Zone Question

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timmijo Ellendale, DE(Zone 7a) Oct 03, 2009

I know I live in zone 7 (thanks to the back of Burpee seed packets, lol), but what is the difference between a and b? Do all the zones have an a and a b? How do I find out? I live in southern Delaware.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Oct 03, 2009

a and b are just a way of dividing the zones in half to give a little more sensitivity around which plants will be hardy or not. Basically each full zone (6, 7, etc) is separated by 10 degrees of typical lowest winter temperature, and the a & b would be separated by 5 degrees. So in your case, zone 7b has a typical lowest winter temperature of 5 degrees F, but 7a typical lowest temperature is 0. If you are growing things that are very hardy then you don't have to worry about the a/b, but for things that are more borderline it can be helpful to know which one you're in. Here's a map where you may be able to tell if you're 7a or 7b...but if you can't tell on this one then the Better Homes & Gardens website will let you download a really detailed map of your state. http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-ne1.html

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