Lee County reported that when planning gardens or landscaping updates, homeowners may just think about topical considerations, like sunlight, soil and location. However, understanding one\u2019s USDA Hardiness Zone is crucial in ensuring that the plants selected can survive the conditions in which they live.<\/p>\n
A plant hardiness zone is a regional designation based on the lowest average temperature in that zip code during a 30-year timeframe.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowing your zone is beneficial when selecting plants for your landscape or garden, as it can help homeowners make the right decision for vegetation and their longevity,\u201d it reported.<\/p>\n
The county encompasses three zones: 10a, 10b and 11a. While climate may be similar throughout Lee, hardiness zones vary throughout the region. Most of the county occupies Zone 10b, but some coastal areas \u2014 like Captiva \u2014 are Zone 11a. Several inland areas, like Lehigh Acres and Alva, occupy Zone 10a.<\/p>\n
In the right conditions, the right plants require less fertilizer and maintenance.<\/p>\n
\u201cChoosing plants that are more likely to survive in your zone\u2019s conditions is important so that you aren\u2019t frequently replacing plants and using more water and fertilizer than necessary,\u201d it reported.<\/p>\n
To determine hardiness zone, visit PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n For a full guide on the best vegetation for each zone, visit ffl-apps.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants<\/a>.<\/p>\n In addition, the county reported that residents should Fertilize Smart and Water Smart by following its year-round guidelines to protect waterways and prevent runoff:<\/p>\n \u2013 Sweep up spilled granules, rather than rinsing with a hose.<\/p>\n \u2013 Avoid fertilizing within 10 feet of waterways and keep fertilizer off impervious surfaces.<\/p>\n \u2013 Do not fertilize if rain is forecast.<\/p>\n \u201cOther crucial considerations to keep in mind when landscaping are abiding by Lee County\u2019s irrigation schedule and limiting irrigation to once per week, using less pesticide and opting for Florida-friendly vegetation that fit best in your hardiness zone, and following Lee County\u2019s fertilizer ordinance,\u201d it reported.<\/p>\n USDA hardiness zones are primarily based on temperature, but many other environmental factors contribute to the success or failure of plants, like sunlight, soil and water.<\/p>\n For more information about how to Fertilize Smart, visit FertilizeSmart.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information about watering restrictions and for the irrigation schedules, visit LeeGov.com\/NaturalResources\/WaterSmart<\/a>.<\/p>\n