USDA adjusting zones that help with flower-planting decisions

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The spring-like weather lately has many eager to start planting gardens. But before dropping money on new plants, it’s important to note that the USDA is adjusting some of its zones that help with deciding the types of flowers to plant.

K-State Research and Extension Ornamental Horticulture Agent Matt McKernan explained that plant hardiness is significant when figuring out what plants will survive this winter and return.

“Plant hardiness looks at how cold of a temperature a plant can handle and be able to survive through the winter months and continue to grow the next year,” McKernan explained.

McKernan said the entire state is seeing a change based on two factors.

“The increase in the amount of weather data that was brought into this new map, (and) the other difference is that the climate across the United States is changing as well,” he said.

With the zoning changes, experts say plants like the red and white columbine and types of lavender will flourish this season.

“There’s a lot of perennials out there that will easily make it through that particular situation, columbines, Shasta daisies, coreopsis, the list is endless,” said Dutch’s Greenhouse Co-Owner Jerry Deree.

Deree also issued a reminder when it comes to timing your flower-planting.

“With the climate change, it seems that we get a lot of days that we call ‘teasers,’ which is what we’ve had here in the last few weeks,” he said. “But we always seem to get that late freeze. So we’re still cautioning people to hold off.”

Source: kwch.com