Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Zones

marcia_macdmarcia_macd Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I live in Toronto Canada in Zone 6a. I’d like to understand how the timing of the seasons, seeding and planting differs from my zone and that which is recommended by GW. i.e. what zone is Gardeners’ World geared towards?

Posts

  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    This should help - though treat with suspicion anyone who describes themselves as ‘credentialed’

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/uk-hardiness-zones.htm
    Rutland, England
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    "Most of the United Kingdom is located in USDA Zone 9", she says - but the map of the zones in the article suggests otherwise, that most except the mountainous areas (Zone 7) and the western and southern coastal areas (Zone 9) is located in Zone 8.  Confusing.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Here’s another commentary, better I think.

    https://www.thisiseco.co.uk/news_and_blog/plant-hardiness-zones-explained.html
    Rutland, England
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Interesting, @BenCotto.  Useful final paragraphs explaining the limitations of "hardiness zones" too.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • marcia_macdmarcia_macd Posts: 2
    This is all very helpful if only my brain truly understood zones. I suppose what I am trying to figure out is how many weeks/months am I behind the recommendations made. Canada has no publication that comes anywhere near to the depth and sophistication of GW and so I very much want to follow their guides but do struggle with the translating the timing to my area.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    In the UK, timings can vary by a month or more between the local climate in the south west and the climate in the north east of Scotland owing to various factors such as latitude, Gulf Stream, prevailing wind directions and also altitude and aspect.   

    There is a chap who gardens near Huddersfield, Yorkshire, which is about half way up the mainland and on the colder, eastern side.  He produces an almanac with what to sow and plant and when.   You may find it useful as a guide with adjustments to your local temperatures - https://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/  
      
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    I guess you need to think about when the risk of frost passes where you are.  Over here we generally assume late May as a rule of thumb but it can be earlier or later in certain parts of the country.  On the other hand you'll have higher light levels earlier in the season than us as Toronto is more southerly, level with the south of France
Sign In or Register to comment.