With a wide variety of rocks out there, you can build entire rock gardens (such as a serene zen garden), using stones to create focal points and provide accents. While you can place statement, stand-alone rocks, piles or blocks of stones can also be functional for walls, pathways, and seats in your garden. 

If you’re curious about incorporating rockery into your garden, we’ve put together a guide on the most common landscaping stones, breaking down what you need to consider with each type.

How do you pick the right rocks for your rock landscaping project?

To get started on your rock landscape, check out what’s available at your local quarries, rock yards, and home improvement stores — you’ll save on transportation and other costs this way. But also keep in mind what project you’re pursuing instead of simply buying what’s available. It makes sense to prioritize boulders for water features and flagstones for pathways. It may be helpful to work with a contractor or designer to bring your vision to life.

To help you get a feel for the different kinds of rocks out there, here are basic types of rocks for landscaping that you should know about. 

Pea gravel

Pea gravel is a tiny stone (usually between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch big) that’s ideal for filling in driveways, patios, fire pits, and more. It’s also great for filling spaces between larger landscaping rocks, such as boulders and flagstones. Functionally, it’s also the perfect answer for controlling weeds and providing drainage, which could be great for a drought-tolerant garden.

Unlike mulch, it won’t break down over time. While it won’t provide nutrients to your soil, it’ll last for a long time. Keep in mind that it can be rough and bumpy to walk on and harsh weather can displace it.

Flagstone rocks

From sandstone to quartzite, flagstone rocks are smooth and flat, which makes them versatile for creating paths in high-traffic areas. You might also find them as stepping stones or edging around garden beds. Made up of fragmented sedimentary rocks, they can come in a wide variety of colors.

When it comes to maintenance, they’re fairly easy to clean, as their large surface area makes them easy to sweep or rake through. Bear in mind that they can be pricey since they’re so big (about 1 to 2 feet wide). Some weather patterns may impact Flagstone rocks, in that they get very hot during the summer and very slippery during bouts of rain. 

River rocks

Found near freshwater sources, river rocks feature a naturally smooth and polished appearance. They’re actually pretty similar to pea gravel stones, except they feature softer edges and are usually much bigger. About 1 to 2 inches in diameter, they can be used to fill in patios, but they can also work for accenting garden flowerbeds and succulent plant arrangements.

And, of course, they look great with water features, perfect for a basin around a fountain. River rocks do tend to be pricier than pea gravel and might be a bit dangerous as a walking surface.

Boulders

Adding a weathered texture, boulders are perfect for focal points in a garden. You can use them to line a walkway or section off certain areas of your landscape. They can also work perfectly beneath a tree or by a garden bed — don’t be afraid to get creative!

When it comes to functionality, boulders can also be quite useful for building retaining walls and benches in a landscape. Do keep in mind that they’re very heavy, so you’ll likely have to hire help to place them in your outdoor space.  

Lava rocks

Jagged and porous, lava rocks, or volcanic rocks, are great for mulching your soil. Small in size, they help your soil keep its moisture, provide weed control, and offer drainage. They can be gray, black, or red in color, so they also create a visual contrast in your space. One thing to keep in mind is that lava rocks do tend to be very light, so harsh weather can scatter them around.

Marble chips

If you’re looking for a bit of shimmer and luxury, marble chips are probably one of the fanciest rocks you can incorporate into your landscape. When light hits these white rocks, they give off a luminous appearance. Like gravel, you can use them for filling walkways and garden beds.

When using them in your garden, it’s important to keep in mind that they can make the surrounding soil more alkaline, which can be good for some plants (like hydrangeas) but bad for others (like magnolias). 

Cobblestones

Often used for walkways and driveways, cobblestones have a bit of a classic charm to them. They typically come from granite from riverbeds and are cut into rectangles or other shapes. However, you might find them in their round state at a rockery. Besides being used for entire paths, they also work well for walls and plant beds. Do keep in mind that cobblestone can be uneven as a landscaping rock, which makes removing snow and walking long distances difficult.

Building a rock garden can be a neat, low-maintenance alternative to keeping a lawn. With so many stones available out there, you can find just the right textures, colors, and sizes for your stonescape vision. From simple pea gravel to statement boulders, you’ll be able to create a stunning, easy-care space with a little bit of planning and manual labor. 

What is the language of flowers?

Throughout the centuries, the language of giving fresh flowers has been used in mythology, sonnets, folklore, and plays. People have always been obsessed with finding meaning in everything, and flowers are no different. Fortunately, there’s almost no feeling, expression, or event that can’t be expressed with flowers. You just have to know which ones to use.

While most of the symbols have been forgotten, you can use this guide to help find the perfect flower for your Valentine, whether they’re a lover, a friend, or family. There are way too many flowers and their meanings to cover here, so we’ll go over some of the most popular and most appropriate for this time of year. It might even be fun to explain these meanings in the card you give along with the flowers.

• Aster is a symbol of love
• Calla lilies mean beauty
• A red camellia says, “you’re a flame in my heart”
• A white camellia means “you’re adorable”
• Pink carnations mean “I’ll never forget you”
• A red chrysanthemum says, “I love you”
• Daylilies are the Chinese emblem of motherhood
• Edelweiss is a symbol of courage and devotion
• Gardenias are for a secret love
• Grange lilies stand for hatred in case you need something for your ex!
• Pink roses mean happiness
• Salvia flowers say “forever mine”
• Red tulips mean passion

What kind of flowers should you not give on Valentine’s Day?

Not every flower’s meaning is something lovely and sweet; some flowers have nasty and nefarious meanings. Naturally, you’ll want to avoid giving these types of flowers to your Valentine, so here is a list to keep you out of the doghouse!

• Daffodils should be avoided, even though they’re probably popping up everywhere this time of year. You’ll want to steer clear since these flowers mean vanity or self-absorption.
• Yellow carnations are another flower to avoid giving your Valentine. They are pretty little flowers but are associated with disgust and rejection.
• Lavender is a great flower for relaxing after a long day. Still, your significant other won’t want to receive them on Valentine’s Day, since they usually signify mistrust. If your loved one enjoys the scent of lavender, but you want to avoid the negative meaning, why not give them some homemade lavender-scented gifts?
• Yellow chrysanthemums mean sorrow and regret, which are more than a little inappropriate during this time of year.

Of course, if these flowers happen to be a favorite of your loved one, they’ll still appreciate receiving them! Flower meanings are fun to explore and use, and can even be an entertaining way of passing codes back and forth, but many people aren’t aware of them. Flower meanings can even vary from place to place, and some have changed over time. So unless your loved one is passionate about flower symbolism, you shouldn’t worry too much about the negative meanings of some flowers. Instead, focus on picking flowers that they’ll love!

What gifts besides red roses are often given on Valentine’s Day?

Need some gift ideas that aren’t roses or other flowers? Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for Valentine’s Day that aren’t flowers.

• Who doesn’t love candy? Instead of a bouquet of flowers, get your significant other a bouquet of candy! This is also a great Valentine’s Day gift for your friends or family.
• Everyone has a wine friend, and if you don’t have a wine friend, you probably are the wine friend! Either way, while flowers are nice, wine is a tasty way to send someone you love a gift they’ll enjoy. Of course, it might not last in their house as long as flowers will, but at least they can enjoy it with a good meal or dessert.
• Buy them a gift card for a massage, facial, pedicure, or manicure; nothing says I love you or I appreciate you more than the gift of self-care.
• Another fantastic gift to give would be a house-cleaning service; nothing says pamper yourself like letting someone else do the cleaning for a day. This is especially nice for anyone who works long hours or is busy with their kids all day! They’ll be sure to appreciate a day of rest.
• Many of our significant others love flowers, but those only last about a week. So instead give them a plant! A succulent is easy to care for and lasts for years and years, just like your love. There are even some heart shaped succulents!

If the idea of getting your soulmate the wrong flower on this critical day is too stressful, stick with our non-flower gift suggestions. You can also ask a florist for their opinion; they’ll be able to guide you through the flower-buying process expertly. Stop by a small shop and get an expert opinion and you’re sure to delight your loved ones!

Plant them with red and yellow flowers to create a fiery gradient, or mix them with blue flowers for a lively arrangement. Whether it’s creating a border of marigolds or hanging a charming goldfish plant inside, you have a wide range of options when it comes to incorporating orange into your space. For ideas on which plants to use, here are some of the most striking orange garden plants out there.

Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)

Reminiscent of carnations, these crepey orange flowers native to Mexico will add a pop to any yard. Besides their cheerful color, marigolds also draw beneficial ladybugs and bees into your garden. On top of all that, they’re pretty easy to maintain, as they tolerate heat, drought, and transplanting quite well.

In most cases, they are annuals, but they self-sow so you can enjoy them for a long time down the line. Deadheading isn’t necessary, but it does help blooms continue to grow throughout the summer.

Butterfly weeds (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weeds are what they’re called because they attract butterflies and produce lots of nectar. Technically milkweeds, these flowers feature glossy green leaves and bloom clusters that can be orange or yellow. They grow well in most places, perennial to zones 3 through 9.

These bushy, low-maintenance plants prefer 6 or more hours of full sun a day and can grow in containers, too. Remember to keep them away from pets and children because butterfly weeds are toxic when consumed.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva)

Available in many colors, including a lovely light or deep orange, daylilies are hardy flowers that thrive in zones 4 through 9. Predominantly from Asia, these flowers can survive rough conditions, including drought and poor soil. They also do well in shade or full sun, although they will produce more flowers in full sun.

You can plant them bareroot into the ground in early spring or pop them inside a container at any point during the growing season. As with many blooms, they attract butterflies — but they don’t attract pests.

Orange spider plant (Chlorophytum amaniense)

Technically a cousin to the spider plant, this striking plant, which also goes by the name of “mandarin plant,” features bright orange stems and petioles along with vibrant green leaves. When you look at it from the base and up, it almost looks like it’s glowing.

Mostly an easygoing plant, it does best in bright indirect light with consistent fertilizing throughout the growing season. Note that it is sensitive to tip burn, which can be caused by direct light or hard water. If you leave it outside (and you can do so in zones 9 through 11), give it shade. On the latter issue, you can water it with filtered water or tap water that’s been left out for a day.

Coppertips (Crocosmia)

Native to South Africa, coppertips feature rows of gorgeous tubular scarlet orange blooms on their branches. They only need adequate watering and well-draining soil; their main requirement is bright, full sun to produce striking flowers. They have a pretty late start in that you should begin growing them when other flowers are just about to bloom in late spring.

Summer is their time to shine: They enjoy full sun even with the heat and even if it comes with mugginess or drought in hot weather. Best of all, their flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. However, they won’t attract deer or rabbits if your garden is prone to those critters.

Prince of Orange philodendron

The Prince of Orange philodendron is a stunning tropical houseplant that features bright orange leaves that go from yellow to green as they mature. Often, all three colors appear in one plant. This tree philodendron is easy to keep inside the house — it only needs loose, well-draining soil and water when the soil dries out. Bright indirect light will also help it maintain its color scheme.

Those who live in zone 10 or higher can keep the Prince of Orange as an outdoor plant all year round, but it does perfectly well as a houseplant elsewhere. As this is a self-heading variety that only grows up to 2 feet wide, you won’t need to worry about pruning it.

Goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarious)

Coming from Central and South America, the goldfish plant features striking red-orange blooms that resemble its namesake. Even when not in bloom, its glossy, trailing dark green leaves are a sight to behold and perfect for hanging baskets.

They do well in bright indirect light with well-draining soil. While they enjoy a good soak in the spring and summer, cut back on watering in the wintertime. Though perennial in zones 10 and 11, these tropical houseplants don’t need a lot of warmth — they do best at room temperature and may struggle with too much heat.

Get started on warming up your garden with orange now. There’s no need to maintain a citrus tree — simply bring in an orange flower border or hang an orange plant on your patio. Throughout the year, orange will add a rich, welcoming color to your outdoor landscape.

Designing a drought-tolerant garden is rewarding, but it can be difficult to begin. There’s an upfront cost of time, energy, and money to consider. In addition to new, drought-tolerant plants, you may also need to get mulch, rocks, and tubes for an efficient watering system, and setting everything up can take a lot of time and effort. In the long run, though, your low-maintenance garden will be well worth it. You’ll have a garden that’s friendlier for the environment and your budget!

Ditch your turf for hardscape or mulch

It’s no secret that to keep the grass greener on your side, you need to water it pretty consistently. When putting together a drought-tolerant garden design, consider downsizing your lawn space. It may be more water-efficient to ditch your turf entirely and use rocks or bark mulch. Just keep in mind that you will have to make a significant investment in time and money if you go down this route.

Look for native plants in your area

Native plants are plants that have adapted to your region’s rainfall, soil, and sunlight conditions, so there’s little that you have to do to care for them when they’re outside. While extra watering and fertilizing can be helpful, these measures aren’t usually necessary. Native plants are great because they help you cut down on your water bill while providing shelter and food for local wildlife and pollinators. More often than not, your local garden centers will have a good selection of plants that are native and perennial to your area.

Grow succulents and cacti

Succulents and cacti are notoriously hardy plants since they store water inside their fleshy stems and leaves. That means that even if you miss a watering day or two, they’ll still be able to carry on — overwatering them can lead to root rot. While many thrive in warm, arid conditions, some succulents and cacti can tolerate frost. If you live in an area prone to colder winters, it’s worth looking at hard succulents such as hens and chicks — these have thicker leaves and may be able to handle the cold better.

If you live in a warmer region, look into soft succulents such as echeverias, which will do better without frost conditions. In addition to succulents and cacti, don’t forget to consider other drought-tolerant plants and flowers.

Implement efficient watering methods

If you live somewhere that’s going through an actual drought, you might want to implement efficient watering methods throughout your yard. First things first: When you do water, water deeply so that you don’t have to whip out your hose as often — it helps if you have mulch for water retention, too. You can supplement hose watering with a drip irrigation setup that directly waters your roots and prevents waste. Plus, collect other sources for watering your plants, such as rainwater and gray water.

Properly prepare your soil

On the one hand, you don’t want to leave your plants in soil that retains too much water, as this can cause your plants to get root rot. On the other hand, soil that’s too well-draining may mean that you need to water your plants more. In a drought-tolerant garden, mix all-purpose garden soil with cactus soil so your plants get the water and nutrients they need to thrive. For extra nutrients and water retention, you could also mix in compost.

Use less fertilizer

If you’re growing native plants, you don’t have to use fertilizer as much since these plants have already adapted to your conditions without the need for enriched soil. Fertilizers, while they help your plants grow, need to be watered down, or else they may draw water from your plants and cause long-term damage. You don’t want to overfertilize when you’re not watering your plants because the salts in fertilizer can burn your plant from drought stress.

Start small when it comes to putting together a drought-tolerant garden, whether it’s harvesting rainwater or buying a few native plants to furnish your patio. But if you want to swing big and pull up your turf to place down hardscaping, your efforts will be rewarding, too. Your initial investment of time and money will pay off as you lower your water bill, cut back on waste, and provide a lush space for local wildlife and pollinators.

There are also cold-hardy plants that can grow and even thrive in zone 2’s cold weather. If you reside in climate zone 2, here’s what you need to know about what you can grow there and how to do it.

Where is climate zone 2?

Before we talk about zone 2, let’s go over what a climate zone is. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 regions based on average minimum temperature ranges with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zone 1 has the lowest minimum temperature range, while zone 13 features the highest. A plant label will often indicate a zone interval where a plant is perennial, which means it lasts multiple growing seasons there.

Zone 2, as you may have already guessed, is extremely cold, featuring harsh freezes. It consists mostly of Alaska but also parts of the continental U.S., such as Wyoming and Minnesota. The average minimum temperature in zone 2 ranges between 50 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit below 0 in the winter. These numbers are challenging for plants, suffice to say — even cold-hardy varieties may not survive such harsh freezes.

This area also faces drought and extreme winds in its tundras and plains. In addition to starting plants indoors and giving them frost blankets, row covers, greenhouses, and mulch, gardeners can raise annuals in this region. At the end of the growing season, these plants will inevitably go back to seed.

Flowers and foliage for climate zone 2

It can be a struggle to grow flowers in zone 2, but it’s not altogether impossible to add color to your garden here. For lovely flowers, you’ll have beautiful, vibrant options. The lead plant, for example, is a small, shrubby wildflower with fragrant, feathery leaves and delicate purple blooms.

For a showy flower that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, consider the Iceland poppy. It can flaunt red, orange, yellow, and pink petals upon leafless stems, and it does best directly sown into the ground. Primrose can also be a lovely addition to a garden bed or border. Its small but hardy blooms come in a wide variety of hues — you can start it indoors until temperatures are warm enough to bring it out.

Fruits to grow in climate zone 2

Fruits that can tolerate zone 2 conditions predominantly include cold-hardy plants like apples and plums. Look for zone 2-appropriate varieties, such as the Fall Red apple and Brookgold plum when you’re tree shopping. Local nurseries will likely carry the right types for your area, so don’t hesitate to ask your local garden center retailer for tips.

Another fruit that’s a zone 2 staple is serviceberry, a resilient shrub that yields lovely blooms, bright red fall foliage and delicious fruit. The fruits are similar in color and size to blueberries, except they taste a little sweeter. American cranberry bushes can thrive in zone 2 as well. Whichever trees you end up choosing, plant them in an area where they’ll receive the most sunlight.

When to start seeds in climate zone 2

There’s no getting around the fact that zone 2 has a notoriously limited growing season. Its first frost starts around mid-August, while its last frost breaks around mid-May. Given this timeline, most gardeners in zone 2 will start seeds in May or June, although some tender leafy greens can be started even earlier. Just keep in mind that even without frost, temperatures remain relatively low in zone 2, so you won’t be growing tropical and citrus fruits any time soon.

But as a gardener in zone 2, you do have choices in terms of what you can plant. Consider growing cold-hardy veggies such as carrots, onions, parsnips, and mustard greens. Inevitably, most plants will be kept as annuals in this region, but you can always collect seeds for your next growing season. Asparagus can, however, be perennial if you properly mulch and protect it.

There’s no doubt that climate zone 2 is a tough place to grow plants with its cold temperatures and harsh winds. With that said, developing a colorful and lush garden isn’t out of reach if you’re diligent about overwintering your plants and keeping them warm and upright. While you may have to grow annuals and enact protective measures throughout the year, you really can foster a beautiful garden with striking poppies, hardy plum trees, and delicious carrots and onions at the height of the growing season.

Grounded

Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell started this beautiful plant company in 2020 to help create a calmer space in homes through the addition of greenery. If you have no idea where to start, Grounded offers complimentary 15-minute consultations to get you going. It has a subscription option for the more adventurous plant parent, and if you have fur babies at home, look at their pet-safe options so you won’t have to worry about a curious nose.

Crazy Plant Bae

From plants to planters to a subscription box, Crazy Plant Bae has a little of everything. No matter how green your thumb is, you’ll find something to fit your budget and space. Get the kids involved in gardening and sign them up for one of the workshops, or have them visit your child in their classroom. But the best part about this company is that it’s a Black women-run business with its third generation of family members, and it has over 40 years of service at your disposal.

deVINE Plantery

If you want easy-to-care-for plants without a lot of fuss, or more unique plants, check out deVINE Plantery. This Black woman-owned company has adorable plants, fun accessories, stunning art pieces, and a few other gift ideas. Need help styling the plants in your home, want a consultation about what plants to get, or want to take a gardening class? This business offers all of that and more.

De La Fleur Designs

If you want only flowers for your space with a lot of color and beauty, then De La Fleur Designs is where you should look. It doesn’t just put together any ordinary bouquet. Owner Daphne oozes the sophistication and elegance you’ll see in whichever arrangement you choose. Whether you need a sympathy arrangement, wedding flowers, or want to sign yourself up for a monthly bouquet delivery subscription, De La Fleur will take care of it all.

The Plant Project

The first Black woman-owned plant company in Texas, The Plant Project opened its doors in 2020 to bring the joy of all things leafy to the area. Plants with a pop of color, herbs, plant accessories, and even a plant self-care set are all on the menu. Or visit one of its four locations to get the full in-person experience of a plant shop and see how amazingly beautiful the inside of its stores are.

If you’re thinking about adding just one more plant to your windowsill or wanting to change up the pots your green babies live in, visit one of these Black-owned plant companies first.

What is electrogardening?

The electrogardening gardening method, sometimes also called electroculture, uses electricity to promote healthy plant growth. This can be done by electrifying the plant, water, or soil directly, but it can also involve creating an electromagnetic field around the plant.

The earliest studies involved running electrical currents through the plants directly or watering them with electrified water, with varying degrees of success. Some researchers saw significant improvement, with electrified plants germinating and growing more quickly than their non-electrified counterparts, as well as producing more fruit or seeds. However, not all researchers had the same results, and the methodology used in the successful studies was questioned.

More recent studies, like this one performed by researchers Xunjia Li et al, place an electromagnetic field around the plants. They saw similar results, with seeds germinating and growing more quickly and yielding more fruit. Studies into this newer method of electrogardening are still ongoing.

This method has become especially popular in organic gardening circles. Since it doesn’t involve harmful chemicals, it could eventually become a replacement for more environmentally harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

How does it work?

Unfortunately, part of the problem with recreating these results is that researchers have yet to pin down exactly why electricity has this effect on some plants. There are a few prominent theories, though. This study from 2008 claims that electricity causes plants to produce more of certain chemicals, which could impact their growth. Other theorists believe the electricity could be reacting to various minerals or elements in the air, water, or soil, making them easier to absorb. Another idea is that electricity could be a deterrent for harmful pests, bacteria, or fungi, leading to healthier plants overall.

These aren’t the only options, either! Just like most living organisms, plants are complicated, and electricity could be interacting with parts of them that we don’t fully understand yet. Additionally, not all plants have the same needs. This means that electroculture might be more effective on some plants than others. Ultimately, we’ll need to wait for more studies to see how and why this phenomenon occurs.

What does this mean for your garden?

For the moment, nothing. While the results of these studies sound promising, it’s important to remember that not all of these studies have yielded the same results. However, it’s definitely a trend to keep your eyes on. As researchers complete more studies and new information comes out, you’re likely to see a wave of new gardening gadgets to make electroculture easier and safer to practice at home.

Although we don’t have a definitive answer on if, how, or why electrogardening works yet, it doesn’t hurt to stay on top of this gardening trend. Keep your eyes peeled so that you can be ahead of the curve. If scientists are able to confirm that electroculture is effective, it truly could revolutionize your garden!

Where is zone 3?

First and foremost, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what a climate zone is. Essentially, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 climate zones based on annual minimum temperature ranges. Zone 1 faces the coldest winters, while zone 13 experiences the warmest ones. On store labels, plant retailers will often indicate the zone range where a plant is perennial — that is, where it can enjoy more than one growing season.

Zone 3 falls on the colder side of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, consisting of parts of northern states, Canada, and Alaska. Not only does zone 3 face subzero temperatures, but it can experience temperatures well below freezing with a minimal range between minus 40 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. With a short growing season, it also faces the issue of limited light, which makes it hard for plants to grow. Not all hope is lost for gardeners in zone 3, however. With plant protection and frost monitoring, you can extend the limited growing season from May through October.

Flowers and foliage to grow in zone 3

You can play around with annual flowers in zone 3 that will adjust to the climate zone’s short growing season. Annuals are, of course, the opposite of perennials; they only last one growing season in a given area. Though annuals go to seed, you’ll still be able to enjoy flowers during the summer months — keep in mind that some blooms may mature sooner, so you can enjoy them just a little longer. Examples of such flowers include begonias, wishbone flowers, petunias, and poppies. Many annual flowers can live through light frosts, but they won’t tolerate hard freezes.

As for perennials, some flowers can power through intense zone 3 conditions. Consider furnishing garden landscapes with picks such as lupine, hollyhock, foxglove, peonies, and periwinkle. For fresh green foliage, incorporate climate zone 3 plants such as green ash, Norway Spruce, balsam fir, and Japanese banana trees.

Fruits to grow in zone 3

Fruit varieties with a long chill requirement can do well in zone 3. When tree shopping for fruits, consider cherry, apricot, plum, and pear trees. In zone 3, it’s best to choose varieties that mature earlier so that you won’t have to worry about early frosts. When shopping for fruit trees, check out local sellers who know the ideal varieties for your region or look online for retailers who specialize in short growing seasons. In zone 3, mulching and staking are of the utmost importance to ensuring your tree’s survival — you’ll be protecting them from harsh frosts and high winds with these measures.

When to start seeds in zone 3

Zone 3 features a short growing season. Its final frost date usually falls in mid-May and its first frost date falls in mid-September. Gardening is usually reserved for the summer months, and extending the growing season can be rather challenging. Extreme cold is a major issue. Row covers, greenhouses, mulch, and frost blankets can all help when it comes to protecting your crops from the cold. Also, don’t forget to address high winds and dry air — protective covers and greenhouses can work, but simply keeping your plants in containers that can be transported indoors is an easy solution, too.

When choosing vegetables to grow in this area, pick veggies that mature quickly so that they can survive the frost. Asparagus, cucumber, celery, and summer squash can all thrive in zone 3. Root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and turnips can also muster through low zone 3 temperatures. Between June and September, it’s also possible to grow leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and kale. For plants that may need a longer turnaround time to go from seed to harvest, try aeroponics to speed up the process.

Setting up a zone 3 garden can come with many challenges as you battle the elements, but it can be a rewarding process if you play your cards right. Plan ahead for everything from lush peonies to hardy root vegetables. With mulching, staking, covering, and maybe even greenhouse-building, you can have healthy crops for a good part of the year.