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I do not know the number of the zone in which I live and try to garden. The maps I have seen are not clearly defined and there are other zones near by. I live in Gold Canyon, AZ - - just next to Apache Junction. I think our elevation is about 1100 ft. Can someone either tell me or refer me to a resource which is specific? Thanks
When you're in an area like that, I would take the coldest zone that's in the near vicinity and assume that's what you are--that way you'll be safe on your plant choices. But if you've got some areas of your yard that are more sheltered/protected you might be able to grow things from the next warmer zone too. The Better Homes & Gardens website will let you download detailed maps of your state--they show the county boundaries so hopefully that should help you figure out more exactly where you are. http://www.bhg.com/gardening/gardening-by-region/regional-ga...
You might also look into the Sunset zone system--it is often much more useful for western climates since it takes into account summer heat, rainfall, wind, and all sorts of other things besides winter lows which is all that the USDA system looks at. Here's their online plant finder--if you click on "find my Sunset climate zone" it'll take you to a map that you can zoom in on. You'll probably have the same problem where there are multiple zones that are very close together in your area, but there'll probably be a lot of plants that would do fine in all the local zones. Once you've figured out your zone, you can look up the plants you're trying to grow in the Plant Finder and it'll tell you what Sunset zones they will work in. http://plantfinder.sunset.com/sunset/plant-home.jsp
Thanks for your responses. I have checked the resources (links) you both sent and am pretty much figuring we are in zone 9. The common sense suggestion about use of protected areas is one I will keep in mind. Thanks again. Pat
