Welcome to the concrete jungle of New York City, where skyscrapers and bustling streets dominate the landscape. Amidst this urban chaos, however, lies a thriving gardening community that has found ingenious ways to bring nature into the city. Whether you have a small balcony, a rooftop, or a community garden plot, gardening in the Big Apple is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
One crucial factor to consider when embarking on your gardening journey in New York City is the USDA hardiness zone. Determining the appropriate plants for your specific zone is essential for successful gardening, as it takes into account the city’s unique climate and growing conditions. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the USDA hardiness zone in New York City and explore the diverse range of plants that thrive in this urban oasis.
What is New York City’s USDA hardiness zone?
The USDA hardiness zone is a system used to classify regions based on their average annual minimum temperature. It helps gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a particular area. In the case of New York City, it falls under USDA hardiness zone 7b. Zone 7b is characterized by an average minimum temperature range of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -14 degrees Celsius). This means that during the coldest winter months, temperatures in New York City can drop to these levels.
It is important to note that this is just an average, and extreme weather events can cause temperatures to dip even lower. The hardiness zone classification is crucial for gardeners as it provides guidance on which plants are best suited for the local climate. In New York City’s zone 7b, gardeners can grow a wide variety of plants that can withstand cold temperatures and occasional frost. Some popular plant choices for this zone include:
Perennials: Plants like daylilies, hostas, astilbes, and peonies are well-suited to zone 7b. These plants can survive the winter and return year after year.
Shrubs: Many shrubs thrive in this zone, such as hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, and butterfly bushes. These plants add beauty and structure to gardens and landscapes.
Trees: Some tree species that do well in zone 7b include dogwoods, Japanese maples, redbuds, and flowering cherries. These trees provide shade, beauty, and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Vegetables: Zone 7b has a long enough growing season to support a wide range of vegetables. Popular choices include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, and leafy greens like lettuce and spinach. However, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of each vegetable and adjust planting times accordingly.
Herbs: Many herbs thrive in this zone, including rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and mint. These herbs can be grown in containers or in herb gardens and are great for culinary use.
It’s important to note that while the USDA hardiness zone provides a general guideline, microclimates within a city can vary. Factors such as proximity to water bodies, urban heat island effect, and exposure to wind can influence the local climate. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to observe your specific garden conditions and consult with local gardening resources for the most accurate information.
When can you plant your garden in New York City?
In New York City, the ideal planting times for different plants can vary based on the USDA hardiness zone. New York City falls under USDA hardiness zones 6b and 7a, which means it experiences cold winters and hot summers. Here are the general guidelines for planting times based on these zones:
Early Spring (March to April): As the winter frost recedes, early spring is an ideal time to start planting cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, and carrots. These plants can tolerate cooler temperatures and will thrive in the moderate spring weather.
Late Spring (May to June): Late spring is the time to plant warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, and corn. By this time, the soil has warmed up sufficiently, and the risk of frost has passed. These plants require warmer temperatures to grow and produce well.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak growing season in New York City. It is a good time to plant heat-loving plants like basil, melons, squash, and okra. However, it’s important to provide adequate water and protect plants from extreme heat.
Fall (September to October): In early fall, you can plant cool-season crops again, such as lettuce, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These plants can withstand cooler temperatures and will continue to grow until the first frost.
Late Fall (November to December): Late fall is a great time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These bulbs require a period of cold dormancy to bloom beautifully in the spring.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific plant varieties may have their own optimal planting times. Additionally, weather patterns can vary from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to monitor local weather conditions and adjust your planting schedule accordingly.
What grows well in New York City?
New York City falls within USDA hardiness zone 7b, which means it experiences an average minimum winter temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -14 degrees Celsius). Here is a comprehensive list of plants that generally grow well in this zone:
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
- American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
- Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
- Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
- Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
- Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
- Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
- Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)
- Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
- Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
- Hosta (Hosta spp.)
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
- Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
- Sedum (Sedum spp.)
- Phlox (Phlox spp.)
- Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Petunia (Petunia spp.)
- Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
- Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
- Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
- Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
- Begonia (Begonia spp.)
- Salvia (Salvia spp.)
- Lobelia (Lobelia spp.)
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.)
- Clematis (Clematis spp.)
- Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
- Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
- Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
- Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
- Kiwi Vine (Actinidia spp.)
- Climbing Rose (Rosa spp.)
Remember to consider factors such as sunlight, soil conditions, and water requirements when selecting plants for your specific garden in New York City.
What won’t grow in New York City?
Some plants that may not thrive in New York City, considering its USDA hardiness zone (typically zone 7a to 7b), include:
- Tropical plants: Most tropical plants require warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels than what New York City can provide. Examples include banana trees, hibiscus, bougainvillea, and orchids.
- Desert plants: Plants that are adapted to arid environments, such as cacti and succulents, may struggle in the higher humidity and colder winters of New York City.
- Subtropical plants: While some subtropical plants can tolerate cooler temperatures, many may not survive the harsh winters in New York City. Examples include citrus trees, palm trees, and certain types of bamboo.
- Mediterranean plants: Plants native to Mediterranean climates, such as lavender, rosemary, and olive trees, may struggle in New York City’s colder winters and higher humidity levels.
- Some tropical fruits: Fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples require consistently warm temperatures and long growing seasons, which are not typically found in New York City.
It’s important to note that while these plants may not thrive outdoors in New York City, they can still be grown as houseplants or in containers with proper care and environmental control. Additionally, there are many other plant options that are well-suited to the climate of New York City and will thrive in the area.
