Zone 5 refers to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone in which I garden here in Hadley — located in Western Massachusetts.

Years ago botanists and horticulturists started gathering weather records throughout North America to compile a database to show the average coldest temperatures for each region. These records were condensed into a range of temperatures and transformed into various zones of plant hardiness. There are a total of 11 zones. Maps were then made to show the lines between these temperature zones.

Today, the USDA map, which was last updated and released in 1990 (based on weather records from 1974-1986), is generally considered the standard measure of plant hardiness throughout much of the United States.

Hadley’s average annual minimum temperatures can reach -20°F to -10°F. In other words, a plant that is described as “hardy to zone 5″ means that the plant can withstand a minimum temperature of -20°F.

When you purchase a plant, the plant tag generally will show the coldest plant hardiness zone in which the plant will survive through the winter. Although this is not a guarantee, it is a good starting point.

Gardening in New England is always a challenge. Everyone’s garden is unique and you will need to determine which plants will work in your specific conditions. To give your plants the best possible chance for survival, you must consider your soil type, the amount of rainfall your garden receives, daytime and nighttime temperatures, wind, humidity, heat, location of the planting site, and many other factors. (Gardening is not for the faint of heart!)

Contact Debbie at Gardenscapes to learn more about Zone 5 gardening.