Know Your Grow Zones in the USA for Gardeners

Gardening is more than just a hobby, it's a way of life. However, many new and amateur gardeners do not know that what you can grow in your garden depends on the growing zone in which you reside. The lower forty-eight USA states are split up between eight growing zones (zones 3-10), where zones are based on geographical area and average minimal winter temperature.  

The growing zone system breaks down plants by which zone they are historically native to and, based on that, the zones in which they should thrive in a given growing season. So, for example, while lilacs are a great fit for Zone 6, they may be a poor fit for Zone 9 due to the number of hours per day they need to chill in cool air.  

Ohio is almost entirely based in zone 6 according to the attached plant hardiness zone map. However, much of Kentucky and parts of West Virginia are in zone 7, meaning that plants right for Ohio may struggle just a hundred miles or so to the south.  

In this post, we will give a brief overview of each of the thirteen growing zones of the world, then we will zoom in on zones 6 and 7 (Ohio and Kentucky) for a more detailed analysis of the plants that thrive in these zones. 

What Growing Zone is Ohio in and What Can I Grow There? 

Ohio primarily falls within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 to 7, varying slightly by region. This temperate climate supports a diverse array of plants. 

Vegetables 

You can grow cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas in spring, while tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers thrive in the warmer months. 

Fruits 

Great options include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, as well as apples and pears, which adapt well to zone 6. 

Herbs 

Hardy herbs like chives, oregano, and thyme flourish for early growth. Later in the year, you can grow basil and parsley in the warmer months. 

Flowers 

A variety of flowers like daylilies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans are ideal and thrive in Ohio. In addition, annuals such as marigolds and zinnias do well in zone 6 gardens. 

A Quick Rundown of Growing Zones 

Below is a quick description of each of the thirteen growing zones, all the way from the bitter north to the sunny tropics. 

Zone 1 

Winter average minimal temperature of -60°F to -50°F 

Found in parts of Alaska and the Arctic Circle. You won't have success growing plants here unless you operate a hydroponics lab.  

Zone 2 

Winter average minimal temperature of -50°F to -40°F 

Very similar to zone 1, found in most of Alaska and northern Canada. Not much more than trees or shrubs will grow. 

Zone 3

Winter average minimal temperature of -40°F to -30°F 

This zone encompasses much of Canada and parts of Minnesota and North Dakota. You can grow trees, shrubs, some hardy vegetables and perennials. 

Zone 4  

Winter average minimal temperature of -30°F to -20°F 

Found in parts of the Northern United States, including Montana, Wyoming, and northern New York. You can grow vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage, and perennials like hostas and lilies.  

Zone 5 

Winter average minimal temperature of -20°F to -10°F  

Found in parts of the Central United States, including Nebraska, Iowa, and parts of Pennsylvania. This zone, while cold, can yield healthy results for most vegetables, perennials, and fruits. 

Zone 6 

Winter average minimal temperature of -10°F to 0°F 

This is the zone where you will find Ohio, Kansas, and Missouri. A great zone for growing most vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and spinach, perennials like daylilies and black-eyed Susan, and flowers like daffodils, tulips, and irises.  

Zone 7 

Winter average minimal temperature of 0°F to 10°F 

Here you will find states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Perfect for perennials like sedum and echinacea, veggies like eggplant, and flowers like roses.  

Zone 8 

Winter average minimal temperature of 10°F to 20°F 

Zone 8 encompasses most of the southern US. Hot-weather plants like lutana, eggplant, citrus fruits, and lavender tend to do well here.  

Zone 9 

Winter average minimal temperature of 20°F to 30°F 

Found in parts of the South and Southwest, including Florida, southern Texas, and California, gardeners here often grow jasmine, rosemary, pineapples, and more. 

Zone 10 

Winter average minimal temperature of 30°F to 40°F 

Found at the tip of Florida, the warmest edges of California, and Hawaii, tropical plants like birds of paradise, orchids, dragon fruit, and dahlias grow best here. 

Zone 11 

Winter average minimal temperature of 40°F to 50°F 

Found in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, this is the true tropics where coconuts, okra, and sweet potatoes grow here.  

Zone 12 

Winter average minimal temperature of 50°F to 60°F 

Deeper in the tropics, dragon fruit, passion fruit, guavas, bananas, and more grow well here.  

Zone 13 

Winter average minimal temperature of 60°F to 70°F 

The warmest of the warm. The most tropical of the tropics. Gardeners grow papaya, jackfruit, tropical herbs, and cacti grow here.  

Find All Zone 6 and Zone 7 Plants You Want at Knollwood Garden Center 

Zone 6 and zone 7 gardeners are some of the luckiest gardeners in the world due to the sheer amount of plants, flowers, fruits, and veggies they can grow. Ohio falls in a temperate climate zone and few plants will not thrive, other than those that are a fit only for the tropics.  

If you want to fill out your garden or plan for next year, Knollwood Garden Center in Beavercreek is here! We offer a wide selection of plants, practical tips for how to get your garden started on the right foot, and a staff full of experienced gardeners here to answer your questions and guide you on your gardening journey. 

Stop by Knollwood Garden Center today! 

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