GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The stockings are taken down from the mantle and the tree is in the compost pile…and NOW, for the most wonderful time of the year. Gathering the seed and plant catalogs from underneath the troves of clothing and home décor mags… finally, finally, we can dream of warmer days and the planting of the spring and summer gardens. Not so fast…times are a-changin’ or rather USDA Hardiness Zones are a-changin’. Greenbrier County was zones 5b and 6a (the higher the number the warmer the zone) now with the release of the new USDA Zone map we are, solidly, all in zones 6a and 6b.
Developed in 1960 at the National Arboretum in WDC the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) sought to help out farmers and Gardeners by standardizing the growing zones of crops, fruits, vegetables, trees, plants and flowers.
The map doesn’t take into account the highest temperatures (only the lowest), so while it doesn’t show evidence that our county is warmer, it does show that our county isn’t as cold as it used to be. To the good or the bad, keep in mind that the Greenbrier Valley is now predominately in the 6b zone. While one needs to always bear in mind the individual microclimate in their home garden, this change allows that some vegetables as tender perennials that were before hit or miss, just might make it!
For more information or questions about the USDA Hardiness Zone or about becoming a Master Gardener please contact Mary Dameron, 304-647-7408 at the WVU Extension Service Greenbrier County Office.
