County reminds to know zone for landscaping longevity
Lee County reported that when planning gardens or landscaping updates, homeowners may just think about topical considerations, like sunlight, soil and location. However, understanding one’s USDA Hardiness Zone is crucial in ensuring that the plants selected can survive the conditions in which they live.
A plant hardiness zone is a regional designation based on the lowest average temperature in that zip code during a 30-year timeframe.
“Knowing your zone is beneficial when selecting plants for your landscape or garden, as it can help homeowners make the right decision for vegetation and their longevity,” it reported.
The county encompasses three zones: 10a, 10b and 11a. While climate may be similar throughout Lee, hardiness zones vary throughout the region. Most of the county occupies Zone 10b, but some coastal areas — like Captiva — are Zone 11a. Several inland areas, like Lehigh Acres and Alva, occupy Zone 10a.
In the right conditions, the right plants require less fertilizer and maintenance.
“Choosing plants that are more likely to survive in your zone’s conditions is important so that you aren’t frequently replacing plants and using more water and fertilizer than necessary,” it reported.
To determine hardiness zone, visit PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov.
For a full guide on the best vegetation for each zone, visit ffl-apps.ifas.ufl.edu/plants.
In addition, the county reported that residents should Fertilize Smart and Water Smart by following its year-round guidelines to protect waterways and prevent runoff:
– Sweep up spilled granules, rather than rinsing with a hose.
– Avoid fertilizing within 10 feet of waterways and keep fertilizer off impervious surfaces.
– Do not fertilize if rain is forecast.
“Other crucial considerations to keep in mind when landscaping are abiding by Lee County’s irrigation schedule and limiting irrigation to once per week, using less pesticide and opting for Florida-friendly vegetation that fit best in your hardiness zone, and following Lee County’s fertilizer ordinance,” it reported.
USDA hardiness zones are primarily based on temperature, but many other environmental factors contribute to the success or failure of plants, like sunlight, soil and water.
For more information about how to Fertilize Smart, visit FertilizeSmart.com.
For more information about watering restrictions and for the irrigation schedules, visit LeeGov.com/NaturalResources/WaterSmart.