Beginner Gardening: Acid Loving Plants, 1 by DaleTheGardener

DaleTheGardener wrote:
ecrane,

I lived 13 years in Austin (San Antonio & Bastrop too) and 12 years in San Francisco (Pleasanton & Napa too). I know TX weather and I know CA weather. You have to believe me when I say they are not even close to the same, inspite of what the USDA says about 9a. Tx winters are harsh, windy and COLD compared to CA mild winters. Your light frosts and Tx's cold windy nights in the 30's are totally different climates.

The best climate book I have every bought is from Sunset. The National Gardening Book is the best reference for growing plants in the 45 zones they have for the USA mainland. I use it all the time when comparing different areas. You really should get a look at it as it may change your mind about the US climate maps (maybe the library has one).

The USDA is a bunch of simpletons that haven't left town or cracked a reference book in decades.

GG Park Clivia beds>