USDA New York Hardiness Zones: 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
New York is famous for its many tourist attractions, including the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls. Although most people think of New York City when they think about the state, the state of New York is more than just its vibrant city life.
According to the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York is also a leading agricultural producing state. There are approximately 35,000 working farms in New York.
New York’s climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate. This means the summers are warm, but the winters can be frigid. The humid subtropical climate of New York helps to classify the state into nine planting zones. The planting zones of New York are 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b.
New York Planting Zone – A Quick Overview
- If you live in the area surrounding Herkimer County, you may live in the 3b planting zone. Temperatures in the area can dip as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit. The 3b planting zone is also found in parts of Lewis County and Hamilton County.
- Hamilton County is also considered planting zone 4a. Most of Franklin County is classified as the 4a planting zone, too.
- Oxford and its surrounding areas are classified as planting zone 5a.
- You will find the 5b planting zone in Albany.
- Buffalo is considered planting zone 6a. This planting zone will experience temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Orleans County is classified as both planting zone 6a and 6b.
- Oyster Bay Cove and the areas around it are considered planting zones 7a.
- New York City has two planting zones. Those planting zones are 7a and 7b.
Using the New York Growing Zones Map
You don’t have to operate a working farm to enjoy gardening. You also don’t have to live in the country to be a gardener. If you live in New York City or other urban areas, you can enjoy rooftop and urban gardening. Whether you’re planting plants in the ground or planting in containers, you need to know the growing zone of your garden space.
Understanding your growing zone classification is important if you want your pants to survive. The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is an excellent tool to help you determine your planting zone classification. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map color-codes each planting zone in the United States.
Planting zones (or growing zones, gardening zones, or plant hardiness zones) are determined by the relative low temperature of the area. Commercial and non-commercial growers know this map is key to choosing appropriate plants for their climate.
To use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, click on the state of New York. You’ll see the plant hardiness zones of New York vary in color from light purple to light green. Zoom in on the general area of your garden plot and match the map’s color to the legend on the side of the map.
This will help you determine your growing zone. If you know the address of your garden, enter that information into the search bar. Entering your address will give you specific details about your gardening zone.
Explore Our Complete US Hardiness Zone Map
New York’s nine planting zones vary based on the relative low temperature. Some locations may see temperatures as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit, while others may only dip as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before you choose your plants, consider the micro-climate of your area. The micro-climate of your garden space may be different from the general area. For example, if you’re planting in a city or a rooftop garden, the heat from the concrete and pavement may affect the micro-climate.
New York: Not Just a Tourist State
New York’s continental climate means it has all four seasons. The summer growing season, which really begins in the spring, is about 155 days in length. You can start to plant outdoors after the year’s last frost in mid-May.
There are many plants that thrive in New York’s climate. Think about growing arugula, green beans, or kale for vegetable gardens. The Hampton Nursery & Landscape, Inc., located in Hampton Bays, New York, suggests planting caladium, irises, or windflowers in a pretty flower garden.
Each of these flowers will grow reasonably well in New York’s planting zones. Ginkgo trees, Sweetgum trees, and Pin Oak trees grow well in New York, too.
