To find out what zone Ohio is, you need to understand the USDA hardiness zone map.
This map breaks up all the areas of the US into different zones based on the expected average low temperature received during the winter. You may have heard them referred to as growing zones or hardiness zones, but this map will tell you what plants will be perennial in your area based on your assigned zone.
However, the USDA plant Hardiness Zone Map is mainly developed to help gardeners so that they can buy the right seeds for planting to grow healthy & develop a healthy gardening culture with qualified knowledge.
Usda Plant Hardiness Zone
The Hardiness Zone map was introduced in 2012 with the help of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and PRISM Climate Group of Oregon State University. This map tells the minimum temperatures in your zone. It is a sound system telling gardeners what plant can handle the temperature. Some plants can take going to negative 25 while others can only take maybe going to 32 degrees. So the Hardiness zone map is undoubtedly an effective tool for gardeners to have to know what plant will succeed in their area.
How To Find A Planting Zone For Ohio?
Whether you live in Ohio or California, you can find your hardiness zone while inserting your zip code in the given search bar of the USDA Hardiness website page. When it comes to Ohio, the area is covered under three zones 5, 6a, and 6b. The farm and dairy office in Ohio is located in Zone 6a.
Zone 6a
6a planting zone in Ohio covers most of its southern area, where the temperature can decrease to -10 degrees. Plants that are sold in greenhouses and nurseries are marked with growing requirements. Those plants marked with hardy from zones 6 through 9 can withstand the lower temperatures of southern Ohio winters however may not do well in the northern piece of the state.
Zone 6b
A small region near the Ohio River is classified as zone 6b as per the Hardiness zone map. In zone 6b, the temperature in winter may fall up to -5 below zero F. Thereby, the growing season in this region is more extended when compared with zone 6a in Ohio. Fruits and vegetables like tomatoes get the suitable time and environment to grow. Similarly, as with any planting zone in Ohio, you should decide the microclimate of your nursery region before planting. However, the region is considered one of the best planting zones in Ohio.
Microclimates
The hardiness zone provides guidelines for gardeners to consider when planting trees in their nurseries. But one should always consider the components and other external variables that might make a bubble around your growing region. These outside factors are known as microclimates.
Huge urban communities frequently have higher temperatures than peripheral rural areas, and consequently, the microclimate might not be the same as what is on the guide. To decide your planting zone, track the low yearly temperatures. Match the temperature records with the USDA Hardiness zone map for planting a fruitful nursery.
Wrap Up
Ohio incorporates rich fields and an ideal climate that provides an abundance of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants. With the Hardiness zone map, you can find perfect plants that will survive in the climatic conditions and provide sufficient yield. You can choose butterfly weeds, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, tomato, carrots, and beets, as they will perform well in Ohio growing zones.