USDA Hardiness Zones Across the U.S. - Spotlight on New Jersey!

Discover Your USDA Hardiness Zone! 

Planning to create a beautiful, thriving garden in New Jersey? Understanding your USDA Hardiness Zone is key to selecting plants that can flourish in the state’s diverse climate, from the cool northwest to the milder coastal areas. Let’s explore the zones across New Jersey and find the best shade-tolerant plants for your garden!

New Jersey: Zones 6-7

New Jersey’s climate varies from the cooler, hilly regions in the northwest to the warmer, coastal areas in the south. Here’s a closer look at the zones in New Jersey and some shade-tolerant plants that will thrive in each:

• Zone 6:

  
  

  Found in the northern and central parts of New Jersey, including areas like Morris County and the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, where winter temperatures can drop to -10 to 0°F. These shade-tolerant plants are perfect for the cooler areas:

  
  

  • Hostas (Hosta spp.): A classic choice for shade gardens, Hostas offer lush foliage in a variety of colors and patterns, thriving in the cool, shaded areas of Zone 6.

  • Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Known for its delicate, heart-shaped flowers, Bleeding Heart adds beauty to shady spots in spring and early summer.

  • Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): With its feathery plumes of pink, white, or red flowers, Astilbe brings bright color to shaded gardens and prefers the cool, moist soils typical of Zone 6.

    
    

• Zone 7:

  
  

  Covers much of southern New Jersey, including areas like Camden, Atlantic City, and the Jersey Shore, where winter temperatures range from 0 to 10°F. This zone is ideal for a variety of shade-tolerant plants:

  
  

  • Ferns: Varieties like Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) and Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) thrive in the rich, moist soils of shaded areas in Zone 7.

  • Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.): Known for their large, showy blooms, Rhododendrons thrive in the acidic, shaded soils typical of this zone.

  • Camellias (Camellia spp.): With their glossy evergreen leaves and stunning winter and early spring flowers, Camellias are perfect for adding year-round beauty to shaded garden areas.

    
    

Why It Matters:

• Optimal Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are well-suited to your specific zone ensures they will thrive and contribute to a healthy, beautiful garden.

• Effective Garden Planning: Understanding your zone helps you plan your planting schedule, allowing you to take full advantage of New Jersey’s growing seasons.

• Sustainable Gardening: By selecting plants that naturally thrive in your zone’s conditions, you reduce the need for extra water, fertilizers, and pesticides, promoting a more eco-friendly garden.

  
  

Get Involved: Share Your Gardening Experience

We want to hear from you! Whether you’re gardening in the cooler regions of Zone 6 or the warmer areas of Zone 7, your experiences and tips can inspire and guide others.

Join the Conversation:

• Comment Below: Share your gardening successes, challenges, and questions with fellow New Jersey gardeners.

• Join Our Facebook Group: Connect with a community of shade gardening enthusiasts by joining our Shade Gardening Group on Facebook. It’s a great place to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and support your gardening journey.

  
  

Let’s grow together, New Jersey! 🌻