Hello Everyone: What is a "heat zone" and where do I find out about it? Also, would like to confirm my USDA Zone number. Is there a link for both? Patrick, I want to try the auto signature ...!! TIA, Gloria
Hi Gloria, I would also like to find out about the "heat zone".Good question!?!!
To find out your USDA Zone, Go to the bottom of this page & click on "Brugmansia Forum Map". There's links to the zone and temps.Go from there.
Hi Gloria,
I used the tables that I found on the American Horticultural Society site. You can find both zones plus a lot of other helpful information.
HTH,
Karyn
Your "zone" is the USDA plant cold hardiness zone & refers to the average annual Minimum Temperature Range.
The "heat zone" refers to the average number of days per year that temperatures exceed 86F. It is used to determine the heat tolerance of plants.
The heat zone is often more meaningful than the USDA zone. For example, I live in
USDA zone 8b, in the Seattle area. Many areas in the southern U.S. are also zone 8a or 8b. But the summer temperature difference between the Seattle and those areas is huge. The USDA zone, alone, would give false information on selecting flowers & veggies that would be expected to grow well in our gardens. Heat-lovers like tomatoes & melons may do great in the southern states, but are a huge challenge in my area. Conversely, fuchsias, tuberous begonias & other plants that prefer cooler growing conditions, thrive here but are a challenge in the southern states. So the heat zone data is much more helpful, unless you’re trying to determine whether a plant will survive your winter conditions.
Google (or other web searchers) is our friend!
Try: U.S. Heat Zones
Or: AHS Heat Zone Map
Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place
I agree if you live somewhere especially hot that the heat zone is a better indicator than the cold zone. I think the ocean or large bodies of water make a huge difference as well.
I don't have to worry much about freezing temps: it is the heat that kills my plants : and I do mean literally does kill some. If I did not take many of my tropicals into the house or garage this summer they would have been toast. Some of the ones I left out were killed even in the shade house. The high night temps got to them.
The sunset zone says I am in a 13 and the temps avg up to 105-109. That is a joke because we are way hotter than that most of the summer! LOL.
I think these zones are just guides and you sorta have to see what works in your own situation and micro-climate
Hey speaking of sunset zones for the west: Is there also sunrise zones for the east?
~Lenette
Lake Havasu City, AZ aka Brug Hell
cold hardiness zn 10
heat zn 11
Sunset zn 13
I forgot to mention that the moon will be up to 33% larger tonight than it has been at any other time this year. Try to take a look if you aren't cloudy.
Well, I think the scientists will tell us that the moon doesn't change in size...only in appearance. When it is closer to the earth, it looks bigger, right? It's my job in life to keep Carrie on her toes...a game we've played for more than a few years. Believe me, she'll get even! <grin>
I was just outside, rescuing my variegated brugs from the cold. Tomorrow I will start some serious relocation of other brugs. Overlooking the cold, the moonlight is wonderful! My in-ground CG has 4 trunks and has its largest flush of the season....looks fantastic in the moonlight.
We're fortunate to have clears skies in W. Washington, so we can see how great the moon looks. Those clear skies will probably bring me a low temp of about 37F...and Selma, Tom & Allison might see frost tonight!
Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place
And Carrie, don't forget Carrie ----- who saw frost in Texas this early. DRAT!!!! Very light, and only in low places, but frost, non the less. I was looking out my bay window before it was really light enough to see and thought I had escaped it, but then when I went outside later, there it was in all it's damaging glory. I think my plants are all okay as most of them are semi protected, but I really hate it when everything begins to turn brown from frost.
And, Patrick --- you can just bet I will get even --- have you looked at the okra question????
Karyn should have known you would be able to steer me in the right direction Thanks
Patrick: Thanks for the great explanation ... sure makes sense. Thanks to all for responses. Gloria
Los Angeles County, CA
USDA Zone: 9B
Heat Zone 8/9
This message has been edited by gee8ch on Oct 26, 2007 11:10 AM
TIA, Gloria
Thanks