Book 7, Question 91
Why Do Gardens Need Different Planting Months?
Gardens need different planting months because plants need the right mix of warmth, light, and no frost. Every place has its own pattern of seasons, so planting calendars follow local weather. Gardens run on weather clocks!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- Gardeners use the USDA plant hardiness zone map to see which plants can survive the winters where they live.
- Hardiness zones are based on the coldest temperatures a place usually gets each winter, averaged over many years.
- When the map was updated in 2012, most of the United States was about half a zone, or 5 degrees Fahrenheit, warmer than before.
- NOAA makes maps showing when your area usually gets its last spring freeze, so you know when it's safe to plant.
- South Florida usually has its last spring freeze before January 16, much earlier than places farther north.
- In some high mountain and far northern places, the first fall freeze can come even before August 31.
Sources: NASA Science, NOAA, NOAA, NOAA
Questions kids ask
What is a plant hardiness zone?
A zone on a map that shows which plants can survive the winters in your area.
How do I know when to plant my garden?
Check a map of your area's average last spring freeze date.