/7a border. Now, I'm Albuquerque isn't exactly dense with palms, but there are indeed several there. I've seen washingtonia and sabals in ABQ, not to mention windmills. Compare that to Wichita. Off the top of my head, I can count maybe 6 palms in Wichita. 4 Sabal minor, a sabal birmingham (discussed here several times), and a palmetto. The minors and birmingham are located downtown, while the palmetto is on the west side. I haven't driven by the palmetto recently, but I'm willing to bet it's dead or near dead after the crap we've had thrown at us this winter...if it's not dead already, there's no way it will make it to spring. Anyway, I'm just typing my thoughts out here...it's nice to be able to discuss this with others who share the same interests. Any other thoughts?

Edit: pretty clear cut zone map: http://www.sunpalmtrees.com/images/usdahardiness.gif

Edited by jfrye01@live.com

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Have you looked at Sunset Magazine's zone charts? The USDA's charts are so broad and don't take into account many weather factors or elevation changes. Sunset does a much better job.

They are also the ones who publish a plant guide based on the Sunset zones. I found it very helpful when looking to landscape. They update their publication each year I think and if your Friends of the Library in your area does book sales to raise money, I usually find older copies available for a good price. Otherwise the current edition is usually carried in bookstores like Barnes and Noble, sometimes have seen it in Costco, at maybe $20-30. It's geared towards the western states but some of it maybe applicable to your area's zones. You'd have to check it out. http://www.oxmoorhouse.com/storefront/brands/sunset/the-new-western-garden-book/prod9780376039200.html

http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones

Here 's the link for the Central Plains: http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zones-central-plains

Zone 9b (formerly listed as Zone 9a); Sunset 14

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I'm sure most already know this, but in marginal zones (6-8), I've found you can't truly rely on your zone for palm growing guidance. For example, I'm pretty close to the zone 6b/7a border. Albuquerque is also on the 6b/7a border. Now, I'm Albuquerque isn't exactly dense with palms, but there are indeed several there. I've seen washingtonia and sabals in ABQ, not to mention windmills. Compare that to Wichita. Off the top of my head, I can count maybe 6 palms in Wichita. 4 Sabal minor, a sabal birmingham (discussed here several times), and a palmetto. The minors and birmingham are located downtown, while the palmetto is on the west side. I haven't driven by the palmetto recently, but I'm willing to bet it's dead or near dead after the crap we've had thrown at us this winter...if it's not dead already, there's no way it will make it to spring. Anyway, I'm just typing my thoughts out here...it's nice to be able to discuss this with others who share the same interests. Any other thoughts?

Edit: pretty clear cut zone map: http://www.sunpalmtrees.com/images/usdahardiness.gif

They are general guides only, and good for most purposes. For exacting and zone pushing gardeners they are not reliable.

In my post I sometimes express "my" opinion. Warning, it may differ from "your" opinion. If so, please do not feel insulted, just state your own if you wish. Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or any other damages

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I've heard many complaints about the USDA system, I don't really have any problem with it, you just have to realize that it isn't the singular gold-standard indicator of climate. It is just one of many tools to be used when trying to determine climate and what might grow in your area.

Corpus Christi, TX, near salt water, zone 9b/10a! Except when it isn't and everything gets nuked.

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Have you looked at Sunset Magazine's zone charts? The USDA's charts are so broad and don't take into account many weather factors or elevation changes. Sunset does a much better job.

They are also the ones who publish a plant guide based on the Sunset zones. I found it very helpful when looking to landscape. They update their publication each year I think and if your Friends of the Library in your area does book sales to raise money, I usually find older copies available for a good price. Otherwise the current edition is usually carried in bookstores like Barnes and Noble, sometimes have seen it in Costco, at maybe $20-30. It's geared towards the western states but some of it maybe applicable to your area's zones. You'd have to check it out. http://www.oxmoorhouse.com/storefront/brands/sunset/the-new-western-garden-book/prod9780376039200.htmlhttp://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones

Here 's the link for the Central Plains: http://www.sunset.com/garden/climate-zones/sunset-climate-zones-central-plains

Hmmm, I'll check that out...thanks!!

I'm sure most already know this, but in marginal zones (6-8), I've found you can't truly rely on your zone for palm growing guidance. For example, I'm pretty close to the zone 6b/7a border. Albuquerque is also on the 6b/7a border. Now, I'm Albuquerque isn't exactly dense with palms, but there are indeed several there. I've seen washingtonia and sabals in ABQ, not to mention windmills. Compare that to Wichita. Off the top of my head, I can count maybe 6 palms in Wichita. 4 Sabal minor, a sabal birmingham (discussed here several times), and a palmetto. The minors and birmingham are located downtown, while the palmetto is on the west side. I haven't driven by the palmetto recently, but I'm willing to bet it's dead or near dead after the crap we've had thrown at us this winter...if it's not dead already, there's no way it will make it to spring. Anyway, I'm just typing my thoughts out here...it's nice to be able to discuss this with others who share the same interests. Any other thoughts?

Edit: pretty clear cut zone map: http://www.sunpalmtrees.com/images/usdahardiness.gif

They are general guides only, and good for most purposes. For exacting and zone pushing gardeners they are not reliable.

Good point...thanks for the replies everyone! :)

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