New hardiness zone now in our area
Azure West/Jefferson Jimplecute
Gardeners need to double check their plants for the best growing area as the USDA recently announced changes to the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and Jefferson saw a change in our “Hardiness Zone”.
Jefferson moved from 8a to 8b. This means the average coldest temperature is between 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, based on temperatures between 1991-2020. The area has seen a 3 degree Fahrenheit increase in our lowest temperatures on average. This is the first update to the zone since 2012.
“The changing climate has had profound impacts on local gardening practices,” says Marsha Jones, a master gardener who has observed the shifting dynamics firsthand. The recent reclassification of Jefferson into a different plant hardiness zone has sparked both concern and adaptation among gardeners in the area.
“Due to better data collection and more extensive records, we’ve seen that temperatures have been gradually increasing,” Jones explains. “Even a five-degree rise is significant, and the effects are evident in our environment.”
Jones, who grew up in various climates—from the clay soils of Dallas to the high desert of Wichita Falls—has seen firsthand how different weather patterns affect gardening. “It’s getting warmer and the weather more severe, both in summer and winter. This has resulted in some plants struggling to survive where they previously thrived.”
A notable example is lantana, a plant Jones has cultivated for years. “In Dallas, lantana would survive winters without issue, but here in Jefferson, they don’t make it through the winter on the north side of my garden. On the south side, they do fine. This shows how localized microclimates within the same zone can affect plant survival.”
Jones explains that the zoning changes, which split zones into more specific categories (like 8a and 8b), are based on winter hardiness. Jefferson’s reclassification from 8a to 8b reflects these changes. “This adjustment is crucial because it means certain perennials that used to survive our winters are now at risk.”
The notorious winter storm in Texas, dubbed “Snowmageddon,” brought this issue into sharp focus. “Plants like fringe trees took a severe hit, and some still haven’t recovered,” Jones recounts. “Interestingly, those that had snow insulating their bases survived better, showing the importance of natural mulching.”
As gardeners brace for another potentially harsh summer, Jones advises caution. “Don’t push the boundaries of plant zones. If a plant is rated for 8a, it might not survive here in 8b, especially with the erratic weather patterns we’re seeing.”
The rising costs of gardening have also become a significant concern. “Plants have become very expensive, partly due to the increased costs of heating greenhouses and the price of fertilizers and chemicals,” Jones explains. “Growers have had to pass these costs on to consumers, making it more challenging for hobbyists and professionals alike.”
Jones herself has adapted by growing more plants from seeds. “Growing your own plants can be more economical, but it requires a lot of experience to be successful. It’s a skill I’ve developed over years of gardening.”
The fluctuating prices and extreme weather have also impacted local nurseries. “Three winters ago, many growers lost a significant portion of their stock during the severe winter storm. Some greenhouses even collapsed under the snow’s weight,” she recalls. “Those who invested in heating could offer plants earlier in the season, but this also added to their costs.”
Jones advises gardeners to be mindful of these economic pressures and to consider practical, cost-saving measures. “Instead of buying large quantities of nursery plants, focus on fewer, more resilient varieties that can better withstand our changing climate.”
In addition to her gardening expertise, Jones brings a rich background of agricultural knowledge from her family. “Both sides of my family were farmers. I even have a plant that has been passed down through generations, which I take with me every time I move.”
Despite the challenges, Jones’s passion for gardening remains undiminished. “The process of caring for and cultivating plants is incredibly rewarding. Seeing a tiny seed grow into a flourishing plant is nothing short of amazing.”
Her journey to becoming a master gardener was a long-awaited dream. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a master gardener. When I retired, it was the first thing I pursued,” she shares. “The program is intensive, starting in January and ending in April, with ongoing volunteer work throughout the year.”
As part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, master gardeners play a vital role in local agricultural research and education. “We work closely with the USDA and other agricultural research bodies, constantly collecting data and applying it to our gardening practices.”
Jones emphasizes the importance of staying informed and adapting to new information. “The weather and economic conditions are changing, but with the right knowledge and techniques, we can continue to cultivate beautiful and resilient gardens.”
For local gardeners facing these new challenges, Jones’s advice is clear: “Stay within your plant zones, be mindful of economic pressures, and never stop learning and adapting to our changing world.”